Tims Rewards Guide | Maximize your points
When it comes to Canada, several things come to mind. Snow, maple syrup, hockey, and of course, Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons is a Canadian staple and has been for decades, with some menu items such as a ‘double-double’ and ‘Timbits’ even becoming part of our everyday language. For many Canadians, it’s also a part of their daily (or at least weekly). If that sounds like you, then you should probably be a part of the Tims Rewards program. This Tims Rewards guide will go over the ins and outs of the loyalty program so you can maximize your points.
What is the Tims Rewards program?
Tims Rewards is the Tim Hortons loyalty program, and it’s free to join. It’s often referred to as a coffee program to better compare it to other similar chain rewards programs. However, points can be earned and redeemed for all menu items.
Points are earned at a rate of 10 points per $1 spent and are redeemed at different reward levels starting at 300 points for classic donuts, specialty donuts, cookies, and hashbrowns. The highest level is 1,800 points for loaded bowls and wraps.
| Points required | Reward |
|---|---|
| 300 points | Classic Donuts Specialty Donuts Hashbrowns Cookies |
| 400 points | Brewed Coffee Tea Dream Donuts Dream Cookies Bagels Baked Goods |
| 600 points | Hot Chocolate French Vanilla Iced Coffee Wedges |
| 800 points | Real Fruit Quenchers Cold Brew Classic Iced Capp 10 Timbits Yogurt Frozen Beverages Espresso Drinks |
| 1,100 points | Breakfast Sandwiches Soups |
| 1,300 points | Farmer’s Wrap BELT Lunch Sandwiches Chili |
| 1,800 points | Loaded Bowls Wraps |
Tims Rewards points value
The value of a Tims Rewards point will vary depending on what you are redeeming it for and where you redeem it. While my research shows that most Tim Hortons have the same prices for their products across the country, there are reports that prices may vary by store, even though they are all under the same name. With that in mind, Tims Rewards have a cost per point (CPP) between .34 cents and .66 cents each.
Surprisingly, the best value for your points is not coffee. Baked goods and breakfast items come out on top when it comes to Tims Rewards. If you want to get really specific, hashbrowns are the best value. Regularly priced at $1.99, you can get a hashbrown for 300 points which gives you a CPP of .66. In comparison, the average price of a cup of brewed coffee is $1.80, but you need to redeem 400 points giving you a CPP of .45.
How to earn Tims Rewards
In February of 2023, Tim Rewards changed its rewards earning schedule. It used to be 10 points per purchase, no matter how much you spent. The program is now 10 points per dollar spent. Eligible transactions will be rounded up to the nearest $0.10. So, let’s say you spend $5.30 at Tim Hortons. You would then receive 53 Tims points. Note that points are calculated before tax.
When you make your purchase at Tim Hortons, you should be asked for your Tims card. This can be either a physical card or, more likely, a bar code in the Tims app. Show your card to be scanned upon purchase, and you will earn points.
Another way to earn more Tims Rewards is to use the Tims credit card.
Tims credit card
Tim Hortons is just one of the latest Canadian companies with a co-branded credit card. It’s a no-annual-fee credit card, and Tims credit card holders will earn Tims rewards at an accelerated rate of 15 points (instead of 10) per $1 spent at Tim Hortons. You will also earn 5 points per $1 spent on groceries, transit, and EG charging and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. This gives you a real value of 7.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 0.25 per cent, respectively.
While the extra Tims points are a perk, overall, the Tims credit card is pretty disappointing and there are much better options on the market that will allow you to earn other types of points that will be more lucrative. My top suggestion: the American Express Cobalt Card.
American Express Cobalt Card
- $12.99 Monthly fee ($155.88 yearly)
- 1,250 monthly points when charging $750 each month for a year (15,000 points total)
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eats and drinks
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on streaming services
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK
A much smarter choice for restaurant purchases in Canada is the American Express Cobalt card which will earn you 5x the points on all eats and drinks purchases. Not only will you earn points much faster, but your points will be much better value and can be redeemed for things like travel or gift cards. While this card does come with a monthly fee of $12.99 ($155.88/year), if you are someone who eats out a lot, you’ll get very good value out of this card.
How to redeem your Tim Hortons Rewards
Redeeming your Tim Hortons rewards is easy. When you sign up for the app, you will be asked what category you want to redeem your items for. So, let’s say you choose the baked goods option, which allows you to start redeeming at 300 points.
If you choose a specific option, your points will be automatically redeemed for you when you reach the point requirement and order something that falls within that category. So, if you have 450 points stored up and you go to Tim Hortons and order a coffee and a donut, your points will automatically be redeemed towards your donut since you have more than the 300 points required to get one.
If you prefer, you can slide the points redeemer button to ‘off.’ This will allow you to continue to save your points until you are ready to redeem them. It is important to note that your Tims Rewards expire after 12 months, so keep track if you like to save up points. The app does alert you when points are near their expiration date.
How does Tims Rewards compare?
So, how does the Tims Rewards program compare to other ‘coffee’ programs such as McDonalds?
Like the Tims program, the Mcdonalds’ rewards program also allows users to earn points for every dollar spent and redeem those points at varying levels. Of course, the value of the rewards will vary depending on what items you redeem for. However, MyMcDonald’s Rewards sees better value for its menu items. To compare, one brewed coffee at Tims’s gives a CPP of .45, while a brewed coffee from Mcdonald’s has a CPP of .845. You can read the full Mcdonald’s rewards program review here.
That said, it all comes down to your preferences and where you are most likely to go. Do you prefer Mcdonald’s? Or Tim Hortons? Or even both? After all, each of these rewards programs is free, and you can quickly join and benefit from both.
FAQ
How many Tim Hortons points do I need for a free coffee?
Brewed coffee requires 400 points. If you want a fancy coffee it will be 600 to 800 points depending on the drink.
How do I get a Tims Rewards Card?
You can pick up a physical Tims rewards card at a participating Tim Hortons restaurant, but the easiest thing to do is to sign up for the app. Then you have a digital card that’s always on your phone.
Do Tims Rewards Expire?
Yes, after 12 months.
