Buying your first home in Canada is a big dream, but saving for a down payment is probably one of the bigger financial challenges you’ll face. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) was designed specifically to help with this problem.
Introduced in 2023, the FHSA is designed to help first-time home buyers save money in a smart and tax-efficient way. It lets you contribute up to $8,000 per year, with a lifetime limit of $40,000—and the best part? Your investments can grow tax-free just like they do in a TFSA or RRSP.
Now, if you’re looking for an even better head start, there’s some good news.
TD Easy Trade is offering a $100 bonus when you open an FHSA and use the promo code STARTSAVE in 2025.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this offer, how to qualify, and why it’s a solid choice if you’re planning to buy your first home.
How the STARTSAVE Code Works?
As of May 27, 2025, TD Easy Trade is offering a limited-time promo just for first-time home buyers. Use the promo code STARTSAVE, deposit $3,000 or more into your new FHSA, and you’ll get a $100 cash bonus.
The details are:
- Promo Code: STARTSAVE
- Deposit Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Minimum Deposit: $3,000
- Maintain Balance Until: February 28, 2026
- Bonus Payment: Within 60 days after the end of the qualifying period
- Who’s Eligible: Canadian residents between 19 and 71 who are first-time home buyers
Benefits of the TD Easy Trade FHSA
TD Easy Trade’s FHSA works like a hybrid between an RRSP and TFSA. You get the tax deduction when you contribute (like an RRSP), but withdrawals for your home purchase are tax-free (like a TFSA).
They don’t charge fees on TD ETF trades, which helps your investments grow without getting eaten up by commissions.
You also get 50 free stock trades per year if you want to pick individual companies.
Choosing to open your FHSA with TD Easy Trade comes with a bunch of useful features that make saving and investing for your first home simpler:
TD Easy Trade doesn’t charge you to keep your FHSA open, which is a big plus compared to other providers.
These features make it an attractive choice for first-time buyers who want to save and invest wisely with as little hassle and cost as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Open an FHSA and Apply the STARTSAVE Promo Code
Getting the $100 bonus is fairly straightforward.
Download the TD Easy Trade app and open an FHSA account.
During setup, enter STARTSAVE as your promo code.
You’ll need to deposit at least $3,000 by May 31, 2025, and keep that balance until February 28, 2026.
TD will add the $100 to your account within 60 days after that.
Also Read – The Best TD Easy Trade Promo Codes for 2025 You Can Use Right Now
Eligibility Criteria for the TD Easy Trade FHSA Promo
To make sure you qualify for the bonus, you’ll need to meet these basic requirements:
- You Must Live in Canada: Only Canadian residents are eligible.
- First-Time Home Buyer: You must not have owned a home as your primary residence in the current or previous four years. This rule also applies to your spouse or common-law partner.
- Age Between 19 and 71: You need to be at least 19 years old, and your FHSA must be closed either 15 years after opening it or by age 71—whichever comes first.
- Open a New FHSA with TD Easy Trade: If you’re already a TD client, you can still qualify if you don’t have an FHSA yet.
You should also check the official terms on TD’s website because there might be more specific conditions based on your personal situation.
TD Easy Trade FHSA vs. Wealthsimple FHSA
| Feature | TD Easy Trade FHSA | Wealthsimple FHSA |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Bonus | $100 bonus with promo code STARTSAVE | No cash bonus |
| Promo Deadline | May 31, 2025 (deposit $3,000 or more) | Not applicable |
| Minimum Deposit for Bonus | $3,000 | No deposit requirement |
| Commission-Free ETF Trades | Unlimited free TD ETFs | Free ETFs from all providers |
| Free Stock Trades | 50 free stock trades per year | All stock trades are free |
| Trading Fees After Limit | $9.99 per trade after 50 free trades | Still free |
| Platform Type | App-only (mobile access only) | App and web-based platform |
| Account Fees | No account fees | No account fees |
| Investment Options | TD ETFs, stocks, mutual funds, bonds | ETFs, stocks, crypto, and managed portfolios |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly mobile app | Very user-friendly interface across devices |
| Robo-Advisor Option | Not available | Available |
Which One Is Better?
If your goal is to get a quick savings boost, TD Easy Trade is a great pick thanks to the $100 bonus. It’s especially helpful for people who are just starting out and want to keep things simple.
However, if you plan to trade frequently or want more flexibility, Wealthsimple might be a better fit. It offers free trades across all investments and even gives you access to a robo-advisor, which can manage your portfolio for you.
The Bottom Line
The TD Easy Trade FHSA promo code STARTSAVE is a great chance to earn a little extra while saving for your first home. With the $100 bonus, tax-free investment growth, and a platform designed for beginners, it’s a solid choice for anyone just beginning their home-buying journey.
The promotion runs until May 31, 2025. If you’re already planning to open an FHSA and the timing works out, the extra $100 is a decent bonus to start with.
Disclaimer: Though the information in this article is provided with the utmost care, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Please visit the official TD Easy Trade website and speak to TD representatives for confirmation of any offers or details.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer?
You qualify if you (and your spouse or partner) haven’t owned a home as your main residence in the current or past four calendar years.
2. When will I receive the $100 bonus?
If you meet the conditions, TD will deposit your bonus within 60 days after February 28, 2026.
3. Can I combine STARTSAVE with other TD offers?
It might be possible. For example, TD often runs promotions for chequing accounts too. But check the terms to see if they can be combined.
4. What can I invest in through an FHSA?
You can invest in stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds. TD Easy Trade gives you free access to TD ETFs and 50 free stock trades each year.