PC Optimum and AIR MILES are Canada’s two largest grocery-linked loyalty programmes — but they work very differently. PC Optimum is a fixed-value, Loblaws-exclusive programme; AIR MILES is a travel-oriented programme earned across multiple retail partners.
At a Glance
| PC Optimum | AIR MILES | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary partner stores | Loblaws, Superstore, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart | Sobeys, IGA, Metro (varies by region), Shell, Home Hardware, more |
| Point value | Fixed 0.1¢/point | Variable — Miles Miles ~10¢; Cash Miles ~1¢ |
| Redemption options | PC stores, Esso/Mobil, PC Travel | Flights, travel, merchandise, cash back (Cash Miles) |
| Grocery coverage | Loblaws banners only | Sobeys/Metro banners (varies by region) |
| Expiry policy | Active every 12 months | No expiry (since 2022) |
| Credit card tie-in | PC Financial Mastercard | BMO Air Miles Mastercard, Amex Air Miles |
Which Programme Earns More on Groceries?
The answer depends entirely on where you shop:
| If you shop at… | Best Programme |
|---|---|
| Loblaws, Superstore, No Frills, Shoppers | PC Optimum |
| Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, IGA | AIR MILES |
| Metro, Food Basics | AIR MILES (in Ontario and Québec) |
| Walmart | Neither — Walmart does not participate in either |
You can’t earn PC Optimum at Sobeys and can’t earn AIR MILES at Loblaws. The programmes don’t compete — they complement each other based on your grocery store of choice.
Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Earn Rate | Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Financial World Elite | $0 | 45 pts/$1 at Loblaws (4.5% effective) | PC Optimum |
| BMO Air Miles World Elite | $120 | 3 Miles per $12 spent ($12 = 1.3¢ cash equiv.) | AIR MILES |
PC Optimum wins on fee-free grocery earning: 4.5% at Loblaws stores with no annual fee beats most premium cash back cards.
AIR MILES credit cards cost more (annual fees on World Elite tier) but add travel redemption options.
Redemption Comparison
| Goal | PC Optimum | AIR MILES |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery discounts | ✓ Direct (10,000 pts = $10) | ✓ Cash Miles at some banners |
| Free flights | Limited (via PC Travel at fixed value) | ✓ Miles Miles — often better value |
| Hotel stays | Via PC Travel (fair value) | ✓ Partner hotels |
| Cash back | ✗ (points only, not cash) | ✓ Cash Miles |
| Merchandise | ✗ | ✓ |
AIR MILES has significantly broader redemption options. If you want to use loyalty points for flights or merchandise, AIR MILES is more suitable.
Who Should Join Which Programme?
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Primary grocery store is Loblaws/Superstore | PC Optimum — higher earn, no-fee card |
| Primary grocery store is Sobeys/Metro/IGA | AIR MILES — only option at these banners |
| Want travel redemptions from grocery earning | AIR MILES (Miles Miles) or supplement with a travel credit card |
| Want both | Join both — they’re free to join |
Can You Do Both?
Yes — membership in both programmes is free. If you shop at multiple grocery banners, collect both. The PC Financial Mastercard earns PC Optimum everywhere; a BMO Air Miles card earns AIR MILES at partner stores.
Related Articles
- How PC Optimum Works
- PC Optimum vs. Scene+
- AIR MILES Guide Canada
- Best Air Miles Credit Cards Canada
- Is PC Optimum Worth It?
Programme details current as of June 2026. Verify at pcoptimum.ca and airmiles.ca. See our Advertiser Disclosure.