Best PC Financial Credit Cards
There’s no denying that President's Choice is at the top of the food chain when it comes to store brands in Canada. Whether your favourite is “The Decadent” Chocolate Chip Cookies or the PC White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, it’s hard to go wrong with this brand.
President’s Choice also has a surprisingly full shelf of credit card options. PC Financial offers four credit card options that reward you for shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso, and Loblaw banner stores including Real Canadian Superstore and NoFrills.
The right PC Financial card for you comes down to your income and eligibility, as well as whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee for extra benefits. These are the best PC Financial credit cards in Canada.
The best PC Financial credit cards
BACK TO TOPOur top pick: PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard
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Points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart stores.
Points per $1 at Loblaw banner grocery and Joe Fresh stores.
Points per $1 everything else, plus 7¢ per litre in points at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada.
With accelerated earn rates at Loblaws grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart stores and Joe Fresh stores, frequent shoppers can rack up the rewards. But the $80,000 minimum income requirement may exclude some users. Best for: Frequent Loblaw shoppers who spend big in partner stores.
Pros
- Free PC Express grocery delivery and pickups.
- Some travel insurance included.
Cons
- Higher earn rates are only available at certain stores.
- Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement for individuals, or $150,000 per household.
- $120 annual fee.
- Earn up to 70 PC Optimum points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada, equivalent to 7 cents/L back; 50 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores, equivalent to 5% back; 40 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores and Joe Fresh, equivalent to 4% back; 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else, equivalent to 1% back.
- Redeem a minimum of 10,000 points for free products and groceries at participating stores. Redeem 10,000 for a $7 statement credit to pay down your balance or for any car wash (including premium) at Esso stations.
- Rental car coverage included.
- Additional cardholders are free.
- Mastercard Global Services replaces your card or offers a cash advance in emergencies.
- Unlimited free online grocery delivery and pickups and complimentary PC Express Pass (valued at $99.99 per year).
- Purchase assurance.
- Free extended warranty.
- To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $1500,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
If you already use PC Express Pass and do most of your grocery shopping at Loblaw banner stores, the PC Insiders™ World Elite® Mastercard® may be worth its $120 annual fee.
This card rewards you with up to 50 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix, 40 points per dollar spent at Loblaw banner stores and Joe Fresh, and at least 50 points per litre at Esso and Mobil stations. That gas rate rises to 70 points per litre after you’ve purchased at least 150 litres in a calendar month.
It also comes with a free PC Express Pass, which is good for unlimited no-fee grocery delivery and pickup. If you would otherwise pay for that $99 Express Pass, that leaves only about $20 of the annual fee to recover. Note that if you’re a participant in the semi-defunct PC Optimum Insiders program, you’ll need to give up that membership to get the free PC Express pass included with this card.
Since the card earns one percentage point more at Loblaw banner stores than the no-fee PC World Elite card, roughly $2,000 in annual grocery spending covers the difference in the annual fee. If you won’t use the PC Express pass, the math is much less friendly: grocery spending alone would need to reach about $12,000 a year to offset the full fee.
You’ll also get a few insurance benefits with this card, travel emergency medical insurance and rental car insurance, but not as much coverage as you would expect from the World Elite badge.
Other great PC Financial credit cards:
BACK TO TOPThe other PC Financial credit cards available to Canadians are essentially three different tiers of the same card. All three share an application and you’ll be approved for the best version of the card you qualify for based on your income and credit history.
All of these cards have no annual fee and come with a welcome bonus worth $50 when you apply by August 31, 2026. Where they differ is in the rewards and additional benefits they offer.
PC World Elite Mastercard
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Points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
Points per $1 at Loblaw banner grocery and Joe Fresh stores.
Points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations.
Points per $1 everywhere else.
This co-branded card generously rewards Loblaw shoppers with up to 4.5% back on everyday spending categories, like gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. That said, points are only redeemable at Loblaw stores, and steep income criteria limits this card’s accessibility. Best for: High-income earners who frequently shop Loblaw-affiliated stores.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 4.5% back in everyday spending.
- Some travel insurance.
Cons
- High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
- Highest earn rate limited to drugstore spending.
- Points only redeemable at participating Loblaw-owned stores, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmapix, and Esso gas stations.
- 45x PC Optimum points per dollar on Shoppers Drug Mart purchases, equivalent to 4.5% back.
- 30x PC Optimum points per dollar on Loblaw banner grocery store purchases, equivalent to 3% back.
- 30x PC Optimum points per dollar per litre of gas purchased at Esso and Mobil gas stations, equivalent to 3 cents/L back.
- 10x PC Optimum points per dollar on all other purchases, equivalent to 1% back.
- Redeem 10,000 points for free products and groceries at participating stores. Redeem 10,000 for a $7 statement credit to pay down your balance or for any car wash (including premium) at Esso stations.
- No annual fee.
- 24/7 concierge service to make dinner reservations, reserve event tickets, deliver gifts and more.
- Access to identity theft services to help you avoid identity theft or restore your identity if stolen.
- Four types of insurance provided, including comprehensive travel insurance, car rental collision/loss damage waiver insurance, extended warranty and purchase assurance.
- Preferred rates: 21.99% for purchases, 22.97% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
The PC World Elite Mastercard is the best of the PC Financial credit cards with no annual fee. This card requires a minimum income of $150,000 (household) or $80,000 (individual). It offers 45 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart stores, 30 points per dollar spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores, and at least 30 points per litre of gas purchased at Esso and Mobil stations.
This card also comes with travel emergency medical insurance, which is relatively rare among cards with no annual fee. It also has rental car insurance and a complimentary concierge service for when you’re feeling fancy.
PC World Mastercard
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Points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
Points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada.
Points per $1 at Loblaw banner grocery and Joe Fresh stores.
Points per $1 everywhere else.
Canadians who frequent Loblaw-owned stores will find something to appreciate in this no-fee co-branded card. It offers up to 3.5% back on popular everyday spending categories, including gas, groceries, clothing and drugstore spending. But additional perks are thin on the ground, and travel coverage is nonexistent. Best for: Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart patrons.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 3.5% back in everyday spending.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
- Highest earn rate limited to drugstore spending.
- Points only redeemable at participating Loblaw-owned stores, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmapix, and Esso gas stations.
- No annual fee.
- Earn at least 30 PC Optimum points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada, equivalent to 3 cents/L back; 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores, equivalent to 3.5% back; 20 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores and Joe Fresh, equivalent to 2% back; 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else, equivalent to 1% back.
- Redeem 10,000 points for free products and groceries at participating stores. Redeem 10,000 for a $7 statement credit to pay down your balance or for any car wash (including premium) at Esso stations.
- Mastercard Global Services replaces your card or offers a cash advance in emergencies.
- Free extended warranty.
- 24/7 concierge service.
- Purchase assurance.
- To be eligible, $50,000 (individual) or $80,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
The PC World Mastercard is the middle ground among the PC Financial credit cards with no annual fee. This card requires a minimum income of $80,000 (household) or $50,000 (individual).
It offers 35 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, 20 points per dollar spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores and at least 30 points per litre of gas purchased at Esso and Mobil stations.
PC Mastercard
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Points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada.
Points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
Points per $1 spent at eligible Loblaw banner grocery stores and Joe Fresh stores.
Points per $1 spent everywhere else.
With no annual fee or minimum income requirement, the President's Choice Financial Mastercard is a solid choice for PC Optimum points collectors on a budget. But don’t expect high rewards rates or travel perks. Best for: Budget-minded Loblaw loyalists who spend big at the pharmacy.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earn points on everyday purchases.
Cons
- Highest 2.5% earn rate only applies to Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.
- No travel insurance.
- No annual fee.
- Earn at least 30 PC Optimum points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada, equivalent to 3 cents/L back; 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores, equivalent to 2.5% back; 10 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores and Joe Fresh, equivalent to 1% back; 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else, equivalent to 1% back.
- Redeem 10,000 points for free products and groceries at participating stores. Redeem 10,000 for a $7 statement credit to pay down your balance or for any car wash (including premium) at Esso stations.
- Purchase Assurance
- Extended Warranty
- Mastercard Global Services replaces your card or offers a cash advance in emergencies.
- Add up to four authorized users for free.
- Subject to credit approval and other eligibility criteria.
The PC® Mastercard® is the basic version of the PC Financial credit cards with no annual fee. This card doesn’t require a minimum household income.
It rewards you with 25 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, at least 30 points per litre of gas purchased at Esso and Mobil stations, and 10 points per dollar spent on everything else, including Loblaw banner grocery stores.
» MORE: The best credit cards without annual fees in Canada
Methodology
BACK TO TOPWhat to know about PC Financial’s credit cards
BACK TO TOPWeigh the costs, perks, and rewards of PC Financial credit cards to determine if they’re the right fit before applying.
Pros
- Three of PC Financial’s credit cards do not charge an annual fee.
- You can redeem points online and in person at select locations.
- The PC World Elite Mastercard and PC Insiders™ World Elite® Mastercard® offer both travel insurance and rental car coverage.
- PC Financial’s credit cards are the only credit cards in Canada that earn PC Optimum points, as of this writing.
Cons
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases made in select stores and services.
- The PC® Mastercard® and PC World Mastercard have limited insurance offerings.
How does the PC Optimum rewards program work?
BACK TO TOPPC Optimum is the President’s Choice rewards program. Members can earn and redeem points at participating stores across Canada including Loblaw banner grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso and Mobil gas stations.
A PC Financial credit card is not required to start collecting PC Optimum points, and membership is free and open to Canadian residents age of 14 or older. However, getting a credit card unlocks more benefits and earning power
How (and where) to earn and redeem PC Optimum points
How to earn PC Optimum points
Earn PC Optimum points at over 4,500 gas stations, grocery stores and other participating locations.
Pay with your PC credit card to automatically earn points on eligible purchases.
Or, scan your PC Optimum membership card, key tag or mobile app at checkout to earn points.
