PC Optimum is Loblaw Companies' loyalty program. Members can earn points through eligible offers and purchases at Loblaw banner stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, Esso, Mobil, Joe Fresh, and other partners. Membership is free; scan the app or card and check the offer terms for each purchase.
There is no flat member earn rate on ordinary grocery purchases at Loblaw banner stores. Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix members earn 15 points per dollar on eligible purchases. Grocery points commonly come from personalized or product offers, and the amount depends on what the offer covers.
At participating stores, 10,000 points typically redeem for $10 in eligible goods, with a 10,000-point minimum. Other redemption choices, such as a PC Financial statement credit, can have a different value. Check the current terms for point expiry and eligible purchases.
PC Financial Mastercard tiers add card points on eligible purchases. Current published grocery rates are 10, 20, or 30 points per dollar by card tier. At Shoppers and Pharmaprix, card points add to the 15 points per dollar that members earn on eligible purchases. Fuel rewards are awarded by litre, and rates can depend on the station, fuel, card, and offer.
The program can be useful if you regularly shop at participating stores and the offers match purchases you would make anyway. Compare the points you actually earn and can redeem with the time spent tracking offers; do not buy extra items just to collect points.
Worth It If You...
- Anyone who shops at Loblaws, No Frills, or Superstore
- Shoppers Drug Mart regulars (20x events are incredibly valuable)
- People who buy gas at Esso
- Anyone willing to check their personalized offers weekly
- PC Financial credit card holders
Skip It If You...
- People who never shop at Loblaw-owned stores
- Those who find tracking offers too much effort
- Shoppers committed to non-Loblaw stores like Metro or Sobeys
Pros
- +Free membership
- +Eligible points can be redeemed at participating stores
- +Personalized offers can reward products you already buy
- +PC Financial card points may add value for frequent shoppers
Cons
- −Ordinary Loblaw grocery purchases do not earn a flat member rate
- −Offers and eligible purchases vary
- −Points can encourage spending on items you would not otherwise buy
- −Redemption value depends on how you use the points
The Bottom Line
A free membership can be useful when the offers match purchases you already planned. Estimate value from your actual offers, card rate, and redemption choice before changing where or what you buy.
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