How to make the most of the Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards Program
Roberto Machado Noa / Getty
Fact Checked: Amy Tokic
Updated: November 19, 2024
Who doesn’t have Canadian Tire money thrown somewhere in their car or sitting on a shelf at home? Well, even for those of us who took those fake Canadian Tire bills for granted, the store’s rewards program is worth paying attention to. Here’s what you need to know about the Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards Program.
Basics | Triangle Rewards Program |
---|---|
How to sign up for rewards | Sign up on the website, in person at Canadian Tire or by using the Triangle Rewards app |
How to earn rewards | Use a Triangle Rewards Mastercard and/or shop at Canadian Tire and participating retail partners |
Triangle Rewards earn rate | Earn .04% back (pre-tax amount) in Canadian Tire Money at all participating retailers; earn 3 cents per litre in Canadian Tire Money at Gas+ |
Triangle Rewards redemption rate | $1 in Canadian Tire Money = $1 in free stuff |
What is the Triangle Rewards Program?
Canadian Tire is an iconic Canadian brand and the company’s Canadian Tire Money was one of Canada’s most beloved loyalty programs. To appeal to a younger and more-digitally minded demographic, Canadian Tire launched a new loyalty program in 2018 called Triangle Rewards. The Triangle Rewards program allows members to collect and redeem Canadian Tire Money (also known as CT Money) online and in-store at Canadian Tire and a variety of other retailers, or when making a purchase with a Triangle Mastercard credit card (Canadian Tire offers 3 unique cards). There is no fee to join the program.
How to earn rewards
One of the best features of Triangle Rewards is the many ways you can earn rewards. You simply show your membership card or have the cashier scan your Triangle app (available for android and iOS—more on the app below). You can earn CT Money when you shop in person or online, with some exceptions, at the following retailers (note that some retailers are only found in Quebec):
- Canadian Tire
- Petro Canada
- Sport Chek
- Atmosphere
- Sports Rousseau (no collecting online only in person)
- Party City
- Hockey Experts
- Participating Gas+ locations
- Mark’s & L’Équipeur
- Sports Experts
You can’t collect CT Money on things like gift cards, lottery tickets, hunting and fishing licenses, labour (other than labour for automobile repairs), prepaid cards, phone cards and tobacco products. A full list of prohibited products is available on the Canadian Tire website.
Note that not all Sports Experts locations are participating in the program.
Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards Mastercards
The other and much more lucrative way to earn Canadian Tire Money is by shopping at participating retailers with a Triangle Rewards credit card. There are three Triangle credit cards available: The Triangle™ Mastercard®, the Triangle™ World Elite Mastercard®, and the Triangle™ World Mastercard®.
Canadian Tire Cash Advantage® Mastercard®
2.8
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Up to 3% cash back with no caps
-
Special in-store promotional financing options
Cons
-
Limited insurance coverage
-
No welcome bonus for new accounts
-
No gas discounts like other Canadian Tire credit cards
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
3%
up to 3% cash back at Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire companies such as Mark’s, Atmosphere, Party City, Sport Chek and more.
1.5%
cash back on eligible purchases
up to 3% cash back at Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire companies such as Mark’s, Atmosphere, Party City, Sport Chek and more.
3%
cash back on eligible purchases
1.5%
21.99%
Purchase APR for non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Up to 3% cash back with no caps
-
Special in-store promotional financing options
Cons
-
Limited insurance coverage
-
No welcome bonus for new accounts
-
No gas discounts like other Canadian Tire credit cards
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
3%
up to 3% cash back at Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire companies such as Mark’s, Atmosphere, Party City, Sport Chek and more.
1.5%
cash back on eligible purchases
up to 3% cash back at Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire companies such as Mark’s, Atmosphere, Party City, Sport Chek and more.
3%
cash back on eligible purchases
1.5%
21.99%
Purchase APR for non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Canadian Tire Triangle® Mastercard®
2.8
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Up to 4% cash back on purchases
-
5¢ back per litre of fuel at select gas partners
Cons
-
Rewards are geared towards Canadian Tire brands
-
Existing customers note lackluster customer service support
-
Limited insurance coverage
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
4%
back in Canadian Tire Money (CT Money) at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Party City, Pro Hockey Life and more
1.5%
back in CT Money at grocery stores
0.5%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
5¢
per litre back in Canadian Tire Money every time you fill up at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations
back in Canadian Tire Money (CT Money) at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Party City, Pro Hockey Life and more
4%
back in CT Money at grocery stores
1.5%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
0.5%
per litre back in Canadian Tire Money every time you fill up at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations
5¢
21.99% - 25.99%
Variable APR non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents
22.99% - 27.99%
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 25.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99% - 27.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Up to 4% cash back on purchases
-
5¢ back per litre of fuel at select gas partners
Cons
-
Rewards are geared towards Canadian Tire brands
-
Existing customers note lackluster customer service support
-
Limited insurance coverage
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
4%
back in Canadian Tire Money (CT Money) at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Party City, Pro Hockey Life and more
1.5%
back in CT Money at grocery stores
0.5%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
5¢
per litre back in Canadian Tire Money every time you fill up at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations
back in Canadian Tire Money (CT Money) at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Party City, Pro Hockey Life and more
4%
back in CT Money at grocery stores
1.5%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
0.5%
per litre back in Canadian Tire Money every time you fill up at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations
5¢
21.99% - 25.99%
Variable APR non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents
22.99% - 27.99%
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 25.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99% - 27.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Canadian Tire Triangle® World Elite® Mastercard®
3.5
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
Flexible rewards program
-
Comes with concierge services
Cons
-
High income requirements
-
Low earn rate for non-Triangle store purchases
-
$12k earning cap on grocery category
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
4%
back in CT Money on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's and more
3%
back in CT Money at grocery stores (on the first $12,000 per year; excludes Costco and Walmart)
1%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
back in CT Money on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's and more
4%
back in CT Money at grocery stores (on the first $12,000 per year; excludes Costco and Walmart)
3%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
1%
21.99%
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Flexible rewards program
-
Comes with concierge services
Cons
-
High income requirements
-
Low earn rate for non-Triangle store purchases
-
$12k earning cap on grocery category
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
4%
back in CT Money on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's and more
3%
back in CT Money at grocery stores (on the first $12,000 per year; excludes Costco and Walmart)
1%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
back in CT Money on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's and more
4%
back in CT Money at grocery stores (on the first $12,000 per year; excludes Costco and Walmart)
3%
CT Money everywhere else you shop
1%
21.99%
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee no annual fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Canadian Tire Money earn rate
The earn rate for all participating retailers is 0.4% back in Canadian Tire Money on pre-tax purchases for all eligible purchases. The only exception is at Gas+ where members earn $0.03 in Canadian Tire Money per litre when they pay with cash or debit. Of course, you can really accelerate these earn rates when you shop with a Triangle credit card.
Canadian Tire Money redemption value
The Canadian Tire Money‘s redemption value is very straightforward. One CT Money dollar is equal to $1 in real money.
How to redeem Canadian Tire money and points
You can redeem your CT Money in-store at:
- Canadian Tire
- SportChek
- Party City
- Mark’s & L’Équipeur
- Atmosphere
- Pro Hockey Life
- Sports Rousseau
- Hockey Experts
- L'Entrepôt du Hockey
- Participating Sports Experts stores
- Online at select stores on canadiantire.ca
You will be advised if online redemption is possible for your selected store during checkout.
How to sign up for rewards
Signing up for the Triangle Rewards program is very quick and easy. On the website, click the ‘Join Triangle Now’ button. You’ll fill in a bit of personal information and then receive a membership number that you can use right away to make purchases. You can also sign up directly on the spot at any Canadian Tire store.
The Triangle Rewards app
You can also sign up for the program using the Triangle Rewards app, which is available on both Android and Apple devices. The app also makes it easy to use your membership because you don’t have to worry about memorizing your membership rewards number or carrying around a card and retailers can just scan your app.
Alternative credit cards to maximize your Canadian Tire purchases
If you don’t want a Triangle Rewards branded card there are still ways to get the most out of a shopping excursion to Canadian Tire with one of these cards.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
4.0
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The no-fee Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is one of the best no-fee cards in the country. Cardholders get 2% cash back on two categories (you get to pick the categories you want out of a selection of 10). This cash-back powerhouse also comes with nice perks like a balance transfer promotion rate.
Terms and Conditions apply
MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
4.0
up to 10K pts
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreEarn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $10,000 is spent annually. You could also receive up to 10,000 bonus points.
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Accelerated rewards on groceries, restaurants, and more
-
Simple point structure with flexible redemption options
-
Generous introductory bonus of up to 10,000 points
-
No cap on total points earned
Cons
-
Lower cash back redemption rate compared to designated cash back cards
-
Limited benefits beyond rewards
-
Points system may not appeal to cash back enthusiasts
-
Higher earning categories have a spending cap of $10,000 annually
-
Better suited for travel rewards than cash back
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
10,000
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
10,000
19.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
24.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
24.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Accelerated rewards on groceries, restaurants, and more
-
Simple point structure with flexible redemption options
-
Generous introductory bonus of up to 10,000 points
-
No cap on total points earned
Cons
-
Lower cash back redemption rate compared to designated cash back cards
-
Limited benefits beyond rewards
-
Points system may not appeal to cash back enthusiasts
-
Higher earning categories have a spending cap of $10,000 annually
-
Better suited for travel rewards than cash back
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
10,000
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
10,000
19.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
24.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
24.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
It’s not often you can get a no-fee platinum card! The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® starts off with a generous welcome bonus. After the bonus ends, you’ll earn 2 MBNA Rewards points on groceries, dining, streaming, memberships and recurring bills (up to a spending cap of $10,000 per year). All other purchases earn you 1 MBNA Rewards point on all other purchases. The card also features mobile device insurance**, purchase assurance and extended warranty protection and a discount on select rental cars.
‡, ††, ✪, ***, Terms and Conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.
Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
4.0
up to 10% back
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Pros
-
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
-
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
-
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
-
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
-
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
-
Cash back redeemed annually in September
-
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
-
Limited to American Express acceptance
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
4%
cash back on all other purchases
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR *
$119.88
Annual Fee $9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
-
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
-
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
-
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
-
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
-
Cash back redeemed annually in September
-
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
-
Limited to American Express acceptance
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
4%
cash back on all other purchases
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR *
$119.88
Annual Fee $9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
For a $119.88 annual fee ($9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.), you can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back) and 2% cash back on all other purchases with the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express with no caps on earnings at the base rate.
- Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Final thoughts
The Triangle Rewards program is a good program but only if you frequently shop at Canadian Tire or other participating retailers. The Triangle credit cards certainly help boost earnings at Canadian Tire stores and eligible retailers but don’t offer as many rewards as some other credit cards for groceries and other kinds of purchases.
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
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