PC Optimum points are earned two main ways: in-store scanning at participating banners, and through PC Financial Mastercard purchases. The real power comes from stacking both simultaneously.
The Two Main Earning Streams
| Method | How It Works | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In-store PC Optimum app/card scan | Scan at checkout at any Loblaws banner or Shoppers | Base points + promotional bonuses |
| PC Financial Mastercard payment | Pay with your PC Financial credit card | 45 pts/$1 at Loblaws (World Elite); 10 pts/$1 elsewhere |
These two streams stack — scan your app AND pay with the PC Financial card at the same transaction.
In-Store Earn Locations
| Banner | Province | Earn PC Optimum? |
|---|---|---|
| Real Canadian Superstore | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| Loblaws, Loblaws City Market | Eastern Canada | ✓ |
| No Frills | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| Independent Grocer (Your Independent Grocer) | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| Pharmaprix | Québec | ✓ |
| Esso / Mobil | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| Joe Fresh (Superstore locations) | Canada-wide | ✓ |
| PC Express (click-and-collect) | Canada-wide | ✓ |
PC Financial Mastercard: Earn Rates by Card
| Card | At Loblaws Banners | At Esso/Mobil | Everywhere Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Financial World Elite Mastercard | 45 pts/$1 | 30 pts/$1 | 10 pts/$1 |
| PC Financial Mastercard (standard) | 25 pts/$1 | 25 pts/$1 | 10 pts/$1 |
Effective cash back equivalent (World Elite at Loblaws): 45 points × $0.001 = 4.5% back at Loblaws-banner stores.
Personalized Offers — The Biggest Earning Multiplier
Every week, the PC Optimum app generates personalized bonus point offers based on your purchase history. These can include:
- Product-specific offers: “Earn 2,000 bonus points when you buy [product X]”
- Category offers: “Earn 5x points on all fresh meat purchases this week”
- Spend threshold offers: “Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $100”
Check the app every Thursday — offers refresh weekly and expire at the start of the next cycle. Personalized offers on your regular purchases routinely add 10–30% more value to your shop.
Shoppers Drug Mart: Special Earn Opportunities
Shoppers Drug Mart has a separate earn structure:
- 20x events: On select Saturdays, earn 20x points on purchases above a threshold — this is where the biggest single-transaction earn happens
- Points Days: Set monthly events where all points-eligible items earn bonus multipliers
- Prescription pick-up: Earn base points each time you pick up a prescription
Esso/Mobil Gas Stations
PC Optimum is integrated at Esso/Mobil stations:
- Earn base points on fuel (varies by location)
- The PC Financial World Elite earns 30 pts/$1 (3% effective) at Esso/Mobil
- Scan the PC Optimum app at the pump to stack in-store points with card earn
Online Earning: PC Express
Order groceries through PC Express (click-and-collect or delivery) and earn PC Optimum points on your purchase — same rates as in-store. Points post after pickup/delivery confirmation.
What Does NOT Earn PC Optimum Points
- Alcohol purchases in provinces with government liquor boards (LCBO, SAQ, BCLBC products) — typically exempt
- Lottery and gift cards
- PC Express delivery/service fees
- Pharmacy prescriptions at some locations (varies; check your local Shoppers Drug Mart)
Related Articles
- Best PC Optimum Redemptions
- PC Optimum Points Value
- PC Optimum Bonus Events Guide
- PC Financial Mastercard Review
- Best PC Optimum Credit Cards
Earn rates current as of June 2026. Verify at pcoptimum.ca. See our Advertiser Disclosure.