How to choose the best Canadian Tire credit card
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Canadian Tire credit cards are among the few no annual fee cards that offer high rewards on everyday purchases. They give you access to the Triangle Rewards program and offer several exclusive perks, including at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark's, Atmosphere and other participating banners. Depending on your income and spending habits, however, one card can be much more rewarding than the other.
In this guide, we compare the Triangle Mastercard cards currently available. You will find out about their rewards, eligibility criteria and exclusive perks, as well as the partnerships with Petro-Canada, RBC and WestJet Rewards. You can then choose the card that best fits your situation.
Canadian Tire credit cards at a glance
Canadian Tire credit cards work on a simple principle: you earn CT Money that you can then use at participating merchants in the Triangle network.
Here is a summary of the two cards currently offered to new applicants.
| Card | Triangle Mastercard | Triangle World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Canadian Tire and participating retailers | 4% CT Money | 4% CT Money |
| Groceries (on the first $12,000 per year; Costco and Walmart excluded) | 1.5% CT Money | 3% CT Money |
| Gas+ and Essence+ | 5¢/litre | 5¢/litre + 7¢/litre on premium fuel |
| Other purchases | 0.5% CT Money | 1% CT Money |
| Minimum income | None | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household |
Both cards also earn rewards at several participating banners, including Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's, Atmosphere, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L'Entrepôt du Hockey and some Sports Experts stores.
The Triangle Rewards program
The Triangle Rewards program is the loyalty program tied to Canadian Tire credit cards. It lets you earn CT Money at several banners in the Canadian Tire group.
Triangle credit cards help you earn rewards faster. However, you can join the program for free even without holding a credit card.
The main ways to earn CT Money include:
- Purchases at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark's, Atmosphere and other participating retailers;
- Certain promotional offers;
- Triangle Bonus Days.
Cardholders can also receive personalized offers based on their shopping habits. These promotions can significantly increase the rewards earned on some purchases.
To maximize your rewards, combine Triangle offers with your Canadian Tire credit card whenever your purchases are eligible.
Canadian Tire credit card: the Triangle Mastercard
The Triangle® Mastercard® is Canadian Tire's entry-level card. It is mainly aimed at consumers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
It offers:
- 4% in CT Money on eligible purchases at participating retailers;
- 1.5% in CT Money at eligible grocery stores on the first $12,000 per year;
- 5¢ per litre in CT Money at Gas+ and Essence+ stations;
- 0.5% in CT Money on other eligible purchases.
For example, a $100 purchase at Canadian Tire could earn $4 in CT Money, before taxes, depending on eligible purchases.
The card also gives you access to some Canadian Tire Bank services, such as online account management and offers reserved for cardholders.
The annual interest rate is 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances. As of July 2026, no welcome bonus is offered on this card.
Who is it for?
The Triangle® Mastercard® is particularly well suited to:
- Occasional Canadian Tire shoppers;
- People who want a no annual fee card;
- Consumers who want to earn rewards without meeting a high income threshold.
However, if you shop regularly at Canadian Tire, buy a lot of groceries or want extra perks, the Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® could be more attractive.
Canadian Tire credit card: the Triangle World Elite Mastercard
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® is the premium card in the Canadian Tire lineup. It is mainly aimed at consumers who shop regularly at participating retailers and want to maximize their rewards.
Like the Triangle® Mastercard®, it has no annual fee. However, it adds several perks, including higher earn rates in some spending categories.
It earns:
- 4% in CT Money at Canadian Tire and participating retailers;
- 3% in CT Money at eligible grocery stores on the first $12,000 per year (Costco and Walmart excluded);
- 1% in CT Money on other eligible purchases;
- Up to 5¢ per litre in CT Money at Gas+ and Essence+ stations;
- Up to 7¢ per litre on premium fuel at eligible stations;
- Additional perks tied to World Elite Mastercard status.
For example, a $100 purchase at Canadian Tire could earn $4 in CT Money. For a family that makes several purchases a year at Canadian Tire, SportChek or Mark's, this reward can quickly add up.
The card also includes Gold Roadside Assistance with a set number of services per year, which can be worthwhile for drivers.
The annual interest rate is 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, as with the Triangle Mastercard. As of July 2026, no welcome bonus is offered on this card.
Who is it for?
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® is better suited to:
- Families who shop regularly at Canadian Tire;
- Sports and outdoor enthusiasts;
- Drivers who buy gas often;
- Consumers who regularly take advantage of Triangle promotions;
- People who meet the minimum income requirement.
On the other hand, if you rarely shop at Canadian Tire, a no-fee card with general cash back could offer more flexibility.
Maximizing your Triangle rewards
To get the most value from a Canadian Tire credit card, you need to combine several sources of rewards.
The best scenario is to use your card on eligible purchases while taking advantage of promotions from the Triangle Rewards program.
Here are a few effective strategies.
Take advantage of Bonus Days
Triangle Bonus Days often let you earn more CT Money on certain purchases.
These promotions can be especially worthwhile for:
- Renovation purchases;
- Seasonal purchases;
- Sports equipment purchases;
- Major household spending.
Before a large purchase, always check your personalized offers in your Triangle account.
Use Triangle partnerships
The Triangle program includes several partnerships that let you earn more rewards.
Petro-Canada
Triangle Rewards members can get perks when they use their card or Triangle account with certain participating partners.
For gas purchases, Triangle cards let you earn CT Money at eligible Gas+ and Essence+ stations.
RBC Canadian Tire partnership
The partnership between RBC and Canadian Tire lets holders of certain eligible RBC cards earn more CT Money when they shop at participating banners.
Under the program terms, eligible RBC cards can earn three times more CT Money on certain eligible purchases at participating retailers.
This partnership can therefore be worthwhile for people who already hold an RBC card and want to maximize their rewards without necessarily changing their main card.
See also our article on the partnership between RBC and Canadian Tire for details on eligible cards.
WestJet Rewards partnership
The partnership between Triangle Rewards and WestJet Rewards lets you link the two loyalty accounts.
Once the accounts are linked, members can:
- Earn WestJet points on eligible purchases at some participating retailers;
- Earn CT Money on some eligible purchases made with WestJet;
- Convert their WestJet points into CT Money.
The current conversion rate is 120 WestJet points for $1 in CT Money.
See the Triangle Rewards website for details.
Rewards example
Here is a simple example to show the difference between the two cards.
$500 purchase at Canadian Tire:
| Card | CT Money earned |
|---|---|
| Triangle® Mastercard® | $20 |
| Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® | $20 |
$1,000 in eligible grocery purchases:
| Card | CT Money earned |
|---|---|
| Triangle® Mastercard® | $6 |
| Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® | $15 |
The difference therefore grows when your annual spending on groceries, gas or at participating retailers is high.
Which Canadian Tire credit card should you choose?
The best Canadian Tire credit card depends mainly on your spending habits.
You rarely shop at Canadian Tire
The Triangle® Mastercard® is probably enough.
It offers:
- No annual fee;
- An attractive reward at Canadian Tire;
- Simple access to the Triangle program.
You are an active family
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® can be more rewarding.
It suits families who regularly buy:
- Clothing;
- Sporting goods;
- Household products;
- Seasonal equipment.
Purchases at SportChek, Atmosphere, Mark's or Canadian Tire can quickly generate CT Money.
You spend a lot on gas
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® can also be attractive for drivers who regularly use Gas+ and Essence+ stations.
However, if you buy most of your gas elsewhere, a card offering a higher rebate at all gas stations could be a better choice.
Alternatives to Canadian Tire cards
Even though Canadian Tire credit cards offer attractive rewards at participating retailers, they don't suit every consumer.
CT Money has to be used at participating banners. If you prefer a more flexible reward, a cash back credit card or a travel rewards card could better meet your needs.
Here are a few alternatives to consider.
Cash back credit cards
A cash back credit card can be attractive if you want a reward you can use anywhere.
Unlike CT Money, cash back can usually be applied directly to your credit card account or deposited into a bank account.
This type of card is better suited to people who:
- Rarely shop at Canadian Tire;
- Want to maximize all their spending;
- Prefer a simple, flexible reward.
Travel credit cards
Travel credit cards can also be an attractive alternative. They generally let you earn points you can redeem for:
- Flights;
- Hotels;
- Vacation packages;
- Travel credits.
They are particularly well suited to consumers who travel regularly and want to maximize their everyday spending.
Conclusion
Canadian Tire credit cards are an attractive option for consumers who shop regularly at Canadian Tire and the other participating banners of the Triangle Rewards program.
The Triangle® Mastercard® is a simple choice for people looking for a no annual fee card. It lets you earn CT Money while enjoying the program's basic perks.
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard®, for its part, is better suited to families and active consumers. Its higher grocery rewards, additional perks and roadside assistance can offer extra value to eligible users.
Before making your choice, however, take a close look at your spending habits. A card that offers lots of rewards at Canadian Tire is not necessarily the best option if you spend mostly elsewhere.
Canadian Tire credit card FAQ
What is the best Canadian Tire credit card?
The best card depends on your profile. The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® suits regular shoppers, while the Triangle® Mastercard® is enough for occasional use.
Is the Triangle Mastercard free?
Yes. The Triangle® Mastercard® has no annual fee. It lets you earn CT Money at participating retailers.
What income do you need for the Triangle World Elite card?
The Triangle® World Elite Mastercard® generally requires a minimum annual income of $80,000 for a single person or $150,000 for a household.
Where can you spend CT Money?
CT Money can be used at participating retailers in the Triangle Rewards program, including Canadian Tire, SportChek and Mark's.
Does the Triangle card give a discount on gas?
Yes. Triangle credit cards let you earn CT Money on certain purchases at eligible Gas+ and Essence+ stations.
Do you need a credit card to join the Triangle program?
No. Joining the Triangle Rewards program is free. A Triangle credit card, however, lets you earn more rewards.
How does the RBC and Canadian Tire partnership work?
Some eligible RBC cards let you earn three times more CT Money on eligible purchases at participating retailers.
