Review of the Tims® Mastercard: An Essential for Coffee Lovers
By Arthur Dubois | Published on 25 Jul 2024
In a bid to gain a stronger foothold in the competitive world of rewards programs, Tim Hortons created Tims Financial and launched the Tims Mastercard credit card. This card is accessible via its mobile application and is linked to its existing loyalty program Tims Rewards.
[Offer productType=”CreditCard” api_id=”64dd008b7271d033a068311b”]Introducing the Tims® Mastercard
An attractive feature of the new Tim Hortons credit card is the absence of annual fees. The cardholders can earn Tims Rewards Points on every purchase made, receiving up to 5 points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, electric vehicle charging and public transit, and as much as 15 points per dollar for eligible purchases at Tim Hortons outlets. Let’s take a closer look at how to get it, what the welcome offer is, fees and eligibility, and how points redemption works.
How to get Tim Rewards Points with the Tims® Mastercard?
To get your credit card, start by downloading the Tim Hortons app. A credit check will be carried out before granting you the card. Your Tims Mastercard and Tim Rewards card will both be in the app. Plus, you can add your Tim credit card to your AppleWallet or GoogleWallet for easy mobile payments anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What if you don’t have a good Canadian credit score?
There is also an alternative version of the Tims Mastercard, specifically designed for students, newcomers, and those with little, low or no credit history. Like any secured card, it can help users establish their credit history while earning Tims Rewards points. Simply choose the Secured Tims® Mastercard when you sign up and you will not undergo a hard credit check (except in Quebec).
Points accumulation
You will then be able to accumulate points more quickly. The table below illustrates the number of points earned based on where you shop. For example, a person spending $100 per month at Tim Hortons, $300 in groceries, $100 on gas and $100 on public transit would collect 4,000 points.
| Purchases | Points with the regular Tims® Mastercard | Points with the Secured Tims® Mastercard |
| At Tim Hortons | 15 points per $1 (you must also scan your Rewards card) | 12 points per $1 (you must also scan your Rewards card) |
| Public transportation, taxis, ride-sharing services, gasoline and electric vehicle charging | 5 points per $1 | 2 points per $1 |
| Groceries | 5 points per $1 | 2 points per $1 |
| Anywhere else | 1 point per $2 | 1 point per $4 |
Redeeming points
What can you do with 4,000 points each month? That’s more than a free full meal based on Tim rewards levels. For example, you could redeem 1,100 points for their popular morning sandwich and 400 points for a coffee. And you would have plenty of points left for sweets. You can also redeem points as statement credit towards your credit card statement.
The Welcome Offer
The Tims Mastercard allows you to radically increase your points with the welcome offer. At the time of writing, it offers 5,000 points. First, you must make a purchase within 30 days of opening your account to get 2,000 points. Then, spend $200 or more in the second month to add 1,000 points, and do the same in the third month for an equal number of points. Finally, continue spending $200 or more during the fourth month to add the final 1,000 points to your account.
Credit Card details
The Tims Mastercard does not hold any unpleasant surprises. It has no annual fees and the interest rates on purchases and cash advances are fairly standard.
You will also be happy to know that it offers certain protections. Extended Warranty extends the manufacturer’s warranty for an additional year on most items purchased with your card. There is a maximum of $1,000 of repair or reimbursement per incident. Purchase Protection offers the same type of help, but for the first 90 days from the date of purchase. Since the Tims’ credit card is a Mastercard, you are also protected against unauthorized purchases on your card with Mastercard Zero Liability.
The lines between loyalty and financial services are blurring
Tim Hortons isn’t alone in leveraging the intersection of credit cards and rewards to boost customer loyalty. BMO recently acquired Air Miles from bankruptcy, Scotiabank expanded its Scene Plus rewards program through collaborations with Cineplex and Sobeys, RBC revamped its Avion Rewards program, and Metro broadened its Moi rewards scheme to include drug store chain Jean Coutu, discount grocer Super C, and RBC’s newly launched RBC Moi credit card.
The Tims card management is integrated within the existing rewards app for ease of access, including application processes and statement viewing. Moreover, customers can upload the card to a digital wallet like Apple Wallet and also receive a physical card. Considering that approximately five million Canadians are monthly users of the Tim Hortons app, the new card presents as an enticing option.
Credit Card Alternatives
There are several other no annual fee credit cards in Canada that offer generous rewards. If you do not drink Tim Hortons coffee, you might be interested in one of those.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card allows cardholders to earn unlimited money back rewards on any purchases, including those made at Tim Hortons.
Walmart Rewards Mastercard
The Walmart Rewards Mastercard, on the other hand, offers a generous rewards rate on all purchases made at Walmart stores, as well as rewards on everyday items.
Neo Financial Secured Credit Card
Another interesting credit card alternative is the
