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The PC Optimum program is one of the most popular in Canada for collecting points on everyday purchases. In this article, find out how this reward program works, the participating stores and how to maximize your benefits with the associated credit cards.
The PC Optimum Program
What is the PC Optimum program?
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.
A brief history of the PC Optimum program
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 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 earn and redeem points at a wide range of stores, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws and other Loblaw-affiliated retailers.
Today, it boasts over 10 million members in Canada.
How does the PC Optimum program work?
PC Optimum members can earn points by making purchases at participating stores. Points are awarded according to the amount spent and the type of product purchased.
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.
How do I register for the PC Optimum program on pcoptimum.ca?
You can register for the PC Optimum program online or in-store. To register online, visit the PC Optimum website and create a PC account:
- Visit the PC Optimum website https://www.pcoptimum.ca/
- Click on Register in the right-hand corner
- Fill in the requested information: enter your details and e-mail address, and choose a password if you don’t have a PC login yet. Then, accept the various proposals. You can link your PC Optimum credit card or PC Financial Services card to your PC Optimum loyalty card by entering its number.
- Once the conditions have been met, log in.
To register in-store, simply ask a cashier for a PC Optimum card.
How to download the PC Optimum app?
Download the PC Optimum mobile app. As well as holding your loyalty card, you can easily manage your points and discover exclusive offers with the PC Optimum mobile application available on the App Store and Google Play. Thanks to the PC Optimum app, you can benefit from new personalized offers every week.
What’s more, the application lets you :
- to keep you up to date with the latest events such as Points Days,
- claim points if you are missing any
- donate points to charity,
- or consult the flyers of your favourite partner’s stores of the program.
PC Express application
Download the PC Express mobile application onto your smartphone or tablet. Create an account and log in to start ordering.
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.
Can I earn points when using Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, you can earn PC Optimum points while using Apple Pay or Google Pay with their PC Optimum cards. Customers must scan their loyalty card or phone before paying to collect PC points.
How do I check my Optimum points balance?
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 will points be deducted from your account?
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.
Collecting points with the PC Optimum card
How do I activate the pc optimum points 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 card 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 must 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.
Personalized offers on my PC Optimum account
You can earn PC Optimum points by making regular purchases and taking advantage of frequent promotions at participating stores:
- via the personalized offers, you’ll find in your PC Optimum account: this is essentially the case for groceries and drugstore purchases.
- via a fixed ratio at Shoppers Drug Mart and Esso/Mobil
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.
The fixed ratio
Every purchase in Canada is an opportunity:
- Earn 15 points for every dollar you spend at Shoppers Drug Mart and Shoppers Drug Mart.
- Earn points by filling up at over 2,000 Esso and Mobil stations.
For purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart drugstores and Esso or Mobil gas stations, a fixed ratio is applied:
Drugstores | Gas Station | |
Stores | Shoppers Drug Mart and Shoppers Drug Mart | Esso/Mobil |
Points | 15 points per dollar |
10 points per litre or 10 points per dollar |
Participating PC Optimum stores: present your PC Optimum card to maximize your 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.
Adeptes PC Optimum Subscription: Maximize Your Benefits!
Introduction to Adeptes PC Optimum subscription
Adeptes PC Optimum 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.
Subscribe to Adeptes PC Optimum
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.
Advantages of the Adeptes PC Optimum program: why choose a subscription?
As an Adapte PC Optimum member, you’ll enjoy additional benefits:
- Each PC product purchase earns you 10% in points, considerably increasing your PC Optimum points earnings.
- You benefit from PC Express grocery pickup at no extra cost, and enjoy priority time slots. This service is available in over 700 stores across Canada.
- Earn even more with a 10% points discount on all JOE FRESH purchases.
- Order from joefresh.com and Shoppers Drug Mart and enjoy free delivery with no minimum purchase.
As of July 15, 2023, earning PC Optimum points on purchases of PC Travel services is no longer possible.
How can I recommend the Adeptes PC Optimum subscription?
Do you love the Adeptes PC Optimum benefits and want to share them? You can recommend the program to a friend or family member. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to your account page’s “Recommend the program to a friend” section.
- Find and share your unique referral code.
- Once a loved one registers with your code, you’ll receive 10,000 PC Optimum points.
Adeptes PC Optimum welcome kit
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.
Create a group on PCOptimum.ca
As a member, you can combine your points with up to four other members. To do so:
- Login to your account.
- Click on “Account” and then on “Group”.
- Follow the instructions to add members.
How to us PC Optimum points
What value do my PC Optimum points have in stores?
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.
How do I redeem my points?
In stores or pharmacies
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.
At the gas station
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.
Online
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.
Wait for the promotional days: PC Optimum Points Days!
If the redemption value of the points is 10,000 points = $10, waiting for the promotional days offered by Shoppers Drug Mart will be interesting.
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 occur 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:
- 50,000 points = $65 instead of $50
- 100,000 points = $140 instead of $100
- 200,000 points = $300 instead of $200
The best is at the end of November or the beginning of December each year when 250,000 points earn $400 in rebates.
What was the last Jour de Points event?
This year, PC Optimum Points Days are back from September 21 to 27, 2023! Monitor offers in your application.
Credit cards
Earn rewards with your President's Choice Mastercard
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.
PC Optimum: with President's Choice Mastercard credit cards
To earn more PC Optimum points, there are 3 credit cards affiliated with the program:
Mastercard | World Mastercard | World Elite Mastercard | |
All purchases | 10 points / $ | 10 points / $ | 10 points / $ |
PC Optimum Stores | 10 points / $ | 20 points / $ | 30 points / $ |
Shoppers Drug Mart* | 25 points / $ | 35 points / $ | 45 points / $ |
Esso / Mobil (per liter)* | 30 points / l | 30 points / l | 30 points / l |
PC Travel | 20 points / $ | 20 points / $ | 30 points / $ |
*At Shoppers Drug Mart drugstores and Esso/Mobil gas 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.
Other credit card choices
You can choose to earn other types of rewards by shopping at PC Optimum stores. With the right credit cards, you could earn:
- cashback
- AIR MILES Reward miles
- Travel points
- Aeroplan Points
Let’s take cash back or AIR MILES miles as an example.
For cash back
One of the best cash back credit cards in Canada is the CIBCMD Visa Infinite* Dividend Card.
With this card, you can earn:
- 4% cash back on groceries
- 4% cash back on gas station purchases
- 2% cash back for recurring payments
- 2% cash back on transportation and restaurant purchases
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
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:
- 3% cash back with the BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®*.
- 2% cash back with the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® MastercardMD Platinum PlusMD MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard®.
- 2% cash back with the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
For AIR MILES
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.
Bottom Line
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.
Frequently asked questions about the PC Optimum program
What is the PC Optimum Rewards Program?
Which businesses are participating in PC Optimum in Quebec?
How do I earn Optimum points?
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There are two ways:
- via the personalized offers you will find in your PC Optimum account
- via the fixed rate at Shoppers Drug Mart and Esso / Mobil Download the PC Optimum mobile application.
In addition to containing your PC Optimum loyalty card, you’ll have access to all your personalized offers to earn more PC Optimum points!
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Are there any credit cards that can earn PC Optimum points?
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Yes, there are three PC Optimum credit cards:
- PC Financial Mastercard
- PC Financial World Mastercard
- PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
These credit cards offer a return of 1 to 3% in PC Optimum points.
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Are there any credit cards that can earn PC Optimum points?
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Yes, there are three PC Optimum credit cards:
- PC Financial Mastercard
- PC Financial World Mastercard
- PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
These credit cards offer a return of 1 to 3% in PC Optimum points.
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Are there other credit cards with a good return on purchases?
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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.
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How and where to use our PC Optimum Points?
Why doesn't my optimum pc card work?
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There are several reasons why your Optimum PC card may not work. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- The card is not activated.
- The card has expired.
- The card is damaged.
- The card has been blocked.
If you suspect that your PC Optimum card is not working, you can contact PC Optimum Customer Service for assistance.
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How do I reach pc optimum?
Are there any promotions with PC Optimum Points?
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If the redemption value of the points is 10,000 points = $10, waiting for the promotional days offered by Shoppers Drug Mart will be interesting.
These days are called “Bonus Days, Points Days, Bonus Events, etc”. Your points can be worth a lot more!
Like, for example:
- 50,000 points = $65 instead of $50
- 100,000 points = $140 instead of $100
- 200,000 points = $300 instead of $200
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FR
Do PC Optimum points have an expiry date?
Can points from the PC Optimum program be transferred to another program?
PC Optimum articles
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