The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, Aug. 17, edition that when EQB announced plans to buy PC Financial from Loblaw, many wondered about the future of their PC Optimum points. The Globe's guest columnist Barry Choi writes that now that the deal has closed, the implications for consumers are becoming clearer. EQB's EQ Bank is known for its competitive interest rates, offering better savings account and GIC rates than traditional banks. EQB became the exclusive financial partner for PC Optimum in July. Early signs indicate loyalty members' points are safe, and there's currently no indication of future devaluation. EQ Bank recently promoted a PC Financial offer, giving account holders 150,000 PC Optimum points (worth $150) for signing up for a PC Financial credit card and spending just $150 at Loblaw's stores -- much lower than other credit cards' requirements for similar bonuses. Existing PC Financial cardholders weren't left out either. EQ Bank credited them with 10,000 PC Optimum points -- a $10 value. These early offers were a straightforward way to demonstrate the benefits of the merger. Pairing EQ Bank with the trust of PC Optimum and PC Financial could give consumers the confidence to try it.