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Cash account

Get unmatched freedom to invest your money your way. No contribution limits, no withdrawal rules, and no borrowing fees.

What is a Cash account?

A Questrade Cash account is your gateway to unconstrained investing. Trade directly with your deposited funds, and unlike RRSPs and TFSAs, you'll enjoy ultimate flexibility with no government-imposed limits on contributions or withdrawals. This means pure control over your investments and capital.

Benefits of a Cash account

Whether you’re looking for more contribution room or flexibility, a Cash account offers many benefits.

Unlimited contributions

Grow your portfolio with no contribution limits (helpful if you’ve maxed out your TFSA or RRSP).

Withdraw with no strings attached

It’s your money. So withdraw as much as you want, without restrictions.

Invest without interest costs

There’s no interest or borrowing costs with Cash accounts—just smart, debt-free investing.

No forced conversion fees

Hold both CAD and USD directly in your Cash account and avoid unnecessary conversion fees.

How a cash account works

It’s not just a place to park your cash. Unlike chequing or savings accounts, opening a Questrade Cash account lets you invest your money into the markets. You can trade stocks, ETFs, and even use some options strategies. While a Cash account may not have the tax benefits of a TFSA or RRSP, it does let you contribute and withdraw without restrictions.

Interest you earn is taxed as regular income
For investment growth, you only pay tax when you sell for a profit
Only 50% of that capital gain is taxable at your income rate*
*Other sources of income, such as dividends, may be subject to different tax rules

The difference between a Cash account and a Margin account

Cash

Margin

Eligibility

Eligibility18+, or the age of majority 18+, or the age of majority

What you can trade

What you can trade Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICsStocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, short selling

Borrowing

BorrowingYes, access additional capital to increase buying power

Withdrawals

WithdrawalsUnlimited (of settled funds) Unlimited (of settled funds, but margin debt must be considered)

Contributions

ContributionsUnlimitedUnlimited

Taxes

TaxesEarnings taxable Earnings taxable

Best for

Best forInvestors who prefer lower risk, don't want to borrow, or are new to tradingExperienced investors looking to increase buying power, short sell, and potentially amplify returns

Your retirement is in good hands

With Questrade, you can rest assured that your money, your account and your personal information are protected.

We’re regulated by CIRO and a CIPF member.

regulated by Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization
Canadian Investor Protection Fund - CIPF logo

Choose from two great ways to invest

Hand-pick the assets you’re most interested in with self-directed investing, or let experts handle the portfolio management for you with Questwealth Portfolios.

Self-directed investing

Make your own trades

Trade stocks and ETFs commission-free 1. And options for 99¢/contract 2.

Find fresh new trading ideas with easy-to-use research tools

Mobile, web or desktop—trade your way on powerful platforms

questwealth portfolios

Get an expert-built portfolio

Account management fees starting at only 0.25%

Get matched with a portfolio suited to you in 15 minutes or less

You can invest in companies focused on social, environmental and governance qualities

How do I open a Cash account?

In three easy steps, you can invest your way.

1

Submit your documents

Provide basic personal and financial information

2

Fund your account

Contribute any amount to get started (or at least $250 for Questwealth Portfolios)

3

Grow your savings

Invest without restrictions with Questrade

Common Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, trading options is a Cash account benefit. You can trade options in a Cash account using these strategies:

  • Buying call or put options (you pay the full premium upfront)
  • Covered call writing (if you already own the underlying stock in your account)

With a Cash account, you can’t use strategies that require margin (like naked options or spreads) because Cash accounts don’t allow borrowing or leverage. If you’re new to options trading or not as interested in it, a Cash account is a conservative way to start. But if you’re looking to do more complex trading, a Margin account is the better option for you.

A Cash trading account is a non-registered account where you trade stocks, ETFs, and some options using your own money. Unlike a TFSA or RRSP, any income you earn, like dividends, interest or capital gains, is taxable. A Cash account is best for investors who want full flexibility, prefer to avoid borrowing, or who have already used their TFSA and RRSP contribution room.

A non-registered account (Cash or Margin) is a flexible investment account without contribution limits or withdrawal rules. It doesn’t have the same tax benefits as a TFSA or RRSP—meaning you pay tax on any interest, dividends, or capital gains you earn. You can invest as much as you want and take money out anytime for ultimate control.

The main difference between a TFSA and a Cash account is the tax treatment. A TFSA allows your investments to grow tax-free but are subject to annual contribution limits set by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), while a Cash account doesn’t offer special tax advantages. This means investment income is taxed annually, but there aren’t any contribution limits.

Yes! You can have multiple cash accounts with Questrade. You can also transfer funds between these accounts. Open an account in minutes or log in to your Questrade account to open additional accounts.

Yes, you can day trade in Cash accounts Canada. These non-registered investment accounts allow you to buy and sell securities using the cash in your account. But, unlike registered accounts like TFSAs, any profits you make from day trading in a Cash account are taxable. The CRA may consider frequent, short-term trading to be a business activity, meaning your profits could be taxed as business income rather than potentially lower-taxed capital gains—but there’s also more potential for growth, compared to a chequing or savings account.

We're here to helpyou get started

Our account specialists are available to assist withany account-related questions you may have, and tohelp you get set up.

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Reach us by phone

Toll-free Within Canada

1.888.298.4515

From the U.S.

1.416.227.6615

International

(001) 416.227.6615

Phone hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 8 PM EST

Learn more about cash accounts

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