Wishing you had a Loblaws credit card? Or maybe a Zehrs credit card, Provigo credit card, or Real Canadian Superstore credit card? You're in luck: PC Financial credit cards cover all of these Loblaw-banner brands.
But you don't need a branded credit card to score big on points at Loblaws. You can use any card that earns high rewards on groceries – and you can even double up by still collecting PC Optimum points.
Just remember that Loblaw-banner stores don't accept American Express, so you'll want to shop with a Visa or Mastercard.
Key Takeaways
- The best credit card to use on your Loblaws haul is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which earns 5 MBNA Rewards points per $1 spent on groceries.
- Loblaws doesn’t offer co-branded cards, but you can use PC Financial credit cards that earn PC Optimum points.
- Before applying for a new card, decide if you primarily want to earn PC Optimum rewards, cash back, or flexible reward points.
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Best credit cards for Loblaws
Just because Loblaws doesn't have co-branded credit cards doesn't mean you don't have some fantastic options for shopping at the chain. Here are some of the best grocery credit cards that give you high return rates on your purchases.
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards | Average return | Welcome bonus | 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 | 2.86% |  $40 GeniusCash + 30,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| PC World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * 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 | 1.1% | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 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 | 1.15% | None | Learn more |
| Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card | $120 | * 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments * 2% cash back on gas, transit, rideshares, and food delivery * 1% cash back on all other purchases | 2.08% | $100 GeniusCash + 15% cash back for the first 3 months, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| KOHO Everything Mastercard | $177 | * 2% cash back on groceries, restaurants, and transportation * 0.5% cash back on all other purchases | 1.1% | $100 GeniusCash + 10% cash back for the first 3 months (terms) | Learn more |
Best overall: MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
×7 Award winner 
GC: $40
7x Award winner We chose the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard as the best credit card for your Loblaws grocery run because it offers an impressive 5% earn rate for groceries. If you're a savvy shopper, you might be aware that the American Express Cobalt Card is actually the best grocery credit card, but since Loblaws doesn't accept Amex, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is your next best option.
This World Elite Mastercard gives you 5 points per $1 spent at Loblaws banner stores. You can redeem the points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, statement credits, or direct deposits.
Pros:
- 10% bonus points every year on your birthday
- Includes 12 types of insurance
- Comes with a high-value welcome bonus
Cons:
- High income requirements of either $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Best for collecting PC Optimum points: PC World Elite Mastercard
Not all Loblaws shoppers are interested in earning cash back or flexible rewards points. If you'd rather earn PC Optimum points that can be redeemed for car washes, in-store discounts, or fuel discounts, the PC World Elite Mastercard is your best option.
You'll earn PC Optimum points at these rates:
- 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
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Supplemental credit card is free
- Bonus points on fuel at Esso and Mobil
Cons:
- High income requirements of either $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Best for PC Express Pass users: PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard
PC Express Pass users should actually spring for the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard since it gives you a free PC Express subscription (worth $99 a year). There is an annual fee, but it's waived for the first year, so you can see if the card is a good fit.
The $120 annual fee is also offset by what you'd already pay for your Express Pass, and regular Loblaws shoppers will easily get the rest of their money's worth because this card's rewards are so high. Here's what you'll earn:
- 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
Pros:
- Bonus points on fuel at Esso
- Includes optional insurance coverage
- Best earn rates of any PC Financial credit card
Cons:
- High income requirements of either $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee of $120
Best Visa: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card
×2 Award winner GC: $100
2x Award winner All these cards are Mastercards, but if you're looking for your best Visa option, check out the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card, which earns a generous 4% cash back on groceries. Although the reward rate isn't as competitive as our top Mastercard pick, this Visa is easier to qualify for.
Plus, you'll get a great travel insurance package and a huge welcome bonus.
Pros:
- Earns 15% cash back for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spending
- Ability to get the annual fee waived every year
- Includes Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- High income requirements of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Best prepaid card: KOHO Everything Mastercard
×1 Award winner GC: $100
1x Award winner If you don't qualify for a traditional unsecured credit card or you're just trying to stick to a budget, a prepaid credit card like the KOHO Everything Mastercard is the way to go.
There is a monthly fee to use the card, totalling $177 annually, but you'll earn 2% back on all your Loblaws purchases. The cash back you earn is added to your card a few days after the transaction processes.
Even better – the balance you have on the card earns you interest at an impressive 3.5%.
Pros:
- No foreign exchange fees
- Ability to build your credit score with KOHO Credit Building
- Can send money abroad with KOHO International Money Transfer
Cons:
- Doesn't include any insurance
- Does not automatically build your credit score
PC Financial credit cards
While PC Financial credit cards are great for earning PC Optimum points, only loyal Loblaws shoppers will benefit from them.
These cards can't compete with the perks and benefits of more flexible credit cards.
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards | Insurance | Income requirements | Welcome bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Mastercard | $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 | 2 types | None | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| PC World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * 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 | 4 types | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| PC World Mastercard | $0 | * 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 | 2 types | $50,000 personal or $80,000 household | 20,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 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 | 4 types | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household | None | Learn more |
| PC Money Account | $0 | * 10 points per $1 spent at PC stores * 5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | None | None | Learn more |
PC Optimum rewards program
PC Optimum is Loblaws' rewards program, and it's free for anyone to join. Once you sign up, you'll earn PC Optimum points on your Loblaws purchases and at Esso or Mobil gas stations, where fuel purchases and car washes earn you rewards.
You can redeem PC Optimum points for free car washes or discounts at Loblaws, Esso, and Mobil. You can also donate them to charity or put the redemption value towards the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard annual fee.
Check your offers and activate digital coupons
Part of what makes PC Optimum a solid rewards program is that it gives you personalized offers and digital coupons every week. Check your app each week, as these offers are one of the best ways to maximize your points – especially if you spend a lot at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Look for member and in-store specials
Pay attention to in-store specials that are only available for PC Optimum members. These are your chances to score big on points, especially if you stock up!
Take advantage of Moredays
PC Optimum runs Moredays, a limited-time sales window that happens about twice a year. Moredays only lasts a week, but it's your exciting opportunity to earn mega points – we're talking up to 20x the rewards!
Use a PC Mastercard
Shopping with a PC Financial card is one of the best ways to steadily earn at least 10 points per $1 spent and up to 40 points per $1 spent when shopping at PC stores. Several PC Mastercards also give you fuel discounts at Esso and Mobil.
Cards to avoid using at Loblaws
In addition to the credit cards we mentioned, you're welcome to use any Visa or Mastercard of your choice, especially if you're happy with the card's terms and rewards.
The only cards you have to avoid using are American Express credit cards, simply because Loblaws doesn't accept them.
FAQ
What is the best credit card for Loblaws?
The best credit card for Loblaws is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard if you're looking for flexible reward points. If you're primarily interested in earning PC Optimum points, the PC World Elite Mastercard is your best bet, but PC Express users should choose the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard because it includes a free PC Express subscription.
What's the best No Frills credit card?
No Frills doesn't have its own co-branded card, so you can use any Mastercard or Visa that has a high rewards rate for grocery spending. We recommend the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard since you'll earn 5 points per $1 spent at No Frills (or any Loblaws banner store).
Is PC Financial a credit card?
PC Financial is actually the financial institution that issues PC Optimum credit cards for the Loblaws rewards program. PC Financial issues several Mastercards that earn PC Optimum rewards points.
How do I get a PC Optimum card?
Decide which PC Optimum credit card is right for you, then click on the "Apply Now" button on the card's informational page. You'll be instantly redirected to the PC Financial page for the card, where you can submit an application.
Is there an annual fee for the PC Mastercard?
Most PC Mastercards – such as the PC World Elite Mastercard – have no annual fee, but the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard has a fee of $120. But this card might not cost as much as you think – the fee is waived for the first year, and it comes with a free PC Express subscription, which typically costs $99 annually.
What is the best credit card for grocery stores in Canada?
The best credit card to use for grocery store purchases is the American Express Cobalt Card, which gives 5 points per $1 spent on groceries (as well as restaurants). Not only can you rack up Amex Reward points, but they're worth more than many programs. But this card isn't a good fit for Loblaws shoppers, since Loblaws doesn't accept American Express.
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