The Points Standard

Head to head · Reviewed 2026-10-04 by The Points Standard

PC Mastercard vs PC World Mastercard

Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The PC World Mastercard scores higher overall at 5.2/10, but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.

4.4/ 10

PC Mastercard

Pass

5.2/ 10

PC World Mastercard

PassHigher overall

Independent.Methods and assumptions are published; compensation never sets the order.·Last reviewed 2026-10-04·Full disclosure

The verdict

Pass

Both are free and PC Financial matches you to one with a single application, so the question is really which you qualify for. The World card pays 2% at Loblaw grocery banners and 3.5% at Shoppers, with purchase assurance and extended warranty, for $50,000 personal or $80,000 household income. The PC Mastercard has no published income minimum but pays 1% at Loblaw banners and 2.5% at Shoppers, with no insurance. If you clear the World card's bar, it is better in every respect.

See offer · current PC World Mastercard offer, direct from the issuer

Rewards math assumes you pay your balance in full every month — interest charges quickly exceed any rewards value.

Side-by-side comparison
PC MastercardPC World Mastercard
Standard Score4.4/10 · Pass5.2/10 · Pass
Annual feeNoneNone
Welcome bonus50,000 PC Optimum points (worth $50) when you spend $100 or more at participating stores within 60 days; offer valid for applications through December 31, 2026.50,000 PC Optimum points (worth $50) when you spend $100 or more at participating stores within 60 days; offer valid for applications through December 31, 2026.
Est. bonus value≈ $50≈ $50
First-year net value≈ $80≈ $100
Earn rates
  • 2.5%: Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
  • 3¢/litre+: Esso and Mobil gas
  • 1%: Participating Loblaw grocery banners
  • 1%: Joe Fresh
  • 1%: Everything else
  • 2%: Participating Loblaw grocery banners
  • 3.5%: Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
  • 2%: Joe Fresh
  • 3¢/litre+: Esso and Mobil gas
  • 1%: Everything else
Points currencyPC OptimumPC Optimum
No FX feesNoNo
Lounge accessNoNo

Where the PC Mastercard wins

  • Low friction: scores 9.0/10 on this component

Where the PC World Mastercard wins

  • First-year value: scores 4.0/10 on this component
  • Ongoing value: scores 5.5/10 on this component
  • Perk usability: scores 4.5/10 on this component
  • Strategic fit: scores 5.0/10 on this component

Read the full reviews: PC Mastercard and PC World Mastercard, or see how both rank in Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada.

What the points are worth in dollars: PC Optimum Points Value. Each has a calculator for your balance.