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Which is Better - TFSA, RRSP or FHSA?

Income earned within any of these accounts is not included in taxable income.

Contributions to:

Withdrawals from:

Contributions to a First Home Savings Account are tax-deductible, and qualifying withdrawals are not taxed, so might be the best option for who don't yet own a home but plan to buy one within the next 15 years. If not used toward buying a home (tax-free withdrawal), the funds can be transferred to an RRSP without being taxed on the transfer.

The RRSP and TFSA have almost equivalent results when the marginal income tax rate for RRSP contributions is the same as for RRSP withdrawals.

The RRSP may be better than TFSA if

The TFSA may be better than RRSP if:

The TFSA will also be useful in some situations such as:

TFSA vs RRSP Calculator

Use our TFSA vs RRSP Calculator to help you decide which type of account is better for you.

TaxTips.ca Resources

Current Marginal Tax Rates

First Home Savings Accounts (FHSAs)

RRSPs: Best Tax Saving Method for Average Canadian Taxpayer

Tax Tips:  

If you're in the lowest tax bracket, use TFSAs first.  The lowest federal tax bracket goes up to taxable income of $58,523 in 2026, $57,375 in 2025.

Contributing to a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is better than contributing to an RRSP!

Next:

TFSA Contribution Rules and Limits / Leaving Canada

Don't Overcontribute!

Unused Contribution Room

TFSA Investments - qualified, non-qualified, and prohibited

TFSA Withdrawals

Asset Transfer (Swap) Transactions

Taxes Payable re TFSA

Marital Breakdown

Death of the TFSA Holder

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