Visit the PC Optimum website and enter your location to search for places nearby where you can earn points.
How to redeem PC Optimum points
You can redeem PC Optimum points online or in-store at any participating location. For example, you can use the points you collect to pay for items at Joe Fresh, or gas at Esso.
In-store: Simply scan your PC Optimum card, key tag or mobile app at the register or self-checkout.
Online: Select to redeem points with your purchase at checkout.
Statement credit: Log into your online banking portal and choose to redeem points
Where to earn and redeem PC Optimum points
You can earn and redeem PC Optimum points at select retailers, both inside and outside the Loblaw empire.
Loblaw banner grocery stores including Fortinos, Freshmart, Loblaws, Maxi, NoFrills, Real Canadian Superstore, Valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs and more.
Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
Esso gas stations
Joe Fresh stores
The Mobile Shop
Mobil gas stations (earn only)
DoorDash (earn only)
Specsavers (earn only)
You can also earn PC Optimum points by using a PC Financial credit card, which will earn you a minimum of 10 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
Value of PC Optimum points
PC Optimum points are worth $0.001 each — one-tenth of a cent — or $10 for every 10,000 points redeemed.
You’ll receive this standard value when redeeming points for merchandise at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and Loblaw-banner grocery stores. Points must be redeemed in increments of 10,000.
Points have the same value when redeemed for fuel discounts at Esso stations. You can redeem 4,000 points for 10 cents off per litre on up to 40 litres, a maximum value of $4, or redeem 10,000 points for a free car wash. PC Optimum points cannot be redeemed at Mobil stations.
PC Financial credit cardholders can also redeem points for a statement credit, but at a reduced value of $7 per 10,000 points.
Worth noting: the maximum redemption per transaction is 500,000 points, or $500 in value. If you’re saving your points for a big-ticket item — or even a large grocery haul — you won’t be able to redeem more than that amount at once.
More PC Optimum benefits
PC Optimum members can earn bonus points on individualized offers through the PC Optimum app. Offers no longer have to be “loaded” or accepted, but are given to users automatically each week.
Members can also enjoy exclusive discounts on select, specially marked products at participating stores. Discounts range from 50 cents to a few dollars on grocery items and can be 50% off or more on non-grocery items.
PC Financial credit card costs and features
BACK TO TOPLearn more about PC Financial’s credit card lineup through these key features.
All four PC Financial credit cards are currently offering 50,000 bonus PC Optimum points (a value of about $50) when you apply, but the conditions vary:
To claim the offer on any of the three no-fee PC Mastercards:
Apply by August 31, 2026
Make $100 in eligible purchases within the first 60 days.
To claim the offer on the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard:
Apply by December 31, 2026
Receive a one-time $120 credit to offset the first year’s annual fee
Spend at least $3,000 using the card in the first three months.
The following interest rates apply to all four of PC Financial’s credit cards, as of this writing:
Purchase: 21.99%.
Cash advance: 22.97% (21.97% in Quebec).
Penalty: 26.99% for purchases and 27.97% for cash advances may go into effect if you miss a payment.
Expect to pay the following fees, as of this writing:
Annual fee: $0 ($120 for the PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard).
Balance transfer fee: Up to 5%.
Cash advance fee: $5 to $7.50.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Dishonoured payment fee: $42 ($0 for Quebec residents).
Over-limit fee: $29 ($0 for Quebec residents).
Travel emergency medical insurance. PC World Elite and PC Insiders World Elite cardholders, under the age of 65, can enjoy up to $1,000,000 of coverage for the first 10 days of a trip.
Rental car theft and damage. PC World Elite and PC Insiders World Elite cardholders get 31 days of coverage on rental vehicles in the event of damage or theft.
Extended warranty and purchase protection. All of PC Financial’s cardholders get extended warranty and purchase protection.
» MORE: What is credit card travel insurance, and when is it enough?
How to choose the best PC Financial card for you
BACK TO TOPSelecting the best PC Financial credit card for you comes down to your tolerance for an annual fee, your qualification criteria and desire for the PC Express Pass
If you don’t mind paying an annual fee, select the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard. This card offers the most points on purchases and comes with an included PC Express Pass that unlocks unlimited $0 grocery delivery.
If you prefer a card with no annual fee, there’s no need to choose which PC Financial card you want. All three cards share the same application form and PC Financial will evaluate your application and match you with the no-fee card for which you qualify.
How to apply for a PC Financial credit card
You can apply for a PC Financial credit card online via the company’s website. Just select the ‘Apply now’ button and follow the online prompts.
In general, you’ll need to submit your personal contact details, employment status and financial information to apply.
Is a PC Financial credit card worth it?
If you’re a regular Loblaws shopper and enjoy collecting PC Optimum points, a PC Financial credit card may be a good fit. However, these cards are designed to earn and redeem points under the President’s Choice and Loblaws brands, which means you have to shop at their stores to get the most out of the rewards program.
If you tend to shop more at, say, Walmart or Costco, a different store credit card may make more sense. Or, you may have luck with a simple cash-back card with a stronger base earn rate.
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