If you’re a regular Tim Hortons customer and saw an ad for the new Tim Hortons Credit Card, you might be wondering: “Is this worth signing up for?” In this honest review, we’ll break down the pros, cons, rewards structure, and whether this card is actually useful—or just another branding gimmick.
🔍 What Is the Tim Hortons Credit Card?
The Tim Hortons Credit Card is a no-annual-fee Mastercard offered in partnership with Neo Financial, integrated into the Tims app. It lets you earn Tims Rewards Points directly through your spending, both inside and outside Tim Hortons.
Here’s the basic rewards structure:
-
15 points per dollar on eligible purchases at Tim Hortons (when you scan your Tims Rewards)
-
5 points per dollar on groceries, gas, EV charging, taxi, rideshare, and transit
-
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Points are automatically deposited into your Tims Rewards account, and can only be used at Tim Hortons locations.
📉 The Ugly Truth: Weak Rewards Value
Here’s where things fall apart: Tim Hortons Rewards Points have very low redemption value.
To put it into perspective:
-
400 points = a free coffee (approx. $2 value)
-
That means 15 points per dollar = 3.75% return only at Tim Hortons
-
For all other categories (like groceries, gas, etc.), 5 points per dollar = roughly 1.25% return
Even that is generous, because point values may vary across menu items and promotions.
Unlike cashback cards or flexible rewards programs like PC Optimum or Aeroplan, Tim Points are locked to one brand, and that brand doesn’t offer much value for your spending.
🤔 Why It’s Probably Not the Best Choice
Despite being flashy and tied to a beloved Canadian coffee chain, the Tim Hortons credit card has some major downsides:
-
❌ Limited redemption options (Tim Hortons only)
-
❌ Low rewards value (points equate to pennies)
-
❌ Lack of perks (no travel insurance, no extended warranty, no lounge access)
-
❌ No real promotions outside of Tims
-
❌ No upgrade path to premium benefits
Even with no annual fee, many comparable no-fee cards in Canada—like the PC Financial World Elite Mastercard or Scotiabank Momentum Visa—offer much better value, flexibility, and promotions.
✅ The Only Real Upside: Sign-Up Bonus & No Fee
While the rewards are lackluster, the Tim Hortons credit card doesn’t cost you anything to open, and it offers an easy sign-up bonus.
If you’re referred by a friend, you can earn $20 in Tims Rewards after your first purchase. That’s 20 days of free coffee, if you’re frugal!
It’s worth noting that applying for the card may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score for about two months—standard for new credit applications.
☕ My Personal Experience With the Tim Hortons Credit Card
I signed up through a referral code and got $20 in rewards by email—basically free coffee for a couple of weeks. That was the best part.
After that, the card quickly lost its appeal. I barely earned enough points to make it worth using compared to my PC World Elite Mastercard, which gives me way more value through PC Optimum points, including deals at groceries, gas stations, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
I eventually stopped using the Tim Card entirely. Unless you live and breathe Tim Hortons, this card isn’t worth occupying a slot in your wallet.
Want the $20 bonus anyway? Feel free to use this code: ZXPZMJYS when signing up.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Tim Hortons Credit Card free?
Yes, it has no annual fee.
2. Where can I use Tim Points?
You can only redeem them at Tim Hortons restaurants through the Tims app.
3. Is there a sign-up bonus?
Yes, you can receive $20 in Tims Rewards via email after your first purchase if you sign up using a referral link or code.
4. Will applying hurt my credit score?
It may cause a temporary dip in your credit score, typical for all new credit card applications.
5. Can I use this card for travel or insurance perks?
No, this card lacks standard credit card perks like travel insurance, rental coverage, or extended warranties.
📝 Final Verdict: Skip It Unless You’re a Timmy’s Superfan
The Tim Hortons Credit Card might sound tempting for daily Tims drinkers, but the rewards system is underwhelming, and the points are too limited in value and use.
You’re better off choosing a card that earns flexible rewards or cashback, like:
-
PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
-
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
-
CIBC Dividend Visa
Unless you’re collecting Tims Points like Pokémon, this card is more of a marketing tool than a financial one.
Thinking of applying just for the bonus coffee? Go ahead—but don’t expect long-term value.
Let me know in the comments: Have you tried the Tim Hortons credit card? Was it worth it for you?
