Where you need us to be, now and into your future

We want to set you up for financial success with guaranteed investments that are flexible and provide high returns. That’s why we provide access to a wide range of investment products to help you live the life you want now and get the security you need later.

With every Access Credit Union investment you get:

Deposits guaranteed 100% by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba
Competitive interest rates
Expert advice

At Access, we recognize that each member has different financial needs, so we ask the right questions to find the solution that will help you reach your goals.

Make those goals a reality with comprehensive registered investments, term deposits, and more.

Looking for assistance with investment strategies and wealth management?
Learn about our Wealth Management service offering.

Reliable Investment Options for Your Future:

Registered Investment Plans

Save for the life you deserve, for a child's future education, or pay yourself in retirement while continuing to earn high interest.

Registered term interest calculated daily, paid annually on anniversary date. Variable interest calculated daily, paid semi-annually.

Term Deposit Plans

Choose the term best suited to reach your investment goals as a safe, secure, and guaranteed way to invest your money.

Minimum Deposits: $1,000
Terms: 1-5 Years
Interest Calculated: Daily
Interest Paid: Annually on anniversary

RRSP Contribution Limits

The RRSP contribution room for 2025 is $32,490.

The RRSP contribution room for 2026 is $33,810.

TFSA Contribution Limits

For the 2025 taxation year, the TFSA contribution dollar limit is $7,000.

For the 2026 taxation year, the TFSA contribution dollar limit is $7,000.

RRSP Contribution Deadlines
RRSP contributions made during the first 60 days of 2026 may be claimed as a deduction from income for the 2025 taxation year. The deadline for 2025 contributions is Monday, March 2, 2026.

RRSP contributions received after March 2, 2026, are not eligible for deduction for the 2025 taxation year.

Term Deposit

A term deposit or Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a safe, secure, and guaranteed way of investing your money for a set length of time.

Many term deposit investors use a laddered approach, which means they divide their investment into several term lengths with different maturity dates. By using this strategy, you will enjoy the benefits of flexibility and reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations.

Terms available for 1–5 years
Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your investment is guaranteed 100% by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation

See our Rates

Monthly GICs

A monthly GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is a non-registered deposit where you earn interest every month instead of waiting until the end of the term.

A monthly GIC lets you invest a set amount of money for a fixed period, and you receive interest payments every month. Your original investment is safe and returned to you at the end of the term. It’s a good option if you want regular income from your investment—like getting a small paycheck each month from your savings.

See our rates

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

RRSP contributions are tax-deductible, and interest earned is tax-free until you make a withdrawal from the account.

Funds and earned interest won’t be taxed until you withdraw the funds.

Can also be used as a down-payment on your first home through the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Can be used for full-time training or education for you, your spouse, or common-law partner under the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP)

Learn more about RRSP opportunities and limitations on the Government of Canada website.

Retirement Calculator See our Rates

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

Tax Free Savings Accounts allow individuals to earn tax-free investment income.

Available to Canadian residents age 18 and older
Contributions will not be tax deductible
Income earned and capital gains under a TFSA will be tax sheltered
Withdrawal will not be subject to tax
Your TFSA contribution room information can be found on your latest notice of assessment
Unused contribution room may be carried forward to a future year
Withdrawals will increase the unused contribution room

TFSA Calculator See our Rates

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a new registered plan that gives prospective first-time homebuyers the ability to save up to $40,000 for a down payment on a tax-free basis.

Contributions are tax-deductible and you can contribute or transfer from your RRSP up to $8,000 per year.
Withdrawals used to purchase a qualifying home are non-taxable and no repayment is required for withdrawal for your home purchase.
Carry forward unused portions of your FHSA participation room up to a maximum of $8,000.

Learn More about FHSA See our Rates

Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)

The RRIF is one of the most flexible options for your RRSPs. You must change your RRSP to a Retirement Income Option (RIO) by the end of the year in which you turn 71.

Set the payment amount, frequency, and investment option you want
Options include a variable rate, fixed terms of 1–5 years, mutual funds**, stocks** and bonds** and more
Funds within a RRIF continue to be income tax sheltered until withdrawn
The year you turn 65, income from a RRIF or Life Income Fund (LIF) qualifies for a Pension Income Credit

RIF Calculator See our Rates

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

An RESP is an education savings account registered with the Government of Canada. It helps you, your family, or friends put aside money for your child’s education after high school. We make it easy to save for your child’s education with the flexibility to deposit anytime throughout the year. You decide when and how much to contribute.

