Wealthsimple QESI: The RESP Now Offers the Quebec Grant

Q: Can you get the QESI with a self-directed RESP?

According to Wealthsimple , the QESI is offered for eligible managed and self-directed RESPs.

Wealthsimple announced on April 22, 2026 that the Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI) is now available with its RESP accounts. As a result, Quebec families can now receive the provincial grant directly with Wealthsimple, in addition to the federal assistance already available.

Wealthsimple is also expanding its ecosystem: see our review of Wealthsimple Family.

Until now, the absence of the QESI limited the appeal of Wealthsimple’s RESP for many parents in Quebec. Now, Wealthsimple becomes a much more complete option for saving toward a child’s post-secondary education.

In addition, this new feature applies to both managed RESPs and self-directed RESPs.

Wealthsimple now offers the QESI

The IQEE is a tax measure that encourages Quebec families to save for their children’s and grandchildren’s post-secondary education from an early age. It is received in the form of a refundable tax credit, administered by Revenu Québec.

Revenu Québec calculates the amount and pays it directly into an eligible RESP.

Specifically, Wealthsimple now allows its clients to apply for the QESI in the mobile app or on its website. Each joint subscriber must complete their own application when required.

This announcement addresses one of the main drawbacks of Wealthsimple’s RESP in Quebec.

In fact, before this announcement, many families preferred other institutions that already offered the QESI.

To learn more about the platform, see our guide to Wealthsimple:

Why this matters in Quebec

In Quebec, the QESI is additional assistance that can significantly boost education savings over several years.

Without this grant, an RESP provider had a clear disadvantage compared with institutions already registered with Revenu Quebec.

Now that Wealthsimple offers the QESI, Quebec families can compare more options based on:

fees;
the platform’s simplicity;
investment choices;
the digital experience;
customer service.

In other words, Wealthsimple’s RESP finally becomes competitive in Quebec.

How much can you receive with a Wealthsimple RESP?

The amount depends on family income, annual contributions, and unused entitlements from past years.

Main government benefits

Program	Potential benefit
Basic CESG	20% on the first $2,500 of annual contributions (max $500/year)
Additional CESG	Additional amount for certain families
Basic QESI	10% on the first $2,500 of annual contributions (max $250/year)
Additional QESI	Top-up for eligible families
CLB	Federal benefit with no contribution required for certain families

Common example

On a $2,500 contribution, many families can receive:

up to $500 in CESG;
up to $250 in QESI;
possible top-ups depending on income.

As a result, combined benefits can become very attractive over the long term.

To better understand how it works overall, see our RESP guide:

Wealthsimple mentions retroactivity since 2023

Wealthsimple indicates that certain contributions made since 2023 could be taken into account retroactively for the QESI, provided the eligibility conditions are met.

This is particularly interesting for families who already held a Wealthsimple RESP before the official addition of the QESI.

However, each case may vary depending on:

the contribution year;
the beneficiary’s residence;
the child’s age;
applications already received;
the rules in effect at the time of processing.

Optimiser le remboursement d'impôt du REER et du CELIAPP avec vos points

Wealthsimple RESP: managed or self-directed

Wealthsimple stands out by offering two approaches.

Managed RESP

Wealthsimple builds and manages the portfolio for you based on your investor profile.

This option may be suitable if you are looking for:

simplicity;
passive management;
automatic rebalancing.

Self-directed RESP

You choose your own investments, including eligible ETFs and stocks.

This option may be suitable if you are already comfortable investing independently.

Should you transfer your RESP to Wealthsimple?

The answer depends on your situation.

A transfer may be worthwhile if:

you pay high fees elsewhere;
you want a better digital experience;
you prefer low-cost ETFs;
you already use Wealthsimple.

You may want to stay where you are if:

your current RESP suits you;
you have a dedicated advisor;
you hold a group plan with specific constraints;
the transfer creates unnecessary complexity.

Wealthsimple also states that it reimburses certain transfer fees according to applicable conditions. Check directly with them if incoming transfer fees are reimbursed in your situation.

Our Review

The addition of the IQEE truly changes the situation for Quebec families.

Previously, Wealthsimple offered a good RESP platform, but it was incomplete for Quebec families. Now, the company becomes a serious option for those who want to combine:

low fees;
a modern interface;
index investing;
access to available grants.

For many families, this is probably the best improvement Wealthsimple has made to its RESP since launching in Quebec.

Feel free to also consult our analysis on Wealthsimple’s reliability.

Conclusion

Wealthsimple now offers the IQEE with its RESP accounts. It was the missing piece for many Quebec families.

If you are looking for a modern, low-cost solution for education savings, Wealthsimple’s RESP now deserves a real place in your comparison.

As always, compare fees, investment options, and the grants you can actually access before making your decision.

Wealthsimple QESI – FAQ

Does Wealthsimple now offer the QESI?

Yes. Wealthsimple announced that the QESI is now available for its eligible RESP accounts.

Can you get the QESI with a self-directed RESP?

According to Wealthsimple, the QESI is offered for eligible managed and self-directed RESPs.

How much is the QESI grant worth?

The basic QESI is worth 10% of eligible contributions, up to the applicable limits.

Does Wealthsimple offer retroactive QESI?

Yes. Wealthsimple notes that certain contributions since 2023 could be considered, depending on eligibility.