6 steps to opening an RESP
1. Get social insurance numbers
You will need your social insurance number to open an RESP. Your child or other beneficiaries will also need social insurance numbers and must be Canadian residents.
2. Shop around
Different RESP providers offer different types of plans with different rules and restrictions. Decide which plan best meets your needs – an individual, family or group plan. Find out who offers the plan and what your choices are.
3. Decide how to invest your savings
Your options will depend on the plan offered by your provider. Investments that qualify for RESPs include savings accounts, GICs, Canada Savings Bonds, mutual funds, stocks and bonds.
You may want to open a self-directed RESP. With this type of plan, you can choose more than 1 type of investment. Ask about plan costs and investment costs before you decide.
4. Understand the fees and penalties
Know how much the plan will cost. Are there sales fees or set-up fees, annual fees or penalties for making changes?
5. Read all the information carefully before you sign
Most plans will provide written information about how the plan works, rules, fees and penalties. By law, scholarship plan dealers must give you a prospectus, which describes the plan in more detail. Make sure you read and understand all plan documents before you sign the contract.
If you change your mind
For all plans offered by scholarship plan dealers, you have the right to withdraw all of your money within 60 days after signing your contract if you change your mind. After 60 days, you can get your money back, less any fees. Scholarship plan dealers are required to provide a prospectus that includes a short Plan Summary with the information you need. Be sure to read and understand this document.
6. Open the RESP and apply for government grants
Your RESP provider will apply for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) on your behalf when you open your RESP. If you live in Quebec, Alberta or Saskatchewan, you may also be eligible for a provincial grant.
Key point
You need social insurance numbers for you and your child to open an RESP.
Take action
Shop around before you buy. Different RESP providers and plans have different rules and fees.
