Best PC Mastercard credit cards in Canada

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Updated: September 27, 2024

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In early 2018, two of the most popular Canadian points programs, PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum, merged to become PC Optimum. This points program gives customers more opportunities to earn and spend their points at participating merchants.

Best of all, you can earn even more points with one of three PC Financial credit cards: The PC® MasterCard®, PC® World Elite Mastercard®, and PC® World Mastercard®.

Compare top PC Financial credit cards

PC Financial Mastercards Fast facts Get started
The PC® MasterCard® Earn rate:
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere.
- Earn 30 points per $1 when purchasing travel through President’s Choice.
- Earn 25 points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

No minimum income requirement

Subject to credit approval
Apply now
PC® World Mastercard® Earn rate:
- Earn 45 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix
- Earn 30 points per litre for gas purchased at Esso™ or Mobil™ stations
- Earn 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner Grocery Stores (includes Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Independent Grocers, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, etc.)
- Earn 30 points per $1 spent on PC Travel services
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else

Minimum income: $60,000 personal/year, $80,000year household

Subject to credit approval
Apply now
PC® World Elite Mastercard® Earn rate:- Earn 45 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix- Earn 30 points per litre for gas purchased at Esso™ or Mobil™ stations- Earn 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner Grocery Stores (includes Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Independent Grocers, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, etc.)- Earn 30 points per $1 spent on PC Travel services- Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else

Minimum income: $60,000 personal/year, $80,000year household
Subject to credit approval

Subject to credit approval
Apply now
PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard®. $120 annual fee

Earn rate:
- Earn 40 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner stores
- Earn 50 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- Earn 40 per $1 spent at Joe Fresh stores
- Earn 10 per $1 spent everywhere else

Minimum income: $80,000 personal

Subject to credit approval
Apply now

PC Financial Mastercard review

PC® Mastercard®

Apply now

3.2

10 pts per $1

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn 10 points per $1 spent at PC grocery stores

Pros

  • No annual fee, ideal for budget-conscious shoppers

  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere

  • Accelerated points at Esso, Shoppers Drug Mart, and PC Travel

  • Points redeemable at over 2,500 stores nationwide

  • Purchase insurance and extended warranties for added protection

Cons

  • Middle-of-the-road rewards compared to other no-fee cards

  • Limited redemption options compared to some competitors

  • Lacks introductory benefits like bonus points

  • Requires spending at specific stores for maximum benefits

  • Point value may seem low initially, despite earning potential

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

Pros

  • No annual fee, ideal for budget-conscious shoppers

  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere

  • Accelerated points at Esso, Shoppers Drug Mart, and PC Travel

  • Points redeemable at over 2,500 stores nationwide

  • Purchase insurance and extended warranties for added protection

Cons

  • Middle-of-the-road rewards compared to other no-fee cards

  • Limited redemption options compared to some competitors

  • Lacks introductory benefits like bonus points

  • Requires spending at specific stores for maximum benefits

  • Point value may seem low initially, despite earning potential

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere

10 points

Earn 2c per litre in PC Optimum points at Esso and Mobil

2 cents

Earn 30 points per $1 when purchasing travel through President’s Choice

30 points

Earn 25 points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix

25 points

Purchase APR

21.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.97%

Cash Advance APR

22.97%

Annual Fee

$0

  • Overview of the PC® MasterCard®

    +

    The PC® MasterCard® is the most basic PC card on this list, however, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great option. The PC Financial Mastercard does not have a $0 annual fee and there is a low threshold needed to apply. This makes it a great credit card option for students or young people just entering the workforce.

    As for benefits, PC® MasterCard® cardholders will receive 10 points for every dollar spent at any participating store where President’s Choice products are sold, and 30 points per every dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix. Furthermore, cardholders will earn 2 cents per litre in PC Optimum points at any Esso™ or Mobil™ gas station, 25 points per every dollar spent on PC travel services, and 10 points for every dollar spent elsewhere. The only other benefits included with this card are purchase assurance and extended warranty.

President's Choice World Mastercard overview

PC® World Mastercard®

4.0

Good

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Earn 20 points per $1 spent at Loblaw Banner Grocery Stores (includes Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Independent Grocers, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, etc.)

20

Earn 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix

35

Earn 30 points per litre for gas purchased at Esso™ or Mobil™ stations

30

Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else

10

Purchase APR

21.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

5%

Cash Advance APR

22.97%

Annual Fee

$0

  • Overview of the PC® World Mastercard®

    +

    The PC® World Mastercard® is a step up from the PC® Mastercard®. There 's still a $0 annual fees for this credit card as well, however, users will need a personal annual income of $60,000.

    The points system is similar to that of the PC® Mastercard®, but with this card, you have a higher earn rate. Users will receive 20 points per $1 spent at any participating store where President’s Choice products are sold (e.g. Loblaws, No Frills, Zehrs, etc.).

    You get 35 points per every $1 spent at a Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix.

    Purchase assurance, extended warranty and 24/7 concierge service come included as additional benefits.

President's Choice World Elite Mastercard overview

PC® World Elite Mastercard

Apply now

4.0

Fair

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • High earn rates in certain stores

  • Easy, straightforward redemptions

  • Points don’t expire provided your account stays active and in good standing

  • Special events allow you to earn extra points

Cons

  • High income requirement to qualify

  • Accelerated earn rates are limited to certain partner stores, and points can be redeemed only for purchases within Loblaw banner stores

  • Points can’t be transferred to other loyalty programs

  • The included travel insurance is very limited

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • High earn rates in certain stores

  • Easy, straightforward redemptions

  • Points don’t expire provided your account stays active and in good standing

  • Special events allow you to earn extra points

Cons

  • High income requirement to qualify

  • Accelerated earn rates are limited to certain partner stores, and points can be redeemed only for purchases within Loblaw banner stores

  • Points can’t be transferred to other loyalty programs

  • The included travel insurance is very limited

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

* 45 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix

45 points

Earn 30 points per litre for gas purchased at Esso™ or Mobil™ stations

30 points

Earn 30 points per $1 spent on PC Travel services

30 points

Earn 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaw Banner Grocery Stores (includes Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Independent Grocers, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, etc.)

30 points

Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else

10 points

Purchase APR

21.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

5%

Cash Advance APR

22.97%

Annual Fee

$0

  • Overview of the PC® World Elite Mastercard®

    +

    The PC® World Elite Mastercard® is the highest-yield option in terms of earning points and some great premium benefits. As with the other PC Financial credit cards, there's a $0 annual fee.

    As for the points system, cardholders will receive 30 points for every dollar spent at participating stores where President’s Choice products are sold, 45 points for every dollar spent at a Shoppers Drug Mart of Pharmaprix.

    As with the other two credit cards, users will also receive 30 points at an Esso™ or Mobil™ station.

    The PC® World Elite Mastercard® also comes with several premium benefits that include 24/7 concierge service, identity theft assistance, car rental collision/loss damage waiver insurance, and travel emergency medical insurance for trips up to 10 days for cardholders under the age of 65.

    Having a PC Mastercard is a must if you shop at participating stores where President’s Choice products are sold or at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix on a regular basis. These cards have no annual fee and there is simply no better way to earn additional PC Optimum points which can be redeemed for free groceries and merchandise.

PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard® overview

PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard®

3.5

300,000 points

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

Enjoy a welcome offer* of 300,000 PC Optimum™ points.

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonus

  • Excellent earn rate on everyday expenses

  • Access to free online delivery

  • Super rare identity theft protection

  • Rental car insurance

  • Emergency medical insurance

Cons

  • $120 annual fee

  • Poor travel insurance for a World Elite credit card

  • Limited to PC brands

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonus

  • Excellent earn rate on everyday expenses

  • Access to free online delivery

  • Super rare identity theft protection

  • Rental car insurance

  • Emergency medical insurance

Cons

  • $120 annual fee

  • Poor travel insurance for a World Elite credit card

  • Limited to PC brands

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Earn 40 points per $1 at Loblaw banner stores

40

Earn 50 points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart

50

Earn 10 points per $1 everywhere else

10

Get free online grocery delivery and pick up

$0

Earn up to 70 points per lire of gas at Esso and Mobil stations

70

Purchase APR

21.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

5%

Cash Advance APR

22.97%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

  • Overview of the PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard®

    +

    If you're a brand loyalist to Loblaws, Shoppers, Joe Fresh, Esso and Mobil gas stations, the $120 fee probably makes sense to get this card.

    To start, it has the highest earn rates.

    Earn 40 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner stores

    Earn 50 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart

    Earn 40 per $1 spent at Joe Fresh stores

    Earn up to 70 points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations

    Earn 10 per $1 spent everywhere else

    You can add 4 additional cardholders at no extra cost (so it's great for families) which helps you accelerate your points and rewards even faster.

    Plus, you get unlimited $0 online grocery delivery and pickup with a complimentary PC Express™ pass ($99.99 value).

    PC credit cards also throw in great insurance like purchase assurance, extended warranty, credit card rental car insurance, travel emergency medical insurance, and identity theft assistance service. I've never seen ID theft insurance on a credit card before. It seems silly to pay for it, but when it's included, it's a no brainer. Online scams like phishing and brushing are everywhere and the cost to get your identity back can be in the thousands.

How the PC Optimum program works

With PC Optimum, 1,000 points are equal to $1. In essence, PC Optimum is similar to a cash back program where your points can be redeemed for groceries and/or merchandise at Real Canadian Superstores, Value-mart, Fortinos, City Markets, No Frills, Independent Grocers, Zehrs, Loblaws Grocers, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix and Shoppers Home Health Care. You can also use your PC Optimum points to shop online at JoeFresh.com and beautyBoutique.ca. In order to make the most of this cash back program, there are a few things you can do to maximize your PC Optimum point earnings, like going to special spending events, getting gas at certain stations, and more.

The PC Optimum program also runs in-store promotions such as the 20x the points days at Shoppers Drug Mart and targeted offers at grocery stores that will allow you to earn points even quicker. You can even earn PC Optimum points at Esso™ or Mobil™ gas stations.

If you’re a regular shopper at participating stores that offer PC products and/or Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix, then you may want to consider applying for one of the PC Financial credit cards since it’ll allow you to earn points at a much quicker rate.

Compare the best PC Financial credit cards

PC Financial Mastercard reviews PC® MasterCard® PC® World Mastercard® PC Financial® World Elite Mastercard® PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard®
Annual fee $0 $0 $0 $120
Earn rate at Loblaw banner grocery stores 10 points/$1 20 points/$1 30 points/$1 40 points/$1
Earn rate at Shoppers Drug Mart stores 25 points/$1 35 points/$1 45 points/$1 50 points/$1
Earn rate at Esso & Mobil gas stations 2/litre 30 points/litre 300 points/litre 70points/litre (7 cents per litre)
Earn rate everywhere else 10 points/$1 10 points/$1 10 points/$1 10 points/$1
Minimum income N/A $60,000 personal, $100,000 household $80,000 personal $80,000 personal, $150,000 household
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Sponsored advertising. President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® is provided by President’s Choice Bank. The PC Optimum™ program is provided by President's Choice Services Inc. President’s Choice Bank is not responsible for the contents of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information regarding the PC® Mastercard®, PC® World Mastercard®, or PC® World Elite Mastercard®, please click on the “Apply Now” or other applicable button.

FAQs

  • What is PC Financial?

    +

    PC Financial is the common name for President's Choice Financial (French: Services financiers le Choix du Président), the financial service brand of the Canadian supermarket chain Loblaw Companies

  • What is the foreign transaction fee on PC Financial credit cards?

    +

    PC Financial charges a foreign transaction fee (also called a currency conversion fee in some instances) of 2.5% of the transaction in Canadian dollars (CAD).

  • How can I contact PC Financial credit card customer support?

    +

    You can reach PC Financial customer support representatives at 1-866-246-7262 from 8 am to 8 pm local time in your province or territory. You can also email customer support agents at [email protected].

Hannah Logan Freelance Contributor

Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.

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