Canadian Tire Financial Services
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| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial Services |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | 3475 Superior Court, Oakville, Ontario |
| Total assets | CAD |
| Employees | (Full-time equivalent, 1400) |
| Website | Canadian Tire Financial Services |
Canadian Tire Financial Services (CTFS) (French: Services financiers Canadian Tire) is the financial services arm of Canadian Tire. Based in Oakville, CTFS has business operations in Burlington, St. Catharines and Welland.
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History [edit]
- CTFS began in 1961 as Midland Shoppers Credit Limited, a small company offering third-party credit processing for local retailers[1]
- In 1968, Midland was servicing Canadian Tire stores and eventually was purchased by Canadian Tire and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. At this time it was renamed Canadian Tire Acceptance Limited and since has been renamed Canadian Tire Financial Services Limited (CTFS).
- In 1995, CTFS became the first non-deposit taking financial institution worldwide to launch a MasterCard.
- In 2003, Canadian Tire Bank was established, a Schedule 1 bank under the Bank Act (Canada). Canadian Tire Bank provides high interest savings accounts, tax free savings accounts, and GICs. In addition, all of CTFS’ credit card portfolio was transferred to Canadian Tire Bank.
- In 2008, CTFS was named one of “Canada’s Top 100 Employers” by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as announced in Maclean’s Magazine.[2]
- As of 2011, CTFS and Canadian Tire Bank employ more than 1,600 people, with offices in Welland, St. Catharines, and Oakville, Ontario.
MasterCard [edit]
In 1995, the Canadian Tire Options MasterCard was issued nationally with a reward program with Canadian Tire ‘Money’ and a discount on gas based on the previous month’s purchases. In 2008, the card was embedded with PayPass Technology and is now issued by Canadian Tire Bank.
In 2006, the Cash Advantage MasterCard was placed into pilot. Its reward program allows cardholders to earn up to 1.5% cash back based on the amount of eligible annual purchases made on their card. In 2007, the Vacation Advantage MasterCard was created with cardholders rewarded with points that could be redeemed for any vacation related purchase.[3]
In 2009, the no fee Curve MasterCard was first issued nationwide, so named as its shape is a distinct curved. Its reward program allows cardholders to earn up to 3.5% cash back based on the amount of eligible annual purchases made on their card. Cardholders can earn double cash back at Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Wearhouse stores. In late 2010 both the Vacation Advantage and Curve MasterCards have been removed from Canadian Tire's credit portfolio.
Insurance [edit]
CTFS offers a range of insurance products underwritten by third party insurance companies, including credit protection insurance, term life insurance and accident insurance, and travel insurance.[4]
Retail banking [edit]
In October 2006, Canadian Tire Bank began to offer more traditional banking services over the phone or online.[5]
- High interest savings account
- Tax Free Savings Account
- Guaranteed Investment Certificates
- Mortgages (In October 2009, Canadian Tire Bank sold its lending portfolio to National Bank of Canada and no longer offers mortgage products.)
All deposit products are eligible for insurance from the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Roadside assistance [edit]
Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance, formerly Universal Travel Auto Club and later Canadian Tire Auto Club, was launched in 1981 by CTFS.[citation needed]
References [edit]
- ^ "About Us". Canadian Tire Financial Services. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ YEREMA, RICHARD (Macleans.ca). "The Top 100". Macleans.ca. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ https://www.ctfs.com/Products/CreditCards/CashAdvantageMasterCard/
- ^ https://www.ctfs.com/Products/Insurance/
- ^ https://www.myctfs.com/Products/
