Pharmacy Dispensing Fee Comparison
Dispensing fees are charged every time you fill a prescription. They vary widely between pharmacies and can add up significantly over a year.
| Pharmacy | Dispensing Fee | Markup % | Membership | Provinces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Costco Pharmacy No membership needed for pharmacy. Lowest fees in Canada. | $4.49 | 8% | None | ON AB BC SK MB QC |
Jean Coutu Major Quebec chain with competitive dispensing fees. | $9.50 | 11% | None | QC NB |
Walmart Pharmacy Consistently low fees across all locations. | $9.97 | 10% | None | ON AB BC SK MB QC NB NS |
Superstore / Loblaw PC Optimum points earned on prescriptions. | $10.49 | 10% | None | ON AB BC SK MB |
PharmaChoice Independent pharