Best PC Mastercard credit cards in Canada

No, the PC® MasterCard® isn't the most impressive earn rate from PC Financial. In fact, the PC® MasterCard® is the most basic PC card on this list, however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great option. Here's why we deemed it our favorite PC credit card:

Zero Annual Fee, Maximum Opportunity

Let's cut to the chase: this card costs you nothing to keep in your wallet. That's right, $0 annual fee. It's like finding free money year after year!

Whether you're a student mastering the art of budget ramen or a young professional taking your first steps up the career ladder, the PC® MasterCard® welcomes you with open arms. With its accessible income requirements, it's practically rolling out the red carpet for financial newcomers.

Points, Points, Everywhere!

Hold onto your shopping carts, because the rewards are about to roll in:

• Grocery bonanza: 10 points per dollar at stores selling President's Choice products. Your weekly shop just got more rewarding!
• Drugstore jackpot: A whopping 30 points per dollar at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix. Who knew buying toothpaste could be so thrilling?
• Fuel up: Earn 2c per litre in PC Optimum points at Esso and Mobil™ stations. It's like your car is secretly a piggy bank!
• Vacation dreams: 25 points per dollar on PC travel services. Your next getaway is helping fund your future adventures!
• Everyday value: 10 points per dollar on all other purchases. Even your most mundane buys are working overtime.

But Wait, There's More! Your PC® MasterCard® comes with purchase assurance and extended warranty. It's like having a personal bodyguard for your purchases, offering peace of mind with every swipe.

The PC® MasterCard® proves that sometimes, the best things in life really are free (or at least come with no annual fee). It's not just a credit card; it's your ticket to a world of rewards, tailor-made for those starting their financial journey or anyone who loves maximizing every dollar.

Disclosures:

• 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.

Yes, there's a $120 annual fee. But before you get too upset, let me tell you why this card might just be your new best friend if you're a die-hard fan of the Loblaws empire.

Earn impressive rewards

• 40 points per $1 at Loblaw banner stores: It's like your grocery list is secretly a point-printing machine!
• 50 points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart: Who knew buying toothpaste could be so rewarding?
• 40 points per $1 at Joe Fresh: Fashion that fills your closet and your points balance? Yes, please!
• Up to 70 points per litre at Esso and Mobil: Your car might guzzle gas, but your points balance will soar!
• 10 points per $1 everywhere else: Even your most mundane purchases are working overtime.

Family-friendly features:

Got a clan of shoppers? Add up to 4 additional cardholders at no extra cost. It's like having a team of point-earning ninjas working for you!

There's also another perk that is a game-changer: Unlimited $0 online grocery delivery and pickup with a complimentary PC Express™ pass (a $99.99 value). That's right, no more lugging groceries or battling for parking spots. It's like having a personal shopper, minus the Hollywood price tag! But wait, there's more!  This card comes with a suite of insurance perks that'll make you feel like you've got a financial bodyguard with purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental coverage, and common carrier travel insurance.

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.  

Higher rewards than the PC Mastercard

The points system is similar to that of the PC^® Mastercard^®, but with this card, you have a higher earn rate: 

• 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.)
• Earn 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix
• Earn 30 points per litre for gas purchased at Esso™ or Mobil™ stations
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else

If you're already a PC Optimum member, this card supercharges your points earning. Whether you're buying groceries, filling up your car, or splurging on a new gadget, you're always earning points.

If you're a Canadian who loves a good deal, shops regularly at PC-affiliated stores, and wants to see their everyday spending turn into real rewards, then the PC® World Mastercard® might just be your ticket to shopping nirvana.

The PC Financial World Elite Mastercard stands out as an excellent choice for high-income Canadians, offering a compelling blend of rewards, perks, and convenience that aligns well with the spending habits of affluent consumers. This premium card requires a personal annual income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000, positioning it squarely in the high-income bracket.

One of the primary attractions for high-income earners is the card's accelerated earning potential. Cardholders can accumulate PC Optimum points at an impressive 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

Travel protections and benefits

The card offers a suite of travel and purchase protections that high-income Canadians often seek. These include travel emergency medical insurance, car rental collision/loss damage insurance, and purchase assurance – benefits that align well with the lifestyle of frequent travelers and big spenders. The addition of a complimentary LoungeKey membership, while lounge visits are charged separately, adds a touch of luxury to the travel experience.

A grocery juggernaut (at Loblaws)

For high-income families who often make substantial grocery purchases, the PC Financial World Elite Mastercard shines with its impressive 30 points per dollar earned on grocery purchases at Loblaws banner stores. This 3% return on groceries can lead to significant savings over time, especially for larger households with higher food budgets.

Another feature that appeals to busy, high-income professionals is the included PC Express subscription, valued at $99 annually. This service offers unlimited free grocery pickup, saving time for those who value convenience and efficiency in their shopping routines.

Disclosures:

• 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.

The simplest way to apply for a PC credit card is by clicking the "Apply Now" button. From there, you'll need to fill out an online application and provide the following personal information:

• Full name
• Residential address
• Personal income (depending on the PC card you select)
• Employment information

After you hit submit, sit back and relax. PC Financial will review your application faster than you can say "PC Optimum points." They might even give you an instant decision, though in some cases it might take up to 7 to 10 business days to find out if you're approved. 

PC Financial offers a variety of credit cards perfect from everyone from credit newbies to high-income power spenders:

• Entry-level credit cards: The PC® Mastercard® is a great option for anyone new to credit or looking for a no-frills option.
• Mid-tier rewards cards: Looking for something with a little more "oomph?" The higher income requirements of the PC® World Mastercard® provides  enhanced rewards for regular shoppers at PC-affiliated stores.
• High-end no annual fee cards: Both the PC® World Mastercard® and PC® World Elite Mastercard® provide enhanced rewards and benefits without any annual fee. 
• Debit cards: PC Money™ Account is a no-fee banking alternative that earns rewards like a credit card.
• Business credit cards: PC even offers a small business credit card. The PC® Business Mastercard® is designed for small business owners to earn rewards on business expenses.

How to earn points

Earning PC Optimum points is straightforward. Every time you swipe your PC Optimum card or linked credit card at participating locations, you're basically stuffing your pockets with digital gold. From grocery runs at Loblaws banner stores to beauty hauls at Shoppers Drug Mart, and even when you're filling up your gas tank at Esso or Mobil stations.

Do PC Optimum points expire?

PC Optimum points never expire. They're like the vampires of the rewards world – eternal! But remember, if you don't use your PC Financial credit card for 12 months, it might get deactivated. So keep it active, even if it's just buying a pack of gum now and then.

What are PC points worth?

PC Optimum points have a set value: 10,000 points = $10. Simple, right? It's like your points are doing a 1,000-to-1 exchange rate dance with dollars.

How to redeem

• In-store: Just tell the cashier you want to use your points. It's like magic money!
• Online: Use your points for PC Express orders. Groceries delivered and paid for with points? That's living the dream!
• Travel: Book your getaway through PC Travel and use your points. It's like your points are your personal travel agent!

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. 

Whether you're fueling up, stocking up on groceries, or just doing your everyday banking, there's always a way to rack up those points. 

Special promotions

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.

Read more: Our comprehensive guide to maximizing your PC Optimum™ points