Watch your contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis
As an added incentive, the federal government pays a 20% bonus - up to $500 every year, to a lifetime limit of $7,200 per child
In addition to your RESP contributions, you could receive the Canada Learning Bond and/or Canada Education Savings Grant

RESP Calculator See our Rates

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan designed for long-term savings contributing to the financial security of persons eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC).

Contributions to an RDSP are:

not tax deductible;
can be made until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59.

Contributions that are withdrawn are not included as income to the beneficiary when they are paid out of an RDSP. The Canada disability savings grant, the Canada disability savings bond, investment income earned in the plan, and the proceeds from rollovers are included in the beneficiary's income for tax purposes when they are paid out of the RDSP.

More info about RDSP Book an Appointment

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds** provide members with the ability to pool their funds in a professionally managed portfolio of investments.

Through our partnership with Aviso Wealth, our Mutual Funds Investment Specialists and Investment Advisors can offer you a full selection of mutual funds. You will recognize top quality mutual funds names, such as: AGF • CI Funds • NEI Investments • Mackenzie • AIM Trimark • Fidelity • Franklin Templeton

Mutual funds provide investors with diversification and flexibility, with automatic contribution minimums as low as $50/month
Can be purchased in a lump sum, or over time with a pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plan

Our Investment Team Book an Appointment

Designation of Beneficiary
Declaration of Trust

Designation of Beneficiary

Please notify Access if you wish to change the beneficiary on your registered investment plans (RRSPs and RRIFs), Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), or First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Your beneficiary information will not be changed automatically by any change of marital status or family situation.

CAUTION: Your designation of beneficiary by means of a designation form will not be revoked or changed automatically by any future marriage or divorce. Should you wish to change your beneficiary in the event of a future marriage or divorce, you will have to do so by means of a new designation.

Designation of Beneficiary Form (PDF)

Declaration of Trust

All RRSP, RRIF, TFSA and FHSA plan holders acknowledge that they have read and agree to a Declaration of Trust when they sign up for a registered account. These Declarations of Trust change from time to time and it is important that plan holders stay up-to-date with the changes. Please review them annually.

The Declaration of Trust is an agreement between the individual who opened the RRSP/RRIF/TFSA/FHSA and Concentra Trust, the body that oversees registered investments for credit unions across Canada. The Declaration of Trust states that Concentra Trust will act on behalf of the plan holder, as directed through forms submitted by the plan holder. It outlines responsibility for record keeping, withdrawals, transfers, borrowing and more, including what happens upon death of the plan holder.

Access Credit Union’s Declaration of Trust changed effective April 1, 2023. The change to the plan was completed for clarification purposes, however, it did not and will not affect the day-to-day operation of your TFSA/RRSP or RRIF. A copy of the current Declaration of Trust/ Terms and Conditions is available below:

*Contribution Limits

*Though contribution limits are based on the maximum annual RRSP contribution room set by the government, there are other factors. Each individual has their own annual maximum contribution limit calculated as:

18% of your earned income from the previous tax year OR the annual maximum set out by the government – whichever is less.
This amount is adjusted for pension plan members and any unused contribution room carried forward from previous tax years.

It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure no over-contributions to RRSP plans. You can find your individual contribution limits either on your Notice of Assessment—issued after the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) processes your tax return—or by logging into your CRA My Account online. Over-contributions are subject to a penalty tax of 1% per month for as long as it remains in your account.

Access Credit Union provides a range of investing options to help members grow their savings, including registered plans like RRSPs, TFSAs, and RESPs, as well as term deposits and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs).

Our options are designed to support different goals—such as saving for retirement, education, or short-term needs—while offering flexibility and competitive interest rates.

Yes. All eligible deposits at Access Credit Union are guaranteed 100% by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM), with no dollar limit on coverage.

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) allows you to earn interest, dividends, or capital gains tax-free for life, making it a flexible option for both short- and long-term savings.

You can withdraw funds at any time without being taxed and re-contribute in future years, making it ideal for emergency savings or planned expenses.

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) helps you save for retirement by allowing your investments to grow tax-deferred. Contributions can be deducted from your taxable income, reducing taxes today.

RRSPs are commonly used by Canadians to build retirement income while benefiting from compound growth over time.

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or term deposit is a low-risk investment where your money is locked in for a fixed period and earns a guaranteed rate of return.

Our terms range from 1 to 5 years, and interest is calculated daily and paid annually.

A laddered strategy involves splitting your investment into multiple term lengths with different maturity dates. This approach can provide more flexibility and reduce the impact of changing interest rates over time.

Talk to an Access Credit Union representative to discuss laddering options!

RRSP contributions made within the first 60 days of the year can be applied to the previous tax year.

Yes. Access Credit Union offers personalized advice from local Manitoba-based experts to help you choose the right mix of investments based on your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.

Talk to an Access Credit Union representative to discuss the right option for you!

Access offers 100% deposit protection through DGCM, unlike federal deposit insurance which has limits. We also provide locally focused advice and community-based service, helping members align investments with personal and regional financial needs.

It depends on your goals. A TFSA is often better for short-term savings or flexibility because withdrawals are tax-free and can be made at any time.

An RRSP is typically better for retirement savings if you want a tax deduction now and expect to be in a lower tax bracket later.

Many Manitobans use both together to balance tax savings today and tax-free income later.

Talk to an Access Credit Union representative to discuss the right option for you!

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and term deposits are among the safest investment options in Canada because they offer a guaranteed rate of return and protect your original investment.

At Access, eligible deposits are also 100% guaranteed by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba, providing an added layer of security.

You can often start investing with as little as $1,000 for term deposits or GICs, depending on the product.

If you're new to investing, starting with regular contributions—even small amounts—can help build your savings over time.

Talk to an Access Credit Union representative to discuss the right option for you!

It depends on what you hold inside the account.

If your TFSA or RRSP contains guaranteed investments like GICs or term deposits, your principal is protected. However, if you invest in market-based products (like mutual funds), the value can go up or down over time.

What is the best way to invest money in Manitoba?

The best approach is to match your investment to your goals:

Short-term savings: TFSA or high-interest savings
Retirement planning: RRSP
Low-risk growth: GICs or term deposits
Diversified growth: Mutual funds or managed portfolios

Working with your local Access Credit Union advisor can help ensure your investment strategy fits your financial situation and Manitoba-specific options.

Saving typically means putting money aside in a low-risk account for short-term needs.

Investing involves choosing products—like GICs, TFSAs, or RRSPs—that help your money grow over time, often with different levels of risk and return.

A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is designed to provide you with income in retirement. It’s typically created by transferring funds from your RRSP.

Your investments continue to grow tax-deferred, but you must withdraw a minimum amount each year, and those withdrawals are taxed as income.
You can choose how often you receive payments (monthly, quarterly, or annually), giving you flexibility to manage your retirement cash flow.

You must convert your RRSP to a RRIF (or another retirement income option) by the end of the year you turn 71.

Many people convert earlier if they want to:

Start receiving retirement income
Better manage taxes with planned withdrawals
Transition gradually from saving to spending

Working with an Access Credit Union advisor can help you decide when conversion makes the most sense for your situation.

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered savings plan designed to help Canadians save for their first home.

It combines key advantages of both RRSPs and TFSAs:

Contributions may be tax-deductible (like an RRSP)
Withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are tax-free (like a TFSA)

This makes it one of the most efficient ways to save for a down payment, especially for first‑time homebuyers.

You can contribute to your FHSA each year up to government limits, and your savings grow tax-free while invested.

When you’re ready to buy your first home:

You can withdraw funds tax-free for a qualifying purchase
No repayment is required (unlike the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan)

If you don’t end up buying a home, you can transfer your FHSA savings into an RRSP or RRIF without immediate tax implications.

It depends on your situation, but many first-time buyers prioritize the FHSA because of its dual tax advantages.

In simple terms:

FHSA: Best for first-time buyers (tax deduction + tax-free withdrawal)
TFSA: Flexible savings you can access anytime
RRSP: Can be used through the Home Buyers’ Plan, but must be repaid

Many Manitobans use a combination of these accounts to maximize savings and flexibility.

Talk to an Access Credit Union representative to build a plan that fits your home ownership goals.

**Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments.

Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds, other securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.

Mutual funds and other securities are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Investing

Where you need us to be, now and into your future