How to buy savings bonds

Note: Canada Savings Bonds Program is no longer available

As of November 1, 2017, the Government of Canada is no longer offering the sale of Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs) or Canada Premium Bonds (CPBs).

For additional information on CSBs, CPBs related to your current Canada Savings Bonds Program investments, visit the Canada Savings Bonds Program website. If you have any questions related to the program, please refer to the Q&A section of the website.

You can buy Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs) and Canada Premium Bonds (CPBs) only at certain times of the year. Check the Canada Savings Bonds website to find out when they’re available.

5 quick steps

1. Decide how much to invest

The minimum amount is $100 for compound-interest bonds and $300 for regular-interest bonds.

2. Choose a CSB or CPB

You can cash in CSBs and CPBs at any time. However, when you cash in a CPB, you earn interest only up to the last anniversary date of the bond. Since CSBs earn interest to date, if you want more flexibility to get your money out, CSBs may be a better choice.

3. Decide if you want them inside a TFSA, RRSP or RRIF

You will have to set up a self-directed account at a financial institution or investment firm.

4. Decide where and how to buy

You can buy CPBs in person at a financial institution or investment firm, over the phone or online. Pay by cheque or transfer from a bank account. You can buy CSBs through a payroll savings plan (if your employer offers one).

5. Find out how to get your certificates

If you buy your bonds through a financial institution, you can pick up your certificates where you bought the bonds or have them mailed to you. If you buy your bonds through an investment firm or payroll savings plan, you won’t get a certificate.

Where to buy savings bonds

CPBs can be purchased from:

  • banks and trustTrust An account set up to hold assets for a beneficiary. A trustee manages the assets until the beneficiary reaches legal age.+ read full definition companies
  • credit unions, and caisses populaires
  • investmentInvestment An item of value you buy to get income or to grow in value.+ read full definition firms
  • directly from Canada Savings Bonds:

CSBs can be purchased from:

  • work – if your employer offers a payroll savings programPayroll savings program A way to have money taken automatically from your pay and put into a special savings account. The idea is that if you don’t see the money, you won’t miss it – or spend it.+ read full definition
Learn more

Visit the Canada Savings Bond website for more information on how to buy savings bonds.

5 quick steps to get started

  1. Decide how much to investInvest To use money for the purpose of making more money by making an investment. Often involves risk.+ read full definition
  2. Choose a CSB or CPB
  3. Decide whether to hold in a TFSATFSA See Tax-Free Savings Account.+ read full definition, RRSPRRSP See Registered Retirement Savings Plan.+ read full definition or RRIFRRIF See Registered Retirement Income Fund.+ read full definition
  4. Select where and how to buy
  5. Find out how to get your certificates

Fast fact

If you register with the Canada Savings Bonds website, you can track your investments online.

You may also like…

Last updated