PC Mastercard Review 2025: Is It Worth It?
Jan 8, 2025Cardholders earn PC Optimum points on daily purchases with no annual fee.
Accrue PC Optimum points on everyday purchases and redeem them for discounts at Loblaws, the Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and more.
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PC Mastercard full review
President's Choice Financial offers three no-annual-fee credit cards tailored to different spending needs:
PC Mastercard (PC Silver): Entry-level, with basic rewards.
PC World Mastercard: Mid-tier, with enhanced rewards.
PC World Elite Mastercard: Top-tier, offering the most rewards and perks.
The PC Mastercard offers fewer perks and lower earn rates compared to higher tiers, but it remains a solid choice for earning PC Optimum points on everyday purchases like groceries, fuel, and beauty products.
Benefits of the PC Mastercard
Easy eligibility: No minimum income requirement, making it accessible to many.
Unlimited points: No caps or limits on the points you can earn.
Accelerated rewards: Earn points on groceries, beauty products, fuel, and more.
Purchase protection: Includes Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty.
Global support: 24/7 assistance through Mastercard Global Service™ for lost or stolen cards, cash advances, and more.
Drawbacks of the PC Mastercard
Limited redemption options: Points can only be redeemed at participating stores in fixed increments (10,000 points = $10).
Fewer perks: No travel, mobile device, or car rental insurance.
No travel benefits: Lacks benefits like free Wi-Fi or airport lounge access available with some no-fee cards.
PC Optimum-focused: Limited value if you don’t shop frequently at affiliated retailers.
Who should get the PC Mastercard?
This card is ideal for frequent shoppers at Loblaw-affiliated stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh, and Esso/Mobil stations. Current PC Optimum members will benefit most from the additional rewards, bonus events, and exclusive offers tied to the loyalty program.
Is the PC Mastercard worth it?
Your spending habits will determine whether the PC Mastercard is a worthwhile addition to your wallet. Generally, the card has an excellent value for shoppers who regularly visit PC Optimum retailers as there’s no annual fee to recoup and it’s easy to earn rewards. However, the card has limited redemption options and relatively thin perks compared to other no-fee cards, which may not appeal to everyone.
President’s Choice Financial customer ratings
Above average in customer satisfaction: PC Financial ranks third out of 13 institutions in online banking satisfaction according to J.D. Power’s 2024 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Low Trustpilot rating: PC Financial has 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on over 340 customer reviews, as of this writing.
Poor Better Business Bureau rating: PC Financial 1.26 out of 5 possible stars based on just 34 customer reviews, as of this writing.
PC Mastercard eligibility
Who qualifies for the PC Mastercard?
To qualify for a PC Mastercard, you must:
Be a Canadian resident.
Be at least the age of majority for your province or territory.
Income requirements by card tier:
PC Mastercard: No minimum income requirement.
PC World Mastercard: $50,000 annual personal or $80,000 household income.
PC World Elite Mastercard: $80,000 annual personal or $150,000 household income.
Additional eligibility criteria may apply.
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for.
Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.
PC Mastercard rewards
Get at least 20,000 PC Optimum points when you make your first purchase with your PC Mastercard at an eligible store where President’s Choice products are sold or at an Esso or Mobil gas station in Canada.
With the PC Mastercard, you’ll earn:
25 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
10 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at eligible Loblaw-affiliated grocery stores and Joe Fresh.
At least 30 PC Optimum points per litre of fuel purchased at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada.
10 PC Optimum points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rewards by tier:
Rewards rates vary based on card tier. The highest-tier PC World Elite Mastercard offers:
Up to 45 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
Up to 30 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at eligible Loblaw-affiliated and Joe Fresh stores.
At least 30 PC Optimum points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobile stations in Canada.
10 PC Optimum points per $1 spent everywhere else.
The PC Mastercard’s welcome bonus includes 20,000 PC Optimum points worth $20 according to PC Financial.
Point value breakdown
According to PC Financial, 1 PC Optimum point is worth 0.1 cents.
Where can PC Optimum points be redeemed?
PC Optimum points can be redeemed for discounts on in-store and online purchases at participating retailers.
You must have at least 10,000 PC Optimum points for an in-store or online redemption, worth up to $10 off your purchase. Points can be redeemed up to a maximum of $500 off one purchase. Popular participating retailers include:
Joe Fresh.
Loblaws.
No Frills.
Real Canadian Superstore.
Shoppers Drug Mart.
How to apply for the PC Mastercard
The application process for the PC Mastercard can be completed online by visiting the PC Financial website:
Review the card’s terms and conditions. Select Next.
Enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, residential address and employment details.
Review and submit your application.
PC Mastercard vs PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard
The PC Mastercard is a practical pick for those who want to earn PC Optimum points without the commitment of an annual fee. It’s ideal for casual shoppers who want straightforward rewards for everyday purchases.
But for those who want to earn more points per eligible dollar spent, the PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard may be worth a look. Though it comes with an annual fee, the card has an array of premium perks, like travel insurance and accelerated rewards rates.
» MORE: Compare PC Financial credit card options
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card detailsReasons you might want a different card
The PC Mastercard may not be the best fit if:
You don’t collect PC Optimum points or frequently shop with affiliated retailers.
You want a cash-back card with more flexible redemption options, like the Tangerine World Mastercard® or the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card.
You want a card that rewards you for shopping elsewhere, like the Hudson’s Bay Mastercard or the Tims Credit Card.
PC Mastercard facts
PC Mastercard | |
|---|---|
Card type | |
Fees and interest rates | |
Annual fee | $0.00 |
Regular/purchase APR | 21.99%. |
Penalty APR | 26.99% for purchases and 27.95% for cash advances if you miss two consecutive monthly payments (as of January 2025). |
Cash advance APR | 22.97% (21.97% for Quebec residents.) |
Cash advance fee | $5 per transaction in Canada, $7.50 per transaction outside Canada. |
Balance transfer fee | Up to 5% of the transaction amount. |
Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% of the transaction amount. |
Rewards and benefits | |
Intro offer | Enjoy 20,000 PC Optimum™ points in welcome offers* when you apply for the no annual fee PC® Mastercard®. |
Reward earn rates | Earn 25 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores; 10 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at eligible Loblaw-affiliated and Joe Fresh stores; at least 30 PC Optimum points per 1 litre of purchased gas when you fuel up at Esso and Mobile stations in Canada. 10 PC Optimum points per $1 spent everywhere else. |
Other perks |
|
Insurance coverage | |
Extended warranty | Up to one additional year. |
Purchase protection | 90 days. |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.
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