What Are Guaranteed Interest Annuities (GIAs)?

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Guaranteed Interest Annuities (GIAs) are secure investment products offered by insurance companies in Canada. Similar to a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), a GIA provides a guaranteed rate of interest over a fixed period—typically ranging from 1 to 10 years. Your principal is protected and your returns are predictable.  This makes GIAs a popular option for conservative investors seeking stability and low risk.

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Unlike GICs, GIAs are insurance-based products and may offer additional estate planning benefits, such as the ability to name a beneficiary and bypass probate. GIAs can be held in registered accounts (like RRSPs or RRIFs) or non-registered accounts, and the interest earned is either paid out regularly or compounded until maturity.

 

GIAs are ideal for individuals looking for steady, reliable growth, especially those approaching or in retirement.