Canada offers a variety of investment accounts tailored to different financial goals, from retirement and education to general wealth building. By utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as RRSPs, TFSAs, and RESPs, Canadians can maximize their investment potential while minimizing taxes. For those who have maxed out their registered accounts, non-registered investment accounts offer additional flexibility and investment opportunities. Understanding how these accounts work is key to building a strong financial future in 2026 and beyond.
| Name | Logo | GMG Rating | Customer Reviews | Account Fees | Dealing Commission | CTA | Feature | Expand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMG Rating | Customer Reviews 4.5 (Based on 1,346 reviews) | Account Fees $0 | Dealing Commission 0.05% | Features:
| Interactive Brokers General Investment Account Review: Excellent low-cost investing and tradingAccount: Interactive Brokers General Investment Account Description: Interactive Brokers’ (IBKR’s) GIA is aimed at sophisticated investors, and offers access to derivatives, options, and futures. The platform is one of the cheapest across all asset classes. Capital is at risk. Is IBKR's GIA a Good Account? IBKR’s GIA is its “universal account” that lets you invest in all asset classes via shares, CFDs, futures, options or funds. The account is excellent for sophisticated investors who want to manage their own portfolios with complex order types. It’s ideal for active investors who need access to a wider range of investment products like derivatives, options, and futures. IBKR is also one of the cheapest investment platforms across all asset classes, as it was built on offering electronic discount brokerage. Fees There is no account charge for general investment accounts at IBKR. When you buy and sell shares minimum dealing commissions are £1 in the UK or 0.05% of the deal size. Special Offers IBKR clients can earn $200 for each qualified referral while giving their friend the opportunity to earn up to $1000 of IBKR stock. What is IBKR’s Platform Like to Use? The investment platform is a slimmed-down version of its exceptional desktop trader station. For investing it gives you a good overview of shares and funds. Pros
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Overall5 | |||
| GMG Rating | Customer Reviews 0 (Based on 0 reviews) | Account Fees $0 | Dealing Commission $0 | Features:
| Moomoo Canada is a self-directed trading platform that lets investors trade US and Canadian stocks, ETFs, and US options through its mobile and desktop apps. Moomoo Review: A nod to bullish trading and investingProvider: Moomoo Verdict: Moomoo is an online trading and investing platform developed by Futu Holdings, a technology-driven brokerage firm based in Hong Kong. Moomoo offers a range of long term investment products like fractional stocks and ETFs as well as speculative options and margin trading. Is Moomoo any good? Moomoo is available in Canada, Australian Singapore and the US and has a robust platform that caters to both retail and more sophisticated traders. Compared to platforms like Robinhood and Webull it’s got better data, DMA and global market access. However, for active traders it’s not as institutional grade as Interactive Brokers or more established platforms like TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim. There are a few key features to Moomoo like real-time market data and advanced charting where you can trade DMA, with good technical indicators for advanced traders. There is also a good demo trading account so you can practice before you deposit real funds. You can also make a automatic buy sell order on Moomoo with OCO stop and limit orders for effective risk management of positions. We consider Moomoo a safe trading platform as they are regulated by the SEC in the US, the MAS in Singapore and ASIC in Australia. Pros
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Overall4.5 |
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
An RRSP is a tax-advantaged account designed for long-term retirement savings. Contributions to an RRSP are tax-deductible, meaning they reduce taxable income in the year they are made. Investment growth inside the account is tax-deferred until funds are withdrawn, typically in retirement when the individual may be in a lower tax bracket.
- Contribution limit: 18% of the previous year’s earned income, up to an annual maximum ($32,490 for 2025).
- Withdrawals are fully taxed as income.
- At age 71, an RRSP must be converted into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) or an annuity.
Non-Registered Investment Account
A non-registered investment account does not offer specific tax advantages but provides flexibility in investing and withdrawing funds. These accounts are suitable for individuals who have maxed out their RRSP and TFSA contribution limits and want additional investing options.
- No contribution limits.
- Capital gains are taxed at 50% of the individual’s marginal tax rate.
- Interest income is fully taxable, while dividends benefit from a tax credit.
- Can hold stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and more.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
An RESP is a tax-advantaged account designed to help families save for a child's post-secondary education. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth is tax-deferred, and government incentives, such as the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), help boost savings.
- Lifetime contribution limit: $50,000 per beneficiary.
- CESG: The government matches 20% of contributions, up to $500 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $7,200.
- Withdrawals for education are taxed in the student’s hands, often at a lower tax rate.
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
A TFSA is a flexible investment account that allows individuals to contribute after-tax money, with investment growth and withdrawals remaining tax-free. This makes it an ideal account for both short-term and long-term savings.
- Annual contribution limit: $7,000 for 2025.
- Unused contribution room carries forward indefinitely.
- Withdrawals do not affect government benefits and can be re-contributed in future years.
Pension Plans
Many Canadians also contribute to pension plans, either through employer-sponsored plans or government programs. These include:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Mandatory contributions for working Canadians, providing a stable income in retirement.
- Old Age Security (OAS): A government-funded pension available to eligible seniors.
- Workplace Pensions: Employer-sponsored plans, such as defined benefit and defined contribution plans, helping employees save for retirement.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
An RDSP is designed to provide long-term savings for individuals with disabilities. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth is tax-deferred. Government grants and bonds can significantly enhance savings.
- Government contributions include the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB), based on income and contributions.
- Withdrawals are structured to provide long-term financial security.