GICRateCompare.com (the "Website", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors and users. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and disclose it, and the choices available to you. Our practices are intended to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation.
1. Information we collect
We collect only the information reasonably necessary to provide our services, including:
- Inquiry information you submit through our forms: name, email, phone number, province, deposit amount, preferred term, account type, and any message content.
- Verification data: one-time verification codes sent by SMS or voice call to confirm the phone number you provide.
- Technical information: IP address, browser type, device type, referral URL, and pages visited, collected through server logs and cookies.
- Marketing attribution: UTM parameters and referrer data used to measure campaign performance.
2. How we use your information
- To respond to your GIC rate inquiry and match you with suitable options that may be available;
- To verify the accuracy of contact details you provide (via one-time SMS or voice code);
- To operate, secure, and improve the Website;
- To comply with legal, regulatory, and audit obligations.
3. Disclosure to third parties
We may share the information you submit with licensed deposit brokers, financial institutions, or licensed representatives to fulfill your rate review request. We do not sell your personal information. Service providers (such as our SMS/voice verification provider, hosting provider, and CRM platform) process information on our behalf under contractual confidentiality and security obligations.
4. Consent
By submitting an inquiry, you consent to being contacted about your GIC rate request by email, telephone, or SMS. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us using the details below; withdrawal may limit our ability to respond to your request.
5. Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes it was collected for, and to meet legal or regulatory requirements. Inquiry records are generally retained for up to 24 months unless a longer period is required.
6. Safeguards
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information, including TLS encryption in transit, access controls, and secure storage of credentials and secrets. No system is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies and analytics
The Website uses cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences, measure traffic, and improve performance. You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not function correctly.
8. Your rights
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information, and to withdraw consent. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within the timeframes required by applicable law.
9. Children
The Website is intended for individuals 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective" date at the top will indicate the latest revision.
11. Contact
Questions or requests may be directed to our Privacy Officer at privacy@gicratecompare.com.