Best PC Mastercard cards compared

The PC^® Silver 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 an 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 3 cents per litre in PC Optimum points (equal to 30 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.

The PC^® World Mastercard^® is a step up from the PC^® Mastercard^®. There are no 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.

The earning rate is the same for the other categories: minimum 3 cents per litre in PC Optimum points (30 points) at Esso™ and Mobil™ gas stations, and 10 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

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

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 is no annual fee, however for this particular card you will need to have an annual personal income of $80,000 or $150,000 per household.

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 at least 3 cents per litre in PC Optimum points (30 points) at an Esso™ or Mobil™ station, and 10 points per dollar spent elsewhere.

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 ten days for cardholders under the age of 65. That’s some decent credit card travel insurance considering this card has no annual fee.

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.

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.

40 points per $1 at Loblaws, No Frills, Valu-Mart, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Independent, Fortino's and Wholesale club.

50 points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

70 points (at least 7 cents) per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations.

10 points per $1 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 also throws 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.