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The PC Optimum program offers Canadian consumers a unified platform to earn and redeem PC Optimum points at over 2,500 locations across the country.
With over 15 million active members, this rewards program allows you to save on your everyday purchases at Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso, and several other participating retailers. Members can accumulate points on their purchases and redeem them for discounts of up to several hundred dollars per transaction. For other options, see our selection of the best credit cards in Canada.
To start enjoying the program, you must first obtain your Optimum Maxi card or PC Optimum card. Registration is free and can be done in three ways:
Once you have your card, activation is done simply by creating your PC account online with your email address.
Registering your card is essential to access all the program features. Go to the website or download the PC Optimum app, create your account with a valid email address, then enter the unique number of your physical card. This step will allow you to check your balance, access personalized offers, and manage your preferences.
In February 2018, Loblaw Companies Limited merged PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum. This merger created today’s PC Optimum program, allowing members to enjoy the benefits of both previous programs without losing their accumulated points. Shoppers Optimum cardholders were able to automatically transfer their points to the new unified platform.
A major change is coming in 2026: EQB, owner of EQ Bank, will acquire PC Financial and become the exclusive financial partner of the program. This transition promises to bring even more benefits and ways to accumulate points for Canadian members.
The PC Optimum program is overseen by the Loblaws grocery chain and lets you earn points through purchases of President’s Choice-branded products.
PC members can now earn and redeem PC Optimum points at various stores. This includes popular brands such as Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, and many other Loblaw-affiliated retailers, as well as Maxi, Provigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh, Esso and Mobil 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 sign up and create your account, you will need to provide some personal information, such as an email address and your name. You can link your unique identification number if you already have a card in the store. The app is easy to use, and you can add offers to your favourites. Thanks to the application, you can optimize your savings according to the products you buy.
The primary way to earn PC Optimum points is to make purchases at participating stores and present your PC Optimum card. Each purchase earns you PC Optimum points, which can be exchanged for rewards. From time to time, special promotions are organized, offering members the chance to earn bonus points. Keep an eye out for these offers to maximize your earnings.
However, we recommend combining your membership in this loyalty program with applying for one of the President’s Choice Financial credit cards. This will help you optimize your spending and quickly multiply your points.
Here are the different ways to accumulate and maximize your PC Optimum points.
Since the PC Optimum program was originally the Shoppers Optimum program, some of the best ways to earn (and redeem) points are offered through Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart.
With your PC Optimum card, you can earn a base rate of 15 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations across the country.
In addition to the regular PC Optimum earn rate, Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart offers promotional deals and special earn events throughout the year, such as the famous 20x the points events.
By timing your major purchases and product stockpiling with these events, you have the opportunity to quickly accumulate a large number of points.
Check the PC Optimum app regularly to stay up to date on PC Optimum program personalized offers that give you bonus points on specific items—or even free items.
Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix typically offers bonus points if you sign up for promotional emails or text messages and spend a certain amount.
While this is a one-time offer and you must spend money to earn these points, it’s an easy way to increase your account balance.
Discover our best tips to save at Shoppers Drug Mart with the PC Optimum program.
You can earn PC Optimum points at the following grocery stores in Canada:
While you don’t accumulate points based on amounts spent, you can earn a good number by purchasing specific promotional items in-store, thanks to weekly offers and your personalized offers that you can find in the app. Also see our best credit cards for groceries to maximize your rewards.
If you prefer to shop from home, you can still earn PC Optimum points when you order groceries online through PC Express. In addition, bonus points are often offered if you choose to subscribe to the PC Express Pass.
One of the easiest ways to earn PC Optimum points on all your purchases is to use one of the four available PC Financial credit cards:
As a cardholder, you accumulate points with every use and benefit from a multi-tier earning rate, up to 45 PC Optimum points per dollar spent.
To help you choose the card that best suits your needs and goals, see our guide to the best PC Financial credit cards.
You can also accumulate PC Optimum points by opening and using a PC Money Account.
Scan your PC Optimum card when you fill up at over 4,500 Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada and accumulate points as follows:
Stack these rewards with the extra points you earn with your PC Financial credit card and watch your balance grow. Also see our best credit cards for gas and transportation.
In addition to the special points events offered by Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart, you can also watch for another key points event available at more banners: PC Optimum Bonus Days.
PC Optimum Bonus Days offer exclusive deals, such as the opportunity to get 50% back in points on specific items, at Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Esso, Mobil, and more.
PC Insiders is a subscription service that offers subscribers additional benefits and higher point earning rates within the PC Optimum program.
A fun way to accumulate a few extra PC Optimum points is to download and use the PC Health app.
This app helps you manage your health with resources and support. In addition, it generally offers the opportunity to earn PC Optimum points when you first sign up and when you participate in health programs and challenges.
As a general rule, PC Optimum points are worth 0.1 cents each and must typically be redeemed in increments of 10,000.
However, there are a few exceptions, particularly for obtaining added value or adding bonus points to your redemptions.
One of the most common ways to use PC Optimum points is to redeem points in-store to save on your bill at participating grocery stores. Discover our best tips at Maxi, for example.
Points can be redeemed at the rate of 10,000 points = $10 when you check out, and they must be redeemed in increments of 10,000.
Watch for special event redemption days, as they offer extra value for your points.
You can redeem your points at Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart at the regular rate of 10,000 points = $10. However, if you want to get the most out of your PC Optimum points, wait for one of the Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers Drug Mart Spend Your Points events.
These events offer bonus points when you redeem a certain number of points. For example, at previous events, you could redeem 70,000 points for $70 plus $30 in bonus points, giving you a value of $100.
You can also redeem your PC Optimum points at the Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix online store, which gives you access to a number of products that are not available in physical stores.
PC Optimum points can also be redeemed for a discount the next time you fill up your vehicle at participating Esso or Mobil gas stations.
By redeeming 4,000 points, you get $0.10 off per whole liter of fuel (up to 40 liters), which is a value equivalent to the 10,000 points = $10 redemption you can get at grocery stores and pharmacies.
You can also redeem 10,000 points for a car wash package of your choice at the same gas stations. Depending on the package you choose, this redemption can be worth more than $10, making it a good use of your points.
For those looking to refresh their wardrobe, PC Optimum points can also be redeemed at Joe Fresh at the regular rate of 10,000 points = $10.
If you hold one of the 4 PC Financial credit cards, you can redeem your PC Optimum points for a statement credit to help cover your expenses at the rate of 10,000 points = $7.
We strongly recommend redeeming your PC points during a promotional period when redemption rates are especially attractive. This will give you a higher cash return for the same number of points.
By combining the PC Optimum loyalty card, a PC Financial credit card, and the PC Money Account, you will get the best return of PC points on your everyday spending.
PC Optimum offers a highly compelling loyalty program with a strong lineup of financial products, simple and generous points earning, and regular, attractive promotional offers.
PC Financial credit cards appeal to Canadian consumers thanks to no annual fee, an attractive rewards earn rate, and included insurance. The PC Money Account also includes several benefits such as no monthly fees and a 50,000 PC points welcome offer.
However, while this program has several advantages, a few elements could be improved. PC Optimum credit cards are excellent, but the PC Optimum card on its own and the Money Account do not stand out as much in terms of points earning or meaningful benefits.
These two products deliver the most value when combined with President’s Choice Financial credit cards, but a higher earn rate would have been appreciated. In short, the PC Optimum points program is an excellent option for Canadian consumers who shop frequently at Maxi, Provigo, Joe Fresh, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso.
Joining the three financial products offered through this loyalty program will allow you to quickly earn rewards that can be redeemed for attractive cash discounts. If you are only an occasional shopper at one of these retailers, your cash returns will be modest. To receive our analyses each week, subscribe to our newsletter.
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