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How to use your margin account as a line of credit

We talk a lot about how margin accounts can amplify your gains on stock trades (and losses, too, which is why we also talk a lot about the importance of knowing what you’re doing). But there are plenty of other ways that smart investors leverage their accounts beyond trading. One of the big ones is using your margin account as a line of credit.

Imagine you have unused contribution room in your RRSP but don't have the cash to top it up before the deadline. If you have investments in a non-registered account that you can use as collateral, a margin loan can help invest in your RRSP to bridge that gap. The idea is that the benefits you gain from tax-sheltered growth and tax benefits on your registered contributions could outweigh the cost of the loan. This is just one example of how a margin account can be used outside of being for non-registered investing.

This maneuver, and other ways of using a margin loan, is not without risks, of course. A market drop could lead to a margin call. If you don’t have additional funds to deposit, you could be forced to sell investments at a loss. That’s why this strategy is best suited for seasoned investors with a long-term view, good savings habits, and a well-diversified portfolio.

Think this might be a good option for you? Read the full article to get more details on who this strategy is for, how to manage the risks, and what steps you can take to avoid a margin call.

WHAT'S LAUNCHED LATELY ✨

A 2% margin match?
That’s refreshing.

Finish summer strong with a 2% match on eligible margin account transfers. Plus, we'll reimburse the interest on up to $10,000 of your margin debit balance for the thirty days. Not into margin? No sweat. You can still get a 1% match on pretty much any other eligible account you transfer — and crypto, too. T&Cs apply.

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Match Bonus: From August 6 to October 1, 2025, any new or existing Wealthsimple account user who registers for the promotion then initiates an institutional transfer of an existing account from a qualifying third party to a Wealthsimple Self-directed Investing, Managed Investing, Crypto, or Corporate account within 30 days of registration will receive a 1% cash bonus on the cumulative transferred amount (less withdrawal and/or transferred debit balance) of at least $25,000 during the promotion period, up to a maximum of $2,000,000 transferred amount. A 2% cash bonus will be applied if the eligible transfer is an eligible Margin account with a current debit balance of at least $10,000. Maximum one (1) cash bonus per client, to be applied in the span of twelve (12) months. Minimum fund holding period required. Full eligibility and T&Cs at wsim.co/summer-margin-match.

Margin Interest Rebate: From August 6 to October 1, 2025, eligible new or existing Wealthsimple Self-directed Investing clients who open a new margin account, or who enable margin on an existing Self-directed Investing account, and start using their available margin debit balance will be eligible to receive a rebate of the interest charged for thirty (30) days on up to $10,000 balance. Maximum one (1) Rebate per client. Full eligibility and T&Cs at wsim.co/summer-margin-match.

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