Best High-Interest Savings
Accounts in Canada (2026)

Compare the top HISA rates across Canadian banks and fintechs. All rates verified and updated monthly. Your cash deserves to work harder.

Updated March 26, 2026 CDIC insured options

Why a HISA belongs in your investment strategy

A high-interest savings account isn't just for your emergency fund. During periods of market volatility, HISAs serve as a safe haven for capital preservation — your principal is protected, you earn guaranteed interest, and your money stays fully liquid.

Whether you're parking cash between investments, saving for a down payment in your FHSA, or building a war chest to deploy when markets dip, the right HISA ensures your idle cash isn't losing purchasing power to inflation.

CDIC Protection: Deposits at CDIC member institutions are insured up to $100,000 per depositor, per insured category. This includes savings accounts, GICs, and chequing accounts. Credit union deposits are covered by provincial deposit insurance.

Top HISA rates
in Canada

Sorted by savings account rate. All rates are standard (non-promotional) unless noted.

Bank Savings Rate TFSA Rate Insurance Min. Balance
Oaken Financial Home Trust subsidiary
2.80% 2.80% CDIC $0 Learn More
Bridgewater Bank Alberta-based
2.70% CDIC $0 Learn More
Wealth One Bank Digital bank
2.60% 2.60% CDIC $0 Learn More
Canadian Tire Bank Retail bank
2.40% 2.40% CDIC $0 Learn More
Hubert Financial Credit union
2.30% 2.30% Provincial $0 Learn More
Neo Financial Fintech
2.25% CDIC $0 Learn More
PC Financial CIBC partner
2.20% CDIC $0 Learn More
Laurentian Bank Schedule I bank
2.20% 2.20% CDIC $0 Learn More
Manulife Bank Schedule I bank
1.50% 1.05% CDIC $0 Learn More
Wealthsimple Fintech
1.25% 1.25% CDIC $0 Learn More
EQ Bank Digital bank
1.00% 1.50% CDIC $0 Learn More

Rates shown are standard non-promotional rates as of March 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the institution. Provincial deposit insurance covers credit union deposits and may exceed CDIC limits in some provinces.

Using HISAs as an
investment tool

Market Volatility Shield

When markets turn turbulent, HISAs provide a guaranteed return with zero risk to your principal. Park cash here while you wait for better entry points into equities. No lock-in period means you can deploy capital the moment opportunity strikes.

Emergency Fund Base

Every investor needs 3-6 months of expenses in a liquid, accessible account. A HISA is the ideal home — earning meaningful interest while staying instantly available. Don't let your safety net sit in a big bank at 0.01%.

TFSA Cash Wedge

Hold your TFSA cash allocation in a HISA TFSA. Several banks offer competitive TFSA savings rates. Combined with your investment TFSA, this creates a balanced approach — growth assets alongside protected cash, all tax-free.

FHSA / Down Payment

Saving for your first home? As you approach your purchase date, shift FHSA investments from equities to a HISA to protect your down payment from a last-minute market dip. Capital preservation becomes more important than growth.

How to choose
the right HISA

01

Rate isn't everything

The highest rate matters, but also consider whether the bank offers TFSA and RRSP savings accounts, how easy transfers are, and whether the rate is promotional (will it drop after 3 months?).

02

Check deposit insurance

CDIC covers $100,000 per depositor, per insured category. Credit unions have provincial coverage that may be unlimited (like in Manitoba and Alberta). Know what protects your money.

03

Consider the ecosystem

Banks like EQ Bank and Wealthsimple offer savings, investing, and everyday banking in one place. Having everything under one roof makes it easier to move money between your HISA and investment accounts.

04

Use multiple accounts

There's no rule saying you can only have one HISA. Many savvy Canadians spread their cash across 2-3 institutions to maximize rates and stay within CDIC coverage limits on larger balances.

Find the best rate
for your savings

Tell us what you're saving for and how much, and we'll match you with the best HISA or GIC for your situation.