Calculator · TFSA Growth

How much will your TFSA have in 20 years?

Real compound interest math. Compare bank, GIC, and ETF — see the difference with your own eyes.

$
$
%

Or pick a strategy:

In 20 years you'll have

$343,778

Own contributions

$130,000

Compound interest earned

+$213,778

What this means

Every 1% difference in annual return over 20 years = tens of thousands of dollars. Bank savings guarantees you lose to inflation. GIC barely covers inflation. ETF historically outperforms by 4-7%.

Strategy comparison

Ready to take the first step?

30-minute free consultation. We'll review your situation and set up your TFSA properly.

Book a consultation

Calculator shows hypothetical results based on average historical returns. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Not investment advice — for personal recommendations, book a consultation. ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks are outside my license; for public market recommendations, consult a CIRO-registered advisor. I work with exempt market securities through Axcess Capital Advisors Inc. (EMD, AB/BC/ON).

TFSA frequently asked questions

What's the TFSA limit for 2026?
The CRA annual limit for 2026 is $7,000. If you're a Canadian resident over 18 and have never contributed, you may have accumulated room from every year since you turned 18 (or since 2009 — when TFSA launched — if you were already 18 then). Check your exact room in your CRA My Account.
Does a TFSA contribution reduce my taxes?
No. Unlike RRSP, TFSA contributions come from after-tax income — there's no tax deduction. But all future growth and withdrawals are completely tax-free. This makes TFSA especially valuable for long-term compounding.
Can I hold ETFs in a TFSA?
Yes. TFSA isn't a product — it's an account type (tax wrapper). You can hold cash, GICs, ETFs, stocks, mutual funds, and bonds inside it. Many newcomers mistakenly keep only a savings account in TFSA at 1–2% — those are lost compound years.
What happens if I withdraw from my TFSA?
The withdrawal amount gets added back to your contribution room in the following calendar year (January 1). This makes TFSA very flexible — unlike RRSP, where withdrawals are taxed and room is permanently lost.
What return can I realistically expect from ETFs?
Broad-market ETFs (examples: XEQT, XGRO, VFV, VEQT) have historically returned 7–11% annually over 30+ years with dividend reinvestment. Past returns don't guarantee future ones — short-term volatility can be −20% or more in a bad year.
Does the calculator show real numbers?
The calculator uses a compound-interest formula with an averaged annual return. Real markets are volatile — your actual result will vary year to year. Numbers here are an educational estimate for long-term planning, not a guarantee or personalized advice.

What's next