The annual Roll Up to Win contest is one of the most anticipated events for coffee lovers and frequent visitors to Tim Hortons. Originally known as “Roll Up the Rim to Win,” this long-standing tradition has evolved from a physical game played on paper cups to a fully digital experience. This shift allows for more ways to win, a wider variety of prizes, and a more streamlined way to track your rewards.
Understanding how the modern version of the contest works is essential for anyone looking to maximize their chances of winning. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the event, this guide provides the straightforward steps you need to take to participate, earn rolls, and claim your prizes effectively.
How the Digital Contest Works
The transition to a digital format means that you no longer need to physically roll up the edge of a paper cup to see if you have won. Instead, the game is played through a mobile app or a web browser. Every time you purchase an eligible item and scan your rewards card, you earn a digital “roll” that can be opened at your convenience.
This digital approach offers several benefits. It eliminates the mess of torn cups and ensures that you never lose a winning rim. It also allows the contest to include a much broader range of prizes, from instant food rewards to large-scale items like vehicles and vacation packages.
Steps to Start Playing
Participating in the contest is a simple process, but it does require a few specific tools. Follow these steps to ensure you are ready to play before your next visit.
1. Download the Mobile App
The easiest way to participate is by downloading the official Tim Hortons app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Once installed, the app serves as your central hub for earning rolls, opening them, and tracking your prize history.
2. Create a Rewards Account
To earn rolls, you must be a member of the Tims Rewards program. If you do not already have an account, you can sign up directly through the app or on the official website. You will need to provide a valid email address and create a password. Make sure your account is fully registered and that you have accepted the contest’s terms and conditions.
3. Scan Your Digital or Physical Card
When you make a purchase at a restaurant, you must scan your Tims Rewards QR code found in the app. If you prefer using a physical rewards card, ensure that it is linked to your digital account. If you do not scan your card during the transaction, you will not receive your rolls.
How to Earn Digital Rolls
Earning rolls is tied directly to the items you purchase. Not every item on the menu is eligible for a roll, so it is helpful to know what to order to increase your chances. Generally, most hot and cold beverages (excluding espresso shots) and various food items will earn you at least one roll.
- Hot Beverages: Coffee, tea, lattes, and hot chocolate are standard eligible items.
- Cold Beverages: Iced coffees, Iced Capps, Quenchers, and frozen lemonades usually qualify.
- Breakfast Items: Many breakfast sandwiches and wraps are included in the eligible list.
- Mobile Orders: Ordering through the app often ensures your rolls are automatically credited to your account without needing to scan at the counter.
During certain promotional periods, there may be “bonus roll” opportunities. These might involve purchasing specific new menu items or using specific payment methods, such as a branded credit card, to earn extra rolls per transaction.
Opening Your Rolls and Checking Prizes
Once you have earned rolls, they will appear in your account. You can choose to open them immediately or save them for later, as long as you open them before the contest’s official closing date. To open a roll, simply navigate to the “Roll Up to Win” section of the app and swipe the digital cup on your screen.
Types of Prizes Available
The prize pool is typically divided into several categories, ranging from small daily wins to life-changing grand prizes. The variety ensures that many participants walk away with something.
- Instant Food Prizes: These are the most common wins and include items like free coffee, donuts, muffins, and cookies. These are usually loaded directly onto your rewards account.
- Digital Prizes: These may include subscriptions to streaming services, gift cards for online retailers, or Tims Rewards points that can be used for future purchases.
- Major Prizes: These high-value items include new cars, large television sets, outdoor equipment, and prepaid credit cards worth thousands of dollars.
- Grand Prizes: These are often reserved for special draws or rare rolls and can include luxury vacations or significant cash amounts.
Claiming Your Rewards
Winning a prize is exciting, but you must follow the correct steps to claim it. The process varies depending on the type of prize you have won.
Redeeming Food and Beverage Prizes
If you win a coffee or a donut, the prize is usually added to your “Offers” or “Rewards” section in the app. To redeem it, you simply activate the offer in the app and scan your rewards code during your next visit. The cost of the item will be automatically deducted from your total.
Claiming Large Prizes
For non-food prizes, such as electronics or vehicles, the process is more formal. You will typically receive an email with instructions on how to verify your identity and claim your prize. This may involve answering a mathematical skill-testing question, which is a standard legal requirement for contests in many regions. Be sure to check your email regularly, including your spam folder, if you win a major prize.
Tips for a Successful Contest Season
To make the most of the event, keep these practical tips in mind throughout the duration of the contest.
- Check the Expiry Dates: Rolls must be earned by a certain date and opened by another. Prizes also have expiration dates for redemption. Mark these on your calendar so you don’t miss out.
- Link Your Account: If you use a physical card, double-check that it is properly linked to your email. Unlinked cards may earn rolls, but you cannot open them until the account is registered.
- Use Mobile Ordering: Ordering through the app is often the most reliable way to ensure your rolls are tracked correctly, especially during busy morning rushes.
- Stay Informed: Review the official rules at the start of the contest to see if there are any changes to eligible items or new ways to earn bonus rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to scan my card?
Unfortunately, rolls cannot usually be added to your account after the transaction is complete. It is vital to scan your rewards code before paying to ensure you receive credit for your purchase.
Is there a limit to how many rolls I can earn?
There is generally no limit to the number of rolls you can earn through eligible purchases during the contest period. However, there may be limits on how many rolls you can earn per transaction if you are buying a large number of items.
Can I play without making a purchase?
Yes, most contests of this nature offer a “No Purchase Necessary” option to comply with local laws. This usually involves mailing a handwritten request to a specific address to receive a digital roll. Details for this process are found in the official contest rules.
Conclusion
Participating in the Roll Up to Win contest is a straightforward way to add a bit of excitement to your daily coffee routine. By downloading the app, registering your account, and scanning your code with every purchase, you put yourself in the running for millions of prizes. Remember to open your rolls promptly and keep an eye on expiration dates to ensure you enjoy every reward you earn. For more helpful guides on navigating popular loyalty programs and digital contests, explore our other articles on maximizing your everyday rewards.