The PC Optimum program is one of Canada’s most popular rewards programs for earning points on everyday purchases. In this article, you’ll learn all about the program, the value of these points, participating stores and how to maximize your PC Optimum points and associated credit card benefits.
PC Optimum is a Canadian loyalty program offered by President’s Choice Services Inc. that allows members to earn points on purchases at participating stores, including Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh and PC Express. Then, loyalty points can be redeemed for free products, discounts or gift cards.
In early 2018, Loblaw Companies Limited merged two of its most popular loyalty programs, PC Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum, to create the PC Optimum loyalty program. This new program combines the advantages of the two previous programs in a single offering.
Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum members were able to transfer their points to the new PC Optimum platform, and the points retained their value during the transfer. Now, with the PC Optimum program, members can collect PC Optimum points and redeem them at a wide range of stores, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws and other Loblaw-affiliated retailers.
By October 2023, Loblaw had nearly 16 million members in Canada, making it one of the largest and most popular loyalty programs in the country.
Members of the PC Optimum program can earn PC Optimum points by making purchases at participating stores to save on groceries, at the gas station or at the pharmacy, for example.
Points are awarded according to the amount spent and the type of product purchased. Members collect points at the checkout by presenting their physical card or by scanning the code with their phone via the application. They can also submit an invoice via their online account or make purchases.
For example, a member can earn 1 point for every dollar spent on groceries and beauty products at Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart. They can also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Joe Fresh products.
Points can be redeemed for free products, discounts or gift cards. PC Optimum shoppers can also use their points to pay for purchases online or in-store.
You can register for the PC Optimum program online or in-store. To register online, simply visit the PC Optimum website and create a PC account as follows:
To register in-store, simply ask a cashier for a PC Optimum card.
The PC Optimum card is a loyalty card that allows members of the PC Optimum program to earn points on their purchases. The PC Optimum card is available in two versions: the physical and the digital card.
The physical card is a plastic card that members can present in stores to collect points. The digital card is a virtual card that members can download onto their smartphone and present at the checkout.
To activate your PC Optimum points card, you need to create an account on the PC Optimum website or mobile application. You can also activate your card online by scanning the QR code on the back of your card.
According to the latest reviews on the app and social networks, the app’s last update in July 2024 seems to have resulted in a few errors preventing members from viewing their correct point balance, more difficulty accumulating points or accounts being frozen without explanation. However, as the error has been reported to the PC Optimum teams, it should not last.
Downloading the PC Optimum application offers several significant advantages for loyalty program users. Here are the main reasons to install it:
The application makes it easy to track the collect of points with every purchase. Users can see their points balance in real time and ensure they receive points for every dollar spent, making it easy to manage their rewards.
Members receive special, personalized offers directly via the app every Thursday, to increase the number of points accumulated on certain products, maximizing savings. To receive these offers, you need to use the card on several purchases in order to define your consumption habits and assign you offers tailored to your needs.
You’ll be informed of special events, such as days when you can spend fewer points to get discounts on products. This makes it easy to make the most of available offers and save money.
The application offers a user-friendly interface, regularly updated by the manufacturers, for managing your account, consulting offers, and locating participating stores. This makes for a smooth and pleasant shopping experience.
Users can activate notifications to receive new offers and promotions, so they don’t miss out on opportunities to save and collect points.
What’s more, the PC Optimum application lets you :
Download the PC Optimum mobile app. In addition to holding your loyalty card, you can easily manage your points and discover exclusive offers with the PC Optimum mobile application, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.
The application is regularly updated. You can check your points balance on the App Offers page.
Since July 2024, it has been possible to count the alternatives to the products on your list with the “Replace and save” tool to save money and help you stick to your budget.
PC Express is a mobile application that lets you store online, order and receive groceries at your door, and earn PC Optimum points.
Choose from a variety of Loblaw stores, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos and No Frills.
Download the PC Express mobile application onto your smart-phone or tablet. Create an account and log in to start ordering.
You can check your points balance on the PC Optimum website or mobile application. You can also check your points balance on your receipt when you shop at a participating store.
When you choose to redeem your PC Optimum points, they will be deducted from your account immediately. You’ll see your new balance at the bottom of your receipt.
To add these invoices to your PC Optimum account, you have several options:
Please note that to receive points, you must present your PC Optimum card or use an identification method associated with your account at the time of purchase.
If you forget your card, you can use the telephone number linked to your account, provided you have previously saved it in your settings on the https://www.pcoptimum.ca/ website.
Finally, it’s possible to submit an invoice from home via the PC Optimum app(Google Play or Apple) by logging into your account by clicking on “Account” in the top right-hand corner. To finalize your addition, follow the instructions, including uploading a photo of the receipt, or enter the transaction details manually.
PC Optimum accepts various types of invoices for point accumulation, including :
Yes, it is possible to collect your PC Optimum points while using Apple Pay or Google Pay with their PC Optimum Mastercard credit cards. Customers must now scan their loyalty card or phone before paying to collect PC Optimum points.
You can obtain your PC Optimum card at the checkout of over 4,500 stores across Canada participating in the PC Optimum Rewards Program. Access to program benefits is available immediately after registration.
Here are the main store categories where you can use your Optimum PC card:
You can also group your PC Optimum points with other members of your family or with friends. This group of PC Optimum members can combine their points in one place, in a single balance, to accumulate and redeem points.
However, from October 31, 2024, members will no longer be able to join or form new groups. Groups already in existence prior to this date may continue to exist. If a member leaves, they will not be able to rejoin.
The only exception is for members who are primary or secondary cardholders of a PC Finance payment product. They may only join or form a group with another primary or secondary cardholder of the same PC Finance payment product.
You can present your card at Provigo, Maxi and Shoppers Drug Mart stores for groceries and pharmacy.
Since July 2024, Maxi has recently changed its in-store offer. Everyday low prices now also apply to single items, not just “buy 2 for $5” lots.
You can earn PC Optimum points by making regular purchases and taking advantage of frequent promotions at participating stores:
These offers are perfect for quickly earning PC Optimum points!
The PC Optimum card offers cash rebates in PC Optimum points on various products and services, especially for PC Optimum Adept program members. More on this below.
Every purchase in Canada is an opportunity:
For purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies and Esso or Mobil service stations, a points system will apply:
10 points per litre
or
10 points for every dollarspent at convenience stores and car washes
Promotional offers can be added to this fixed ratio! A great way to do double duty and more!
Finally, keep an eye on the flyers for offers and go to the store to find your products. Check out with your Optimum PC card and Mastercard PC. The points are yours!
Since October 2023, active PC Optimum members have been able to redeem their PC Optimum points for monthly subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, as well as having access to an extended three-month free trial of Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade and Apple News+.
To make the exchange, members can log into their account via the app or online on the website.
For 10,000 PC Optimum points, for example, you can unlock a month’s viewing of Apple TV+.
In January 2024, members were able to take advantage of a tempting offer at Shoppers Drug Mart, earning 5,000 PC Optimum points for every $50 spent on Apple gift cards, a 10% points discount.
Don’t miss The Mobile Shop’s back-to-school offer, which began on August 15 and runs until September 23. Available in Loblaw stores.
You can earn up to $200 in PC Optimum points, or 200,000 points, when you purchase a smartphone such as the iPhone 14 with Bell or Rogers. An additional $50 rebate is available for iPhone 15 with Fido.
Exclusive packages are available for students.
Keep an eye out in participating stores to make sure you don’t miss out on any offers!
As of July 15, 2023, earning PC Optimum points on purchases of PC Travel services is no longer possible.
By registering on the PC Optimum Insiders website, or PC Optimum for enthusiasts, you can earn 10% in return points on all PC Optimum products. By spending $10 a week via the PC Optimum Insiders categories, you can expect to earn $52 worth of points back for the year.
With a paid subscription, you’ll enjoy benefits like free, priority delivery with PC Express, promotional codes and earn extra points at Joe Fresh.
PC Optimum insiders is an annual subscription program that amplifies your shopping experience and rewards. Available at $119.00/year (plus taxes), it adds a layer of benefits to the daily rewards you already earn with the PC Optimum program. To be a member, you had to be the age of majority. Unfortunately, as of September 13, 2022, the program no longer accepts new members.
If you are already a member, you will continue to be registered, and your subscription will be automatically renewed for 12 months. You can manage your subscription by calling 1-833-724-6743.
To subscribe, you must first have a PC Optimum account. Once you have entered your personal information and created your account, you can click on the subscription link.
As an Adapte PC Optimum member, you’ll enjoy additional benefits:
If you love the PC Optimum Insiders benefits, you can recommend the program to a friend or family member. Follow these steps:
This service is no longer available. New members received a welcome kit containing PC products. This offer was valid for registrations made before September 30, 2021.
As a member, you can combine your points with up to four other members. To do so:
You can use your PC Optimum points at most participating stores.
The redemption value of the points is 10,000 PC Optimum points = $10.
Up to 500,000 PC Optimum points can be redeemed per transaction or a $500 value.
You can redeem your PC Optimum points for free products, discounts or gift cards at participating stores. All you have to do is ask for it at the checkout using your loyalty card.
You can also redeem your points for fuel at the Esso pump.
For 4,000 points, you’ll receive 10 cents off per litre of fuel (up to a maximum of 40 litres). If you reach 10,000 points, you can redeem them for a free car wash package at Esso. To redeem your points at the pump, insert your PC Optimum Mastercard or a card associated with a PC Argent account into the card reader, or go to the store; review with the cashier and insert your PC Optimum loyalty card first, then your PC Optimum Mastercard payment card into the reader.
Log in with your PC login and click the redeem your points option.
You can redeem your points for up to $500 cash back on a purchase.
If the redemption value is 10,000 points = $10, it’s worth waiting for the promotional days offered by Shoppers Drug Mart.
These days are called “Bonus Days, Points Days, Bonus Events, etc”.
PC Optimum Points Days are promotional events that allow members to earn extra points on their purchases. These events take place several times a year and are announced on the PC Optimum website and mobile app. Your points can be worth a lot more!
In the example below:
For example, during the April 2024 bonus point redemption event , it was possible to get up to $300 off when you were redeeming 200,000 PC Optimum points! And as PC Optimum members, you still got points or discounts just by redeeming your points.
The best is usually at the end of November or the beginning of December each year when 250,000 points earn $400 in rebates.
This year, Loblaw customers benefited from the Crazy Prices of the Month campaign, which ran for the first six months of 2024 and featured three or four products that customers love at unbeatable prices! Monitor offers in your application.
In addition to PC Optimum points and Crazy Price Days, other programs designed to make prices more affordable are being promoted by Loblaw, including :
By using your President’s Choice Financial Mastercard at participating stores across Canada and presenting your PC Optimum card, you can increase your earnings by up to 10% in points.
To earn more PC Optimum points, there are three credit cards affiliated with the program:
*At Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies and Esso/Mobil service stations, the base points you would have earned are also included in the calculation.
These PC credit cards offer a 1 to 3% return in PC Optimum points.
You can choose to earn other types of rewards by shopping at PC Optimum stores. With the right credit cards, you could earn:
Let’s take cash back or AIR MILES miles as an example.
One of the best cash back credit cards in Canada is the CIBCMD Visa Infinite* Dividend Card.
With this card, you can earn:
If you do not have the $60,000 minimum income requirement of the CIBC Dividend Infinite* Visa Card, you may wish to choose the CIBC Dividend Platinum* Visa Card. Or one of these three no-annual-fee cards thatearn up to 3% cash back for groceries:
One of Canada’s best credit cards for collecting AIR MILES miles is the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard.
With it, you can earn 2 miles for every $12 in purchases everywhere, including groceries. Then, she gives 1 mile for every $12 in purchases at the pharmacy or gas station. These businesses do not need to be AIR MILES sponsors.
If you don’t have the minimum income of $80,000 required by the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard, you could choose the no-annual-fee version, which earns 1 mile for every $20 in purchases everywhere.
The PC Optimum card combined with one of the Mastercard Financial Services cards is a great way to save money on purchases at participating Pc Optimum stores. It offers a variety of member benefits, including the ability to accumulate points, redeem points for free products and take advantage of exclusive offers and promotions at your grocery, gas or drugstore.
In Quebec: Loblaws, Maxi / Maxi & Cie, Provigo, Valu-mart.
Across Canada: Esso, Mobil, Joe Fresh, Shoppers Drug Mart, Photo Lab.
There are two ways:
In addition to containing your PC Optimum loyalty card, you’ll have access to all your personalized offers to earn more PC Optimum points!
Yes, there are three PC Optimum credit cards:
These credit cards offer a return of 1 to 3% in PC Optimum points.
You can choose to earn other types of rewards by shopping at PC Optimum member stores.
With the right credit cards, you could earn:
For example: 3% cash back with the BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®*.
And with the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard®*, you can earn 1 mile for every $10 in purchases everywhere, including grocery stores, drugstores and gas stations.
These businesses do not need to be AIR MILES sponsors.
There are several reasons why your Optimum PC card may not work. Here are some of the most common reasons:
If you suspect that your PC Optimum card is not working, you can contact PC Optimum Customer Service for assistance.
You can reach PC Optimum by phone at 1 877 770-7000. You can also contact PC Optimum online by filling in a contact form on the PC Optimum website.
These days are called “Bonus Days, Points Days, Bonus Events, etc”. Your points can be worth a lot more!
Like, for example:
No. Points can be earned and spent at any time.
No, PC Optimum points can only be used in participating stores.
No, it is not possible to purchase gift cards with PC Optimum points.
Savings are here:
