Tim Hortons: Upcoming changes to the Tims Rewards program

Updated May 31, 2024
Tim Hortons Featured
To the point Tim Hortons has announced changes to its Tims Rewards program that will take effect on February 21, 2023.

This program reform will focus on dollars spent rather than the number of visits. Here are the details.

Earning points

The ways of earning of Tims Rewards points will change soon. Previously, each visit to Tim Hortons earned 10 points and a reward could be earned after a certain number of visits; this will no longer be the case as of February 21.

Points earned will now be based on dollars spent, at a ratio of 10 points per dollar. More precisely, it will be one point for every $0.10 spent, and this number will be rounded up. Points will be calculated on the total spent before taxes.

For example, an expense of $5.72 before taxes will earn you 57 points, while an expense of $5.78 before taxes will earn you 58 points.

FidéliTim changements 1

Note that there are several exclusions to the accumulation of points:

Purchases to load, reload and/or activate a Tim CardTM, transactions completed via a third–party ordering website and/or delivery aggregator, delivery tip transactions, cambro deposit and/or refund transactions, certain retail products and donations, bottle deposit transactions, and the cost of any government prescribed levies, duties, taxes or other fees (for example, mandatory environmental fees).

See the terms and conditions of the new program for full details.

Reward levels

It will be possible to select a reward level to redeem points. This level can then be changed at any time if you change your mind.

Here are the different levels:

Reward level Reward Options
300 points Classic donut, specialty donut, hashbrowns, cookie
400 points Brewed coffee, tea, dream donut, bagel, baked goods
600 points Hot Chocolate, French Vanilla, Iced Coffee, Wedges
800 points Real Fruit Quenchers, Cold Brew, Classic Iced Capp®, Box of 10 Timbits®, Yogurt, Frozen Beverages and Espresso Drinks
1,100 points Breakfast Sandwiches and Soups
1,300 points Farmer’s Wrap, BELT®, Lunch Sandwiches and Chili
1,800 points Loaded Bowls & Wraps
FidéliTim changements 2

This definitely represents a greater number of points required than before to earn rewards, but consider the accumulation changes in the equation.

In the past, you only needed 5 visits (or 50 points) to get a free donut and now you will need to spend a minimum of $30 before taxes (i.e. 300 points) to reach this level of rewards.

Have you earned a lot of Tim Rewards points? It might be worth it for you to redeem them before February 21, 2023. Your points will not disappear on that date, they will simply be transferred to the new program. But, as shown above, your earned points will be devalued.

Bottom Line

These changes to the Tims Rewards program will favour those who spend more money and disadvantage those who visit Tim Hortons more regularly but spend less money. It’s up to you to decide whether these changes will be positive or negative for you, depending on your visiting and spending habits.

Tims Rewards members will also have access to benefits from the app such as exclusive offers, the option to pre-order to skip the line, and the ability to enter other contests such as Roll Up to Win and the Tims NHL Hockey Challenge.

FiéliTim changements 3

A reminder that the best card to use at Tim Hortons is the American Express Cobalt® Card as it offers 5 points per dollar of purchases at restaurants, bars, cafes, grocery and convenience stores. You’ll earn a minimum of 5% back on your purchases at Tim Hortons, in addition to the rewards you’ve earned with TimerTim Rewards.

  • 5X points on groceries and dining
  • Use your points as a statement credit on any purchase
  • Transfer your points to airline and hotel partners
Learn More
Best American Express Credit Card in 2023
  • In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
  • Earn 5X the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
  • Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
  • Earn 2X the points for eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada
  • Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
  • Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
  • Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
  • Access Front Of The Line® AmexTM Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Earning Rate
  • Groceries5Membership Rewards
  • Dining and Food delivery5Membership Rewards
  • Convenience Stores5Membership Rewards
Value
  • Year 1 $1,054
  • Year 2+ $799
Best For
Transfer Partners
  • AeroplanAsia MilesBritish Airways ClubEtihad GuestFlying BlueHilton HonorsMarriott BonvoyAmerican Express Membership Rewards

Advantages

  • Annual Credit
  • VIP Lounges
  • Concierge
  • Wifi
  • Travel credit

Travel Insurance

Insurance Name
Included
Amount
Duration
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance up to 54 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance up to 64 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance 65+
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip Interruption Insurance
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$250,000
Flight Delay Insurance
$500
Delayed Baggage Insurance
$500
Lost/Stolen Baggage Insurance
$500
Auto Rental Loss/Insurance
$85,000
48 day(s)
Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
$500
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc

Suggested Reading

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings are here (if you don’t see the sign-up form, please click here):

Milesopedia