The PC Optimum program offers Canadian consumers a unified platform for earning and redeeming points. With a plethora of rewards programs available in Canada, making an informed choice can be overwhelming.

Here, we offer an in-depth analysis of the PC Optimum program, exploring how it works, its benefits, and how to get the most out of it.

In 2018, Loblaw Companies Limited made the strategic decision to merge PC Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum. This is how the PC Optimum program came into being, offering members the possibility of benefiting from the advantages of the two previous programs. Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum members also had the opportunity to transfer their points to the new PC Optimum platform without losing their value.

The PC Optimum program is run by the Loblaws supermarket chain and offers the chance to earn points through product purchases under the “President’s Choice” banner.

PC members can now earn and redeem PC Optimum points at various stores. This includes popular brands such as Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Mobil and many other Loblaw-affiliated retailers, as well as Maxi, Provigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh and Esso in Quebec.

The PC Optimum program has rapidly gained in popularity since its launch. Today, it boasts over 10 million members in Canada, testifying to its relevance and added value for Canadian consumers.

As a loyal buyer, you can access personalized and exclusive offers visible on optimum.ca or the Optimum PC application. To download the application, go to Google Play or Apple.

To register and create your account, you must provide some personal information, such as an e-mail address and your name. You can link your unique identification number if you already have a card in the store. The application is easy to use, and you can add offers to your favorites. Thanks to the application, you can optimize your savings according to the products you buy.

Qualified purchasing

The primary way to earn PC Optimum points is to purchase in participating PC stores. Each purchase earns you PC Optimum points, which can be exchanged for rewards.

Special offers

Occasionally, special promotions are organized, offering PC members the chance to earn bonus points. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these offers to maximize your earnings.

PC Optimum has two sub-programs that allow you to earn PC points – Optimum and Optimum Insiders. The following table compares the main components of these two programs.

There are three ways to earn PC points:

• through the PC Optimum loyalty card,
• President’s Choice Financial credit cards
• and the PC Money account.

Here is a brief analysis of these three financial products.

This is a basic program that offers some benefits with partner organizations. However, you should combine your membership with a subscription to one of the President’s Choice Financial credit cards. This will allow you to optimize your spending by earning twice as many points.

Here is a brief overview of the credit cards offered by President’s Choice Financial:

The President’s Choice Financial Mastercard is the entry-level card for President‘s Choice Financial. This card has no annual fee and no minimum income requirement.

It’s easy to earn PC points when you make purchases at PC Optimum-affiliated grocery stores (10 points per $1), drugstores (25 points per $1) and gas stations (30 points per litre). You can also earn 20 PC points for every dollar spent on travel expenses through the PC Travel platform.

Finally, you get purchase insurance, an extended warranty and a free additional card.

The President’s Choice Financial World Mastercard is the President’s Choice Financial mid-range card . This card has no annual fee, but requires a minimum income of $60,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a household.

PC points can be collected when you make purchases at grocery stores (20 points per $1), pharmacies (35 points per $1) and gas stations (30 points per litre) affiliated with the PC Optimum program. Through the PC Voyage platform, you can also earn 20 PC points for every dollar spent on travel expenses.

Finally, you get purchase insurance, an extended warranty, a free additional card and 24-7 concierge service.

The President’s Choice Financial World Elite Mastercard is the premium President’s Choice Financial card. This card has no annual fee, but requires a minimum income of $80,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.

Collecting PC points is made more accessible when you make purchases at grocery stores (30 points per $1), pharmacies (45 points per $1) and gas stations (30 points per litre) affiliated with the PC Optimum program. Through the PC Voyage platform, you can also earn 20 PC points for every dollar spent on travel expenses.

Good insurance is also available, including purchase insurance, extended warranty, car rental insurance and emergency medical travel insurance.

Finally, you have quick support in case of identity theft through a hotline and a 24-7 concierge service.

It’s a free chequing account that earns PC points for Canadian consumers who don’t want to apply for a President’s Choice Financial credit card.

The earning rate, while attractive, is not comparable to that offered by President’s Choice Financial credit cards. You can earn 25 points for every dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and 10 points for every dollar spent at other stores.

This account also has a great welcome offer for new users by offering 50,000 PC points. This bonus is applicable if the following conditions are met:

• 20,000 PC points after first purchase of $50 or more
• 25,000 PC points after setting up 3 direct deposits with President’s Choice Financial
• 5,000 PC points when you make five transactions over $50 per month at a PC Optimum partner

Finally, several other benefits are readily available to users of this account such as free Interac transfers, access to unlimited current transactions and Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) protection.

PC points can be redeemed for cashback at many of the program’s partner organizations, including Maxi, Provigo, Shoppers Drug Mart and Esso.

It is also possible to use these points at PC express. However, this is no longer possible at PC voyages since July 15, 2023. However, it is not possible to redeem your points in organizations that do not have a partnership with PC Optimum. It is also important to remember that points can only be redeemed in increments of 10,000 PC points.

Secondly, it is highly recommended that you redeem your PC points during a promotional period when the redemption rates are attractive. This will allow you to have a higher cash return for the same number of points.

With this in mind, we recommend that you apply for all categories of financial products offered by PC Optimum to get the best possible return on your spending.

So by combining the PC Optimum loyalty card, a President’s Choice Financial credit card and the PC Silver account, you’ll get an optimal return of PC points on your everyday spending.

Based on the observations in this article, we note that PC Optimum offers a most interesting loyalty program with a fine range of financial products, simple and generous points collection, and regular, tempting promotional offers.

President’s Choice Financial credit cards are attractive to Canadian consumers because there is no annual fee, it’s an attractive rewards accrual rate and it offers insurance. The PC Money account also has several benefits such as no management fees and a welcome offer of 50,000 PC points.

However, while this program has many advantages, a few things need to be reviewed. We believe PC Optimum’s credit cards are excellent, but we can’t say the same for the loyalty card and cash account. They need to stand out in terms of points or tangible benefits.

Ownership of these two products is maximized when combined with President’s Choice Financial credit cards, but the fact remains: a higher accumulation rate would have been appreciated for us. Overall, the PC Optimum points program is an excellent avenue for Canadian consumers who frequently purchase at Maxi, Provigo, Joe Fresh, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso.

Membership in this loyalty program’s three financial products will enable you to quickly earn rewards that can be exchanged for attractive cash rebates. If you are only a casual shopper at one of these establishments, it may not be beneficial for you to apply for this points program, as your cash returns will be only modest.