With a month to go before Canadians can begin putting their savings into tax-free accounts, National Bank Financial Group is launching a GIC that will give savers a head start.

National Bank announced on Monday that it is now offering a non-redeemable Guaranteed Investment Certificate at a rate of 4.1% that will automatically be transferred to a Tax-Free Savings Account at the beginning of January 2009.

The interest on the 19-month term GIC is compounded annually. The investment must be at least $1,000, but must not exceed $4,975, since the principal amount of the GIC and the interest accrued must not exceed $5,000 to be eligible for transfer to a TFSA.

Interest earned on the GIC between the date of issue and the date of transfer to the National Bank TFSA will be taxable.

Investors can also avoid the rush at the beginning of the year and open a Self-Directed TFSA now, at the National Bank Direct Brokerage Web site.

AGF Funds Inc. also announced on Monday that investors can now begin opening TFSAs at AGF, and will be able to begin making contributions on Jan. 2, 2009.

IE