Best PC Financial Credit Cards in Canada for 2026
An unbiased comparison of every top PC Financial card in Canada
The best PC Financial Credit Card is the PC World Elite Mastercard. This card's earn rate rivals a few of those on the list of the top no-fee cash back cards in Canada, and it has sweet World Elite perks too.
These PC Financial cards are best suited for loyal Loblaws shoppers, and there is a range of card types to choose from. The suite of products includes no-fee cards and cards with no income requirements, along with more premium World Elite Mastercard options.
This article compares the top PC Financial credit cards side by side, studying their individual features, weighing their pros and cons, and offering all the information you need to choose the right card for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The best PC Financial credit card is the PC World Elite Mastercard, which offers high rates of return, World Elite Mastercard benefits, a welcome bonus, and some travel insurance.
- 3 out of the 4 PC Financial credit cards don’t charge annual fees.
- All PC Financial credit cards earn PC Optimum points that can be redeemed for car washes, cash back, fuel discounts, and charitable donations.
The best PC Financial credit cards in Canada
| Card | Annual fee | Income requirements | Rewards | Welcome bonus | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | PC® World Elite Mastercard® | $0 | * $80,000 * $150,000 | * 45 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart * 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada * 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores * 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best with no income requirements | PC® Mastercard® | $0 | * $0 * $0 | * 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada * 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart * 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best mid-range card | PC® World Mastercard® | $0 | * $50,000 * $80,000 | * 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart * 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada * 20 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores * 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases * 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart * 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada * 20 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores * 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for gas | PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * $<449 minIncome ~/> * $150,000 | * 40 points per $1 spent at PC stores * 10 points per $1 + 30 points per litre at Esso * 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | None | Learn more |
1. Best overall PC Financial credit card: PC World Elite Mastercard
Rewards:
- 45 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada
- 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores
- 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The PC World Elite Mastercard has the highest earn rates of the 3 no-fee PC Financial credit cards. Although it's harder to qualify for this credit card, you'll get rental car coverage and some emergency medical travel insurance.
Like the other no-fee PC Financial cards, this World Elite Mastercard includes emergency assistance through Mastercard Global Service, but you'll also get identity theft assistance.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 30 points or 3% back in points at Loblaw banner grocery stores
- Bonus points on fuel at Esso and Mobil
- Includes travel insurance coverage
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Surprisingly few World Elite Mastercard perks
2. Best PC Financial credit card with no income requirements: PC Mastercard
Rewards:
- 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada
- 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
If you're looking for a PC Financial credit card but don't meet the income requirements for the top cards, the PC Mastercard is the card for you. The credit score requirements are lower than those of the World Elite Mastercard alternatives, too.
Its average earn rate is 1.05%, which certainly isn't terrible, but not as good as alternative PC cards. You can always use this card as a stepping stone, and as your credit score improves or your income increases, you can request an upgrade to the PC World Mastercard or one of the PC World Elite Mastercards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- No income requirements
- Includes extended warranty and purchase protection
- Earn between 10 and 30 PC Optimum points per $1 spent
Cons:
- Lacklustre earn rates for Loblaws grocery stores
- Very limited insurance included
3. Best mid-range PC Financial credit card: PC World Mastercard
Rewards:
- 35 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil stations in Canada
- 20 points per $1 spent at Loblaw banner grocery stores
- 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The PC World Mastercard is the middle-of-the-road PC Financial card. Yes, there are income requirements, but this card also earns more rewards than the more basic PC Mastercard. This World Mastercard also includes 24/7 concierge service and allows you to add up to 4 supplementary cards for free.
Cardholders enjoy an average earn rate of 1.05%, which is rather impressive for a no-fee card. Use your PC Optimum points wisely, and you'll get up to 0.21 cents-per-point in value. And while this card doesn't include travel insurance, it does come with an extended warranty and purchase protection.
Pros:
- Earn up to 35 PC Optimum points per $1 spent
- Bonus points on fuel at Esso and Mobil stations
- Includes standard World Mastercard benefits
- Up to 4 free additional cardholders
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Very limited insurance included
4. Best PC Financial credit card for gas purchases: PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard
Rewards:
- 40 points per $1 spent at PC stores
- 10 points per $1 + 30 points per litre at Esso
- 10 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Of all the PC Financial credit cards, only the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard charges an annual fee, though this $120 cost is waived for the first year. Users earn up to 70 points per litre at Esso and Mobil stations – though this includes what you earn with a regular PC Optimum membership. Even so, your true earn rate for gas is still 10 points per $1, plus another 30 points per litre at Esso and Mobil. In fact, PC Optimum ensures cardholders earn at least 50 points per litre when gassing up at partnering stations.
A huge benefit of this card is the complimentary PC Express pass, valued at nearly $100 per year. Not only can you order as many grocery orders for pickup or delivery as you want, but you'll also get 2% back in points on your pickup orders.
Pros:
- Earn up to 70 points per litre of gas at Esso and Mobil
- Free PC Express pass
- 4 types of insurance
- World Elite Mastercard benefits
Cons:
- High income requirements
- $120 annual fee
Compare all top PC Financial credit cards by Genius Rating
Using an unbiased, math-based algorithm to generate scores, we assign each credit card a Genius Rating out of 5 stars. This weighted scoring system is regularly reviewed and updated for transparency and accuracy.
Here's how PC Mastercard credit cards compare when arranged by Genius Rating:
Learn more about our Genius Rating methodology
This credit card comparison table displays our default Genius Rating, which applies our standard weight to all 7 of our scoring categories (rewards, fees, insurance, interest, perks, approval, and acceptance). The ratings displayed for individual credit cards are weighted based on what each card does best.
How the PC Optimum Rewards Program works
All PC Financial credit cards earn PC points as part of the PC Optimum rewards program. It may not be as flexible as other travel rewards programs, but you can cash in your points for a number of things.
Here are the program's redemption examples, with their cents-per-point values:
- Car washes at Esso – up to 0.15 CPP
- Cash/store discount – 0.1 CPP (up to 0.2 CPP during special events)
- Charitable donations – 0.1 CPP
- Fuel discount – 0.1 CPP
- Annual fee discount for the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard – 0.1 CPP
Redeeming your PC points for car washes at Esso is the best way to maximize their value, though you can use our PC Optimum rewards calculator to find the exact value of your points:
| Redemption Option | Point Value | Total Value |
|---|---|---|
| Car Washes | 0.15 cents | $15 |
| Loblaws stores | 0.1 cents | $10 |
| Fuel at Esso | 0.1 cents | $10 |
| Statement Credits | 0.07 cents | $7 |
Pros and cons of PC Financial credit cards
The biggest benefit of PC Financial credit cards is the opportunity to earn valuable PC Optimum points, along with some excellent World Elite Mastercard perks. The tenearlly small insurance packages are a significant downside, though.
Here's a look at the main pros and cons of PC Financial cards:
Pros:
- Earn PC Optimum points
- Earn bonus points on fuel
- Several no-fee options
- Variety of income requirements means you're sure to find a card you qualify for
- Premium cards include limited travel insurance
- Some offer World Elite Mastercard perks
- Easy application process and ability to upgrade your credit card
Cons:
- Limited rewards outside of Loblaws-branded stores and partners
- Generally poor insurance included, if any
- Not as many perks and benefits, especially when compared to other World Elite Mastercards
- Poor rates of return across their lineup
- Standard interest rates on their credit cards
Overall, PC Financial credit cards do what they set out to do: reward loyal Loblaws customers. If you do the majority of your shopping with PC Optimum partners and don't mind primarily getting store discounts or car washes, these might be the cards for you.
Best PC Financial credit card alternatives
If you prefer to do your grocery shopping at non-Loblaws stores, there's likely a PC financial credit card alternative that will work better for you – and the American Express Cobalt Card is the cream of the crop.
Here's an overview of the top alternatives if you prefer a non-PC card:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Rewards | Income requirements | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neo World Elite Mastercard - Gas & Grocery | $149 | * Average of 5% cash back at partner retailers * 5% cash back on groceries, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 4% cash back on recurring bills, up to $500 spent monthly * 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 1% cash back everywhere else | * $80,000 personal * $150,000 household | Learn more |
| MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category) * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $80,000 personal * $150,000 household | Learn more |
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | $150 | * 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants, up to $2,500 in total spend per month (2 points after) * 2 points per $1 spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $80,000 personal * $150,000 household | Learn more |
| Scotiabank Momentum Mastercard Credit Card | $0 | * 1% cash back on gas, groceries, drugstores, and recurring payments * 0.5% cash back on all other purchases | * $12,000 personal * $0 household | Learn more |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card | $120 | * 4%† cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and groceries * 2%† cash back on eligible restaurants, transportation, and recurring bills/payments * 1%† cash back on all other purchases | * $60,000 personal * $100,000 household | Learn more |
Here's what PC Financial cardholders think
PC Financial credit cards are popular among those loyal to Loblaw banner stores like No Frills, Superstore, and Shoppers Drugmart.
Team Genius member Micah Peterson has a long history with his PC World Elite Mastercard:
Chris Belanger is another loyal PC customer, but he recently upgraded to the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard, taking advantage of the complimentary PC Express subscription:
The PC Optimum program – and by extension its credit cards – are a controversial subject among Canadians on Reddit. Overall, shoppers love being able to rack up PC Optimum Points on everyday purchases, and many take advantage of the fuel savings.
These Redditors are very happy with their PC Financial cards:
However, other Redditors point out that PC Financial devalued its points a few years ago, so your redemption options aren't worth as much.
This person even argues that chasing bonuses actually causes you to impulse shop, so you're not really saving money:
FAQ
Is the PC World Elite Mastercard worth it?
Yes, PC World Elite Mastercard is worth it for those who shop at Loblaws stores, particularly as it doesn't charge an annual fee. This card can help you maximize your PC Optimum points while also enjoying World Elite Mastercard benefits such as concierge service and travel insurance.
What kind of credit score is needed for a PC Financial credit card?
PC Financial credit card applicants need a credit score of 660 – 724 to qualify for a basic or World Mastercard. If you're hoping to qualify for a World Elite Mastercard, you'll typically need a score of at least that, if not 760+ (for the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard).
What is the best PC Financial Mastercard to have?
The best PC Financial Mastercard is the PC World Elite Mastercard, since it offers the highest reward rate among the no-fee PC Financial credit cards. It also gives 10 days of emergency medical travel insurance, rental car coverage, and up to $1 million in emergency medical insurance.
What is the difference between the PC World Elite Mastercard and the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard?
The biggest difference between these cards is that the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard charges an annual fee, while the PC World Elite Mastercard does not. That said, the Insiders card offers better fuel rewards and includes a free PC Express membership, which easily offsets the annual fee.
Does PC Financial increase your credit limit?
It's possible that PC Financial might increase your credit limit if your account is in good standing, but if you need a credit increase, you can request one. Log in to your PC Financial account and click on the credit limit button. Follow the prompts to complete your request.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 243 Canadian credit cards.
