Locked-in Retirement Accounts (LIRAs)

Safeguard your pension fund until retirement

Make an appointment

LIRAs at a glance

What is a Locked-in Retirement Account (LIRA)?

A LIRA allows you to transfer the funds accumulated in a former employer’s pension plan to an individual, tax-sheltered plan. Generally speaking, you can't make contributions to this account or withdraw money from it before retirement.

Useful if you're looking to:

  • Transfer your pension after you leave a job
  • Hold funds tax-free

Age limit

71 years

You can hold a LIRA until December 31 of the year in which you reach age 71. After this, your LIRA must be converted to a life income fund (LIF)1.

No withdrawals allowed

With some exceptions

Unlike RRSPs, it is not possible to withdraw funds from a LIRA. The exceptions to this are death, reduced life expectancy and non-residence in Canada for two years. To withdraw funds, you must convert your LIRA to a life income fund (LIF) or life annuity.

In the event of death

Transfer to spouse

When you die, your LIRA is automatically transferred to your spouse,2 unlike an RRSP, where you can choose the beneficiary.

How to open a LIRA account at National Bank

If you’d like to start investing, there are two solutions available to you.

Visit a branch

If you need support, speak with one of our advisors to find the solution that best suits your needs.

Open an online brokerage account

Are you a self-directed investor? Fill out the secure online form to start contributing to your LIRA account.

Magic wand icon

Tip

Approaching retirement? It's time to max out your RRSP and use up any remaining contribution room!

Other solutions that might interest you

TFSA

Earn tax-free interest on your savings and access your funds any time.

See our TFSAs

Life Income Funds (LIFs)

Continue enjoying the benefits of tax deferral by converting your LIRA to a LIF.

Learn more about LIFs

See all plans

Ready to talk about retirement?

Speak to an Investment and Retirement Specialist to find the solution that's right for you.

Make an appointment
Telephone icon

1-888-270-3941

Monday to Thursday,8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET)
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET)

Picto of a question mark in a circle

Little details that matter



Back
Terms of use
National Bank’s virtual assistant

When using our Virtual Assistant Service (the "Chatbot"), you accept these Terms of Use, which are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, you agree to consult these Terms of Use from time to time and acknowledge that your continuing use of the Chatbot means that you have accepted any changes that may have been made. Your continued use of the Chatbot means that you’ve read, understand and agree to these Terms of Use, the Terms of Use for our website, our Online transaction services, and to our privacy policy. You also understand any other agreements that you have with us will continue to apply when you use the Chatbot.

1. Our Services and your responsibilities

The Chatbot is an automated service which is integrated into our online banking platform.

The Chatbot is preprogrammed to answer general questions concerning the use of our online banking platform solely for informational purposes. The Chatbot is not able to answer questions on personal monetary transactions or products you hold with us.

By using the Chatbot, you understand and agree that:

  • The Chatbot does not provide financial advice or financial planning services.
  • The Chatbot does not conduct any banking transactions.
  • The Chatbot may not be able to answer all your questions. Therefore, it may not be able to provide you with the information you require. You must judge whether the answer provided responds to your question accurately. In the case of uncertainty, a customer service representative would be happy to help you. You can call us toll free at 1-888-483-5628 or 514-394-5555.
  • The Chatbot is not a complaint service. You cannot use the Chatbot to file complaints. If you have any complaints, you can contact us at the number indicated above.
  • We monitor, record and store the discussion that you have with the Chatbot to improve our interactions with our clients.
  • You will not provide the Chatbot with any confidential, personal, or private information. For example, you will not provide the Chatbot with your login information, PIN or other personal banking information.

2. Limitation of Liability

You acknowledge that we won’t be liable for any losses or damages that you may suffer as a result of your use of the Chatbot, including if the Chatbot is unavailable for any reason.

We cannot guarantee that the results obtained via the Chatbot will be accurate and reliable and that the answers provided will meet your expectations.

We will not be held liable for damages you incur as a result of:

  • Any delay, error, interruption or omission on our part or any other event beyond our control.
  • Any deficiency or technical error or any unavailability of our systems and wireless networks.
  • Your failure to meet any of your obligations.
  • Any amendment to or suspension, refusal or blockage of the Chatbot.
  • Any decision or measure you take in response to information and data obtained via the Chatbot.
  • Any other damages you may incur that are not caused by negligence on our part.

3. Language

You have requested that these Terms of Use, and related documents be drawn up in English.

4. Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed and must be interpreted in accordance with the laws in force in the province or territory where you reside. If you reside outside Canada, the laws in force and the courts of competent jurisdiction are those of the province of Quebec.

Virtual assistant