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What to Do with Your Tax Refund: 5 Smart Moves for Canadians

  Tax Season · Personal Finance By MoneySavings.ca Editorial Team • May 7, 2026 • 7 min read Tax season is wrapping up across Canada, and for millions of Canadians, that means a refund cheque — or a direct deposit — is on its way. The average Canadian tax refund hovers around $1,800. That's real money. The question is: what's the smartest thing you can do with it? It's tempting to treat a tax refund like "found money" and splurge. But here's the truth — that refund was your money all along. The government was just holding it for you, interest-free. So before it quietly disappears into day-to-day spending, let's look at five moves that will make it work harder for you. $1,800 The average Canadian tax refund — enough to make a meaningful dent in debt, pad an emergency fund, or kick-start your TFSA for the year. 1 Pay Down High-Interest Debt First If you're carrying a balance on a credit card, this should be your very first call. Most Canadian credit car...

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Top Savings and GIC Rates in Canada This Week

                                                             


Canadians looking to maximize their returns on safe investments have strong options this week, with both high-interest savings accounts (HISAs) and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) offering competitive rates.

High-Interest Savings Accounts

  • KOHO Earn Interest Account continues to lead with an impressive 3.5% interest rate, offering unlimited transactions and cashback perks.
  • Other online banks and credit unions are hovering around 3.0%–3.25%, making HISAs a flexible choice for those who want liquidity while still earning meaningful returns.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)

  • For short-term savers, MCAN Wealth is offering 3.65% on a 1-year GIC, one of the highest rates available.
  • Longer-term investors can lock in 3.95% for a 5-year GIC with MCAN Wealth, while EQ Bank provides 3.45% on a 5-year term, balancing security with steady growth.
  • Credit unions such as WFCU are also competitive, with 3.30% on a 1-year GIC.

Takeaway

For Canadians weighing their options, HISAs provide flexibility and liquidity at rates above 3%, while GICs offer guaranteed returns up to nearly 4% for longer commitments. The choice depends on whether you value access to your funds or prefer locking in for higher yields.


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