Choosing between the PC Mastercard and Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa comes down to a student’s core spending, groceries, restaurants, and how easily rewards can be earned and redeemed.
Both are no-fee cards and accessible with little to no income, so they’re top picks for students in 2025.
PC Mastercard vs Simplii Mastercard – Which is Better for Students?
Rewards Comparison: At a Glance
| Feature | PC Mastercard | Simplii Cash Back Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Grocery Rewards | 1% back in PC Optimum points (10 pts/$1) at Loblaw banners; 2.5% at Shoppers Drug Mart | 1.5% cash back groceries (on up to $15,000/year) |
| Restaurant/Bar | 1% back in points | 4% cash back (on up to $5,000/year) |
| Gas | At least 3¢/L back in points (Esso/Mobil) | 1.5% cash back |
| All Other Spend | 1% back in points | 0.5% cash back |
| Min. Income | None | $15,000/year |
| Welcome Offer | 20,000 points ($20 value) after first purchase | Varies; promos offered |
| Rewards Type | PC Optimum points redeemable for groceries, Joe Fresh, gas, and more | Cash back to account or statement |
Pros for Students
PC Mastercard
- Best for groceries and Shoppers Drug Mart: Stackable with flyer offers, frequent bonus events.
- No income requirement: More accessible for full-time students.
- PC Optimum points easily redeemable at thousands of locations for food, personal care, and household items.
Simplii Cash Back Visa
- Best for restaurants, coffee shops, bars: 4% cash back up to $5,000 spend/yearhigher than any other no-fee card for this category.
- Straightforward cash rewards: No loyalty program needed; cash back paid automatically.
- Good for students who spend more off-campus and value cash back flexibility.
Key Verdict
- Choose PC Mastercard if you mostly shop at Loblaws stores, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, or Shoppers Drug Mart, or want to maximize grocery reward points.
- Choose Simplii Cash Back Visa if your biggest spend is on restaurants and coffee shops, or you prefer simple cash rewards over points.
For many students, having both cards makes sense: use PC Mastercard for groceries and pharmacy, and Simplii for dining and everyday spend outside the grocery aisle.
Conclusion: For those comparing PC Mastercard vs Simplii Mastercard, which is better for students, just consider where you shop most and if you want cash back or flexible points.