How to Maximize the Tims Rewards Program

Team Genius
Written by Team Genius 
updated on Oct 15, 2026
Fact Checked
Fact Checked
Accuracy is important to us so this article has gone through a thorough 3-stage review process and fact-checked by our team.

Tims Rewards is the free loyalty program affiliated with Tim Hortons. Members earn 10 points per $1 spent, and points can be redeemed for free menu items.

This article explains how the Tims Rewards program works, including the best credit cards to use when spending at Timmies, which redemption options are most valuable, and more.

Key Takeaways

  • Tims Rewards is the official rewards program of Tim Hortons Canada.
  • Points are worth 0.12 – 0.83 cents each, depending on what menu item you spend them on.
  • There are 7 Tims Rewards Levels, covering 200+ menu items for 300 – 1,800 points apiece.
  • The most valuable Timmies reward is a specialty donut for 300 points.
  • Tim Hortons has discontinued its co-branded credit cards, so use the American Express Cobalt Card and earn Amex Membership Rewards alongside your Tims Rewards.

Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.

What is Tims Rewards?

Tims Rewards is the official loyalty program of Tim Hortons Canada. Similar to the MyMcDonald's Rewards program, members can collect points on every purchase to redeem on free drinks, snacks, and food.

Tims Rewards overview

Pros:

  • 4,000+ Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada
  • 200+ menu items, with new updates every year
  • 10 Tims Rewards Points per $1 spent
  • 7 Reward Levels
  • Points are worth up to 0.83 cents each
  • Accepts American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover cards
  • Bonuses and promotional offers updated every Monday
  • Free birthday surprise offer
  • Free membership

Cons:

  • Points expire after 12 months
  • Points are worth as little as 0.19 cents each
  • Limited redemption options
  • No points for third-party food delivery orders
  • Redemptions can't be reversed or refunded

What are Tims Rewards points worth?

Tims Rewards Points are worth between 0.12 – 0.83 cents per point (CPP).

Cost of menu item in $CAD / cost of menu item in points = value in cents per point (CPP)

You can redeem Tims Rewards Points on 40+ menu items grouped into 7 Reward Levels. Every item within a Reward Level costs the same number of points – for maximum value, always choose the largest and most expensive menu item you can get!

According to our research, the best choice is a specialty donut from the 300 Points Reward Level:

Reward Level and Points CostMenu ItemsMost Valuable RewardLeast Valuable Reward
300 Points* Classic donut
* Specialty donut
* Cookie
* Hashbrowns
Specialty donut (0.83 CPP)Classic donut or cookie (0.56 CPP)
400 Points* Brewed Coffee
* Steeped Tea
* Dream Donut
* Filled Ring
* Dream Cookie
* Bagel
* Baked good
Brownie or savoury pastry (0.75 CPP)Bagel (0.57 CPP)
600 Points* French Vanilla
* Hot Chocolate
* Original Iced Coffee
* Potato Wedges
* Garlic Bread
Extra Large French Vanilla (0.63 CPP)Classic Iced Coffee (0.37 CPP)
800 Points* Quenchers
* Cold Brew
* Classic Iced Cappuccino
* 10-pack Timbits
* Yogurt
* Frozen beverages
* Espresso drinks
Specialty latte (0.71 CPP)Espresso shot (0.12 CPP)
1,100 Points* Breakfast sandwich
* Soup
Farmer's breakfast sandwich (0.54 CPP)Simply sausage sandwich (0.29 CPP)
1,300 Points* Farmer's Wraps
* Scrambled Egg Loaded Wraps and Boxes
* Classic Bagel BELTs
* Chili
* Lunch sandwich
Club sandwich (0.69 CPP) Breakfast wrap or Classic Bagel BELT (0.46 CPP)
1,800 Points* Flatbread pizza
* Supreme Stack Sandwich
* Loaded bowl
* Loaded wrap
Chicken loaded bowls (0.56 CPP)Specialty flatbread pizza (0.39 CPP)

* Calculations don't include tax. Item prices and availability may vary from province to province.

Tims Rewards points calculator

As you can tell from the previous table, your point value really varies based on the cost of your reward item.

If you're looking for a general estimate of how much your Timmies points are worth, enter the number of points you want to redeem into our Tims Rewards calculator. You'll immediately see the estimated value of all your points.

Rewards Points Calculator
Enter your rewards balance to calculate how much your points are worth. Review your redemption options and recommendations to get the most value.
Our recommendations:
Use your points for Hashbrowns to get the most value.
$80
Avoid using points for Iced Coffee as this gives you the lowest value.
$37
Using your points for Hashbrowns instead of Iced Coffee will save you $43.
Point Values
Redemption OptionPoint ValueTotal Value
Hashbrowns0.8 cents$80
Club Sandwich0.69 cents$69
Brewed Coffee0.6 cents$60
Classic Bagel0.57 cents$57
Classic Donut0.56 cents$56
Average Tim Hortons Item0.46 cents$46
Box of 10 Timbits0.41 cents$41
Iced Coffee0.37 cents$37
Redemption Options
Hashbrowns
Free hashbrown
$80
Club Sandwich
Single club sandwich
$69
Brewed Coffee
Any size brewed coffee
$60
Classic Bagel
Free classic bagel of your choice
$57
Classic Donut
Any classic donut
$56
Average Tim Hortons Item
Average of all free food items at Tim Hortons
$46
Box of 10 Timbits
Free box of 10 Timbits
$41
Iced Coffee
Any size iced coffee
$37

How to earn Tims Rewards Points

To collect Tims Rewards Points, first create a free account on the Tims App or Tim Hortons website. Once you do, you'll earn 10 Tims Rewards Points for every dollar you spend (before tax and rounded to the nearest 10 cents) on the following transactions:

  • Drive-thru and in-person orders
  • Mobile and Tims Delivery orders
  • Orders paid with a TimsCard or Tims Gift Card
  • Select discount and promo offers (after the discount or promo has been applied)

Mobile orders created through the Tims App will automatically add points to your account. To earn points on a drive-thru or in-person order, you must present your digital or physical membership card before paying.

Unfortunately, you won't earn points on:

  • Charitable donations using the Round Up feature
  • Fees, tips, or taxes
  • Orders created on third-party food delivery apps, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and SkipTheDishes
  • Orders worth less than $0.10 before tax
  • Merchandise or retail product purchases
  • Tims Gift Card purchases or reloads

There's no limit on the number of Tims Rewards Points you can collect for one transaction, but your account can only hold so much. If you hit the 500,000-point limit, you'll need to redeem some points before earning any more.

If you have one of the few remaining physical Tims Rewards cards in Canada, you won't be able to redeem your points without first linking it to a digital account.

To link your card, follow these steps:

  • Create an account using the app or website (or log in)
  • Click on "Details"
  • Enter your card number
  • Click "Link my card"

You can only link a single physical card to a single digital account – if you try to add more than one, the first linked card will be deactivated and its points transferred to the new card.

Use a credit card to earn additional rewards

If you want to earn credit card rewards along with your Tims Rewards points, here are the best restaurant credit cards to use:

Tim Hortons recently discontinued its 2 co-branded Mastercards, which had been issued by Neo. If you have/had one, you can choose a Neo credit card replacement.
Credit CardAnnual FeeRewards for restaurant purchasesWelcome BonusLearn More
American Express Cobalt Card$191.885 points per $1 spentUp to 15,000 bonus points (terms)Learn more
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card$1205 points per $1 spent $200 GC Boost + Up to 50,000 bonus points (terms)Learn more
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card$1205 points per $1 spent $185 GC Boost + Up to 80,000 bonus points, first year free (terms)Learn more
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card$02% cash back $75 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms)Learn more

The best credit card in Canada and for Tims Rewards: American Express Cobalt® Card

5.0 Genius Rating
4.1 (81) User reviews
award seal ×9 Award winner
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$263◊
15,000 points
Annual rewards
$1,418◊
Learn more
American Express Cobalt® Card
5.0 Genius Rating
4.1 (81) User reviews
award seal 9x Award winner
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$263◊
15,000 points
Annual rewards
$1,418◊
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (760 - 900)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month)
  • 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services
  • 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and rideshare purchases
  • 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

The American Express Cobalt Card is the best credit card in Canada for one reason: Amex Membership Rewards points. Transferring them to the Aeroplan program and redeeming them on a flight will net you about 1.75 CPP – that's over 2.1x the value of a Tims Rewards Point!

Timmies accepts American Express online and in every store nationwide, so go ahead and sip your way to a tropical getaway next year.

Pros:

  • 10 types of insurance included
  • Amex Experiences, Offers, Front Of The Line, and The Hotel Collection benefits
  • No income requirements

Cons:

  • Lower acceptance for American Express

Best premium credit card for Tims Rewards: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

4.4 Genius Rating
3.1 (61) User reviews
award seal ×3 Award winner
Annual fee
$120.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$500◊
50,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$882◊
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2026
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $100 + $100
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
4.4 Genius Rating
3.1 (61) User reviews
award seal 3x Award winner
Annual fee
$120.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$500◊
50,000 Scene+ points
Annual rewards
$882◊
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2026
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more
  • 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment
  • 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit
  • 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
  • 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is another fantastically flexible credit card. You can redeem the Scene+ Points you collect at Tims for movies, groceries, restaurants, or travel at up to 1 CPP. If you choose the latter, you'll enjoy premium perks and benefits, including Front Of The Line access and souvenir shopping, with no foreign transaction fees.

Pros:

  • 24/7 complimentary concierge services
  • 12 types of insurance included
  • No foreign transaction fee

Cons:

  • No airport lounge access

Best Visa credit card for Tims Rewards: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

3.2 Genius Rating
2.9 (19) User reviews
Annual fee
$120.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$536◊
80,000 points
Annual rewards
$571◊
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2026
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $150 + $35
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
3.2 Genius Rating
2.9 (19) User reviews
Annual fee
$120.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$536◊
80,000 points
Annual rewards
$571◊
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2026
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 5 BMO Rewards points for every $1 spent on dining ($6,000 per year), groceries ($6,000 per year), gas, and transit*
  • 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent on all other purchases*

With big rewards on groceries and restaurants, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card makes an excellent road-tripping credit card. You can redeem BMO Rewards points on any sort of travel expense or deposit them to a BMO investment account for an average value of 0.67 CPP.

We recommend you travel to take advantage of Visa Infinite benefits like a complimentary food voucher, room upgrade, and in-room Wi-Fi at 900+ hotels – who knows, maybe you can even order Timbits for room service.

Pros:

  • $50 annual lifestyle credit
  • 10% bonus points for adding an authorized user
  • Visa Infinite benefits

Cons:

  • Annual caps on earn categories

Best flexible cash back credit card for Tims Rewards: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

3.3 Genius Rating
3.4 (81) User reviews
award seal ×2 Award winner
Annual fee
$0.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$106◊
11.13% cash back
Annual rewards
$410◊
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2026
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $75
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
3.3 Genius Rating
3.4 (81) User reviews
award seal 2x Award winner
Annual fee
$0.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$106◊
11.13% cash back
Annual rewards
$410◊
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2026
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 2% cash back on purchases in up to 3 Money-Back Categories
  • 0.5% cash back on all other purchases

Cash is the most flexible reward, but you know what's even more flexible? Choosing your own cash back spending categories.

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is one of the few Canadian cards that lets cardholders choose how they earn boosted rewards. Pick 2 – 3 spending categories from a list of 13 to build your perfect Timmies-gas-furniture-whatever-you-want credit card, and swap categories as you please later on.

Pros:

  • Valuable balance transfer promo
  • Monthly cash back rewards
  • No additional card fee

Cons:

  • Limited insurance

How to redeem Tims Rewards points

After you create an account, Tims Rewards will ask you to choose one of 7 Reward Levels. (Don't worry, you can always change it later.)

Whenever you collect enough points for your chosen Reward Level, your points will be automatically applied to your next order containing an eligible menu item.

Say you choose the 300 Points Reward Level. You collect 357 points and order a classic donut the next time you visit Tim Hortons. At the till, the system automatically deducts 300 points from your account and applies them to your order, leaving you with 57 points and a free donut.

If you'd like to bank your points and save them up, you can turn off "Redeem my points" in the Tims App. Then, when you want to use your points, switch it back on and select from your available reward levels.

There's one more Reward Level we haven't mentioned: "Banking Your Points." Choosing this level means your points will accumulate until they expire or you hit the account limit. To redeem them, choose a different Reward Level and order an eligible item – just don't forget to switch back to the Banking Reward Level if you want to keep stockpiling points!

You can change Reward Levels on the Tims App or website.

Partnership with Triangle Rewards

A new partnership is shaking up the rewards world: you can now link your Triangle Rewards and Tims Rewards accounts. Once they're linked, you'll earn Triangle Rewards money on your Tim Hortons purchases while continuing to rack up Tims Rewards points.

There are a few limits to keep in mind, though. You can't use Tims Rewards for Canadian Tire purchases or transfer Tims Rewards points to your Triangle Rewards account.

FAQ

What are the Tim Hortons rewards?

Tim Hortons rewards come in the form of points, and the program is called Tims Rewards. You can earn points on your Timmies purchases and redeem them for free menu items. There are 7 Reward Levels with varying point values, and you can choose to redeem from whichever level you have points for.

How can I earn Tims Rewards points?

To earn Tims Rewards, simply join the free loyalty program by downloading the app or signing up online. Whether you order through the app, scan it at the counter or show your old physical card at Tim Hortons, you'll earn 10 points for every $1 you spend.

How do I get a Tims Rewards card?

Physical Tims Rewards cards have largely been retired and replaced with digital membership cards. However, some people on Reddit have recommended contacting Tim Hortons' customer service if you prefer a physical card or don't have access to a virtual account.

How many points do you need for a free coffee at Tims?

A regular cup of coffee at Tims costs 400 points, which is steeper than you'd expect for such a basic, everyday menu item. If you're an Iced Coffee or French Vanilla fan, you'll need 600 points to get your fix.

What can you get for 400 points at Tim Hortons?

You can redeem 400 points to get a brewed coffee, tea, Dream Donut, filled ring, Dream Cookie, bagel, or baked good. If you'd like to treat yourself to a fancy coffee drink, you'll need to save up and redeem 600 – 800 points.

creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 250 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 250 cards is for you.

Did you find this article helpful?
YesNo

Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 250 Canadian credit cards.

Hot Credit Card Deals This Month

Hot Credit Card Deals This Month:

Comments


Leave a comment

Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.


Showing 10 comments

Richard Hasson
Richard Hasson
August 25, 2023
When I go to the Tim Hortons site that tells me what points I have which I want to redeem, it requires a promo code. No one at Tim Hortons restaurant's don't have idea about a code, no one knows when I E mail them at Tim Hortons. what's a fellow to do??
victoria
victoria
December 5, 2021
how can i collect my rewatds
creditcardGenius Team
creditcardGenius Team
December 8, 2021
Hey Victoria, Every time you make a purchase at Tims, simply scan your card or the Tims Rewards app to collect 10 points per purchase.
Jinny Day
Jinny Day
March 1, 2021
I have 1170 banked points. How can I use them up slowly?
creditcardGenius Team
creditcardGenius Team
March 3, 2021
Hey Jinny, To burn them slowly, the best option is redeem for baked good such as cookies or donuts, as they require the fewest points.
Jinny Day
Jinny Day
March 1, 2021
How do I redeem points for a coffee at the drive in window, from my banked balance?
creditcardGenius Team
creditcardGenius Team
March 3, 2021
Hey Jinny, You should just be able to scan your card at the checkout to redeem your points, even at a Drive Thru. If you have enough points and have the right category selected, your redemption will happen automatically.
Cynthia Shepherd
Cynthia Shepherd
October 8, 2020
Tim horton's rewards are a waste of time you should give at least 10 points for every item it's not worth saving points because you give nothing compared to the amount I spend have to spend 700 dollars to get a free coffee..... RIP off
Tyler
Tyler
May 31, 2021
Agreed. I mean cheers steven for putting so much effort into this article.. But yea man, i'd suggest you focus your efforts elsewhere. It's imo, the worst restaurant loyalty program i've ever seen - and ive looked at a ton. Personally think it's so garbage I do not even scan my tim rewards card. Not that I should have to - I've been loading the app via amex to get my free monthly restaurant credit.. Thus when I scan to pay, if it wasn't such a garbage program, one scan would get my payment and loyalty done at once, like any other decent restaurant program works (EG: Mary browns or subway). But no, must be done separately, even on there app. Very dumb. They sometimes ask me, arent you gonna scan your tim rewards too? Im like nah waste of time. It's not even a points system man. It's a punch card obviously disguised like one. Basically buy 7 coffees, get 1 free, same as mcdonald's program there (tho mcdonalds is easier to use). Or buy freakin 22!!! breakfast samiches get one free? And it has a expiration ? 22 visits to get a measurely item worth $2-3 (mcdonalds price anyways, there rip off price of $4-5 doesn't count since its arguably worst or at best the same) What were they smoking! and this is coming from a guy with several million points across 30+ programs, this is one of the few I don't even consider worth my time. Scan my tim card, gime my food and I drive off, not even worth the time to scan the reward qr.
creditcardGenius Team
creditcardGenius Team
June 8, 2021
Hey Tyler, Thanks for the kind words! Since Tim Hortons is so popular, we wanted to let everyone know what their rewards program has to offer. But as you've said, many aren't pleased with the program and how complicated it is. Hopefully they can make it more streamlined (and valuable) in the future.
Tangerine World Elite
RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard
App Download
What’s important to you?
Cash
Travel+
Low Fees
Insurance
Low Interest
Perks

creditcardGenius is a smart credit card matchmaker that compares 126+ features of 250+ credit cards, with objective ratings, rankings and reviews. Built in 2017, for Canadians by Canadians, creditcardGenius is trusted by more than 200,000 people every month, 50,000 newsletter subscribers, and 15M people since launch.

Read more about creditcardGenius

About creditcardGenius

creditcardGenius

The creditcardGenius team of writers is dedicated to bringing factual, helpful, and thorough information to Canadian consumers. Each piece of content goes through a 3-step review process because quality is important to us.

Read more about Team Genius

About Team Genius

Team Genius

Rating Methodology

The most comprehensive credit card rating system in Canada.

126+ total data points analyzed
Data point breakdown