PC Financial has been helping Canadians save money and earn rewards since 1998, and as of today, over 3 million customers have already saved billions from using PC Financial services.
PC Financial offer a complete banking experience through their PC Money Account, multiple credit card options, and an exclusive rewards program.
The company’s focus is on providing value through its services, which include everything from basic banking to premium credit cards.
What makes this PC Financial review important is that PC Financial is the only bank in Canada that earns you PC Optimum points on everyday banking and spending.
This PC Financial review covers everything you need to know about PC Financial’s products, fees, benefits, and how they compare to other Canadian financial institutions. This guide will help you make an informed decision about using PC Financial Services.
What makes PC Financial a good option?
Here’s what makes PC Financial stand out from many other Canadian financial institutions:
- No Annual Fees on All Credit Cards: All PC Financial Mastercards come with no annual fees, including their World Elite Mastercard, which is rare in the Canadian market.
- High-Interest Savings: PC Financial recently launched a savings feature offering 4.25% everyday interest rate with no honeymoon period on their PC Money Account, making it one of the most competitive rates in Canada.
- PC Optimum Points Integration: PC Financial is the only bank that earns you PC Optimum points for everyday banking and spending, letting you use points for groceries, gas, and other purchases at Loblaws family stores.
- Simple Digital Banking: The PCFinancial platform offers easy online and mobile banking through their website and app, with features like PC Mastercard login, account management, and point tracking.
- Flexible Point Redemption: You can redeem 10,000 points for a $7 statement credit directly on your PC Mastercard balance, or use points at participating stores.
- Wide Network Access: PC Financial provides access to over 3,800 ATMs across Canada through their network and partnerships, making banking convenient anywhere.
- Strong Customer Support: Multiple contact options, including phone support, online chat, and comprehensive FAQ sections, help customers manage their PC Financial accounts easily.
- Complete Financial Services: Beyond credit cards, PC Financial offers banking accounts, insurance products, and investment services, all integrated with the PC Optimum rewards program.
PC Financial products and services
PC Financial offers valuable financial products that are designed to maximize value for Canadian consumers:
- PC Money Account: This is PC Financial’s flagship banking account. It comes with no monthly fees and lets you earn PC Optimum points on all purchases. Its new savings feature offers 4.25% interest.
- PC Mastercard (Standard): The basic PC Mastercard earns 10 PC Optimum points on each dollar spent at participating stores and 1 point on each dollar everywhere else. The purchase interest rate is 21.99% with a cash advance rate of 22.97%.
- PC World Mastercard: This card offers up to 100,000 welcome points and enhanced earning rates at specific merchants while maintaining no annual fee.
- PC World Elite Mastercard: Canada’s first no annual fee World Elite Mastercard that provides premium benefits typically reserved for fee-paying cards, including travel insurance and concierge services.
- PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard: The premium card in the PC Financial Mastercard lineup, designed for frequent shoppers at Loblaws family stores with enhanced point earning potential.
- Insurance Services: PC Financial provides auto, home, pet, and travel insurance through partnerships with established insurance companies, offering convenient coverage options for customers.
- Investment Services: Investment options are available through the PC Financial platform, though these services are more limited compared to traditional banks.
PC Financial credit cards
The PC Financial credit card lineup is designed around maximizing PC Optimum points earnings:
- Earning Structure: All PC credit cards earn points at participating stores (Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso) and general purchases. The earning rates vary by card type, with premium cards offering higher rates.
- Welcome Bonuses: Most cards offer substantial welcome point bonuses, with some cards providing up to 100,000 PC Optimum points for new cardholders who meet minimum spending requirements.
- Interest Rates: All PC Financial credit cards carry similar interest rates around 22%, which is standard for Canadian credit cards. The key advantage is the no annual fee structure across all card types.
- Credit Requirements: PC Financial cards are accessible to most Canadians with fair to excellent credit. The application process through pcfinancial.ca is straightforward and decisions are made quickly.
- Additional Benefits: Higher-tier cards include travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, and access to World Elite Mastercard benefits like concierge services and exclusive offers.
- Point Transfer: Points earned on PC Mastercard purchases automatically transfer to your PC Optimum account, making redemption simple and immediate.
PC Optimum points program
The PC Optimum program is central to PC Financial’s value proposition:
- Point Values: PC Optimum points are worth approximately $1 per 1,000 points when redeemed at participating stores, though special promotions can offer better value.
- Earning Opportunities: Beyond credit card spending, you earn points by shopping at Loblaws family stores, using PC Express delivery services, and taking advantage of weekly personalized offers.
- Redemption Options: Points can be used for purchases at Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso stations. Recent updates allow redeeming 10,000 points for $7 statement credit on your PC Financial credit card.
- Account Management: The PC Optimum sign in portal and mobile app let you track points, view personalized offers, and manage your account. You can also link your PC Mastercard to automatically earn and track points.
- Special Promotions: Regular bonus point events, PC Optimum offers this week, and seasonal promotions provide opportunities to earn extra points on specific purchases or categories.
- No Expiration: PC Optimum points don’t expire as long as you use your account at least once every 12 months, making it easy to accumulate significant point balances over time.
PC Money account features
The PC Money Account is PC Financial’s complete banking solution. Here are its features:
- No Monthly Fees: Unlike many Canadian banks, the PC Money Account has no monthly maintenance fees regardless of your balance or transaction volume.
- High Interest Savings: The new 4.25% everyday interest rate makes this one of the most competitive savings options in Canada, with no promotional periods or balance requirements.
- Point Earnings: Account holders earn PC Optimum points on banking activities and can link their account to PC Mastercard for seamless point accumulation.
- ATM Access: Free access to over 3,800 ATMs across Canada through the PC Financial network and partnerships with other financial institutions.
- Digital Banking: Full online and mobile banking capabilities through pcfinancial.ca and the mobile app, including e-transfer, bill payments, and account management.
- Direct Deposit: Deposit information is readily available for employers and benefit providers.
- Account Integration: It integrates easily with PC Financial credit cards and the PC Optimum program for unified account management and point tracking.
How to get started with PC Financial
Getting started with PC Financial is straightforward and can be done entirely online:
- Choose Your Products: Review available products here. You can apply for multiple products simultaneously if you wish.
- Complete Your Application: The online application process is simple and takes 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll need to provide personal information, employment details, and financial information for credit products.
- Account Verification: PC Financial may require additional documentation to verify your identity and income. This can usually be submitted online or through their secure portal.
- Set Up Online Access: Once approved, you’ll receive login credentials for pcfinancial.ca and can download the mobile app to manage your accounts and track PC Optimum points.
- Activate Your Cards: Credit cards arrive by mail within 7-10 business days. You can activate them online at PC Financial.ca/activate or by calling the activation phone number provided with your card.
- Link to PC Optimum: Connect your PC Financial products to your existing PC Optimum account or create a new one to start earning points immediately.
Eligibility requirements for PC Financial
To get started wit PC Financial, you must be a Canadian resident with valid identification, 18 years or older, have a stable income source, have a Canadian address and phone number, and a valid email address for account communications
Pros and cons of PC Financial
Understanding the advantages and limitations will help you decide if PC Financial is right for your needs:
Pros of PC Financial
- No annual fees on all credit cards, including premium World Elite options
- High-interest savings rate of 4.25% on PC Money Account with no promotional periods
- Extensive PC Optimum points earning opportunities across banking and credit products
- Wide ATM network access across Canada with no fees
- Simple online application and account management through pcfinancial.ca
- Integration with major grocery and retail chains for point earning and redemption
- Competitive welcome bonuses on credit cards up to 100,000 points
- No monthly fees on banking accounts
- Strong digital banking platform and mobile app
- Multiple customer service channels for support
Cons of PC Financial
- Credit card interest rates around 22% are standard but not exceptional
- Limited branch network for in-person banking needs
- PC Optimum points are primarily valuable at Loblaws family stores
- Investment and lending options are more limited than full-service banks
- Some premium banking features may be missing compared to Big 5 banks
- Point redemption rates may be less favorable than cash-back alternatives
- Limited international presence for travelers
- Savings account features may be basic compared to specialized online banks
- Credit requirements may exclude some applicants
- Customer service hours may be more limited than major banks
PC Financial fees and pricing
All PC Mastercard products have $0 annual fees, while interest rates are 21.99% for purchases and 22.97% for cash advances, which are standard for Canadian credit cards.
The PC Money Account has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and free access to the PC Financial ATM network. E-transfers and basic banking transactions are included at no charge.
PC Financial provides free access to over 3,800 ATMs across Canada. Using non-network ATMs may result in fees charged by the ATM operator, but PC Financial doesn’t add additional charges. Foreign transaction fees apply to credit card purchases made outside Canada, typically 2.5% of the transaction amount, which is standard for Canadian credit cards.
Standard fees apply for services like certified cheques, wire transfers, and other specialized banking services. These are clearly outlined on the pcfinancial.ca website.and there are no fees for redeeming PC Optimum points, whether at retail locations or for statement credits on your PC Financial credit card.
PC Financial customer support and service
PC Financial provides multiple channels for customer support from 8am to 8pm monday to saturday local time. Here are the support channels:
- Phone Support for PC Financial Mastercard: Call 1-866-246-7262 for all PC Financial credit card inquiries. For customers outside North America, you can call collect at 647-426-1343.
- PC Optimum Points Support: For PC Optimum program questions, call 1-866-727-6468.
- 24/7 Digital Support: You can chat with PC Financial’s Virtual Assistant 24/7 for immediate responses to common questions about your accounts, transactions, and services.
- Mailing Address: For written correspondence, send mail to “President’s Choice Financial Mastercard, P.O. Box 4403, Station A, Toronto, ON M5W 5Y4”
PC Financial review conclusion
PC Financial has established itself as a solid choice for Canadians who want to maximize value from their everyday banking and spending.
It may not offer the full range of services provided by traditional banks, but their focus on value and simplicity makes them an excellent choice for Canadians who are cost-conscious.
Their digital-first approach works well for most banking needs, and the integration with PC Optimum points provides ongoing value that compounds over time.
This PC Financial review shows that PC Financial is best suited for Canadians who prioritize no-fee banking, affordable interest rates, and the ability to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
If you frequently shop at Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, or Esso, the points-earning potential makes PC Financial a compelling choice for your primary financial services provider.
You might also like…