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Tax on transfer bonuses

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288 views 34 replies 9 participants last post by  saver777  
At least some brokerages 'book' this line item as a 'negative' administrative charge allowing them to pay that bonus in a registered account without affecting contribution room.

These bonuses in themselves also are not 'investments' for which there is an intention of earning an income or a profit as one would when buying an asset such as an ISA, GIC, stock or bond.

Neither cash back from credit cards nor winnings from a raffle or a lottery are taxable nor are points from a credit card or airline/hotel/auto rental reward programs
 
The fact that the brokerage bonuses are one-time in nature (even if paid out over time) suggests they are not income, unlike recurring interest, but are marketing bonuses.
Just like those made by credit card companies.
And note the typical size of such offers: 1% in each case.
I agree. Credit card issuers are bribing consumers all the time with bonuses to move accounts to them. Sometimes a straight up bonus, other times higher cashback for a limited period. I don't see how that is different from bribes from discount brokerages as an incentive to move accounts to them, or banks for moving savings/chequing accounts to them. ISTM this practice has been going on for decades and CRA, to my knowledge, has not said 'boo' to any of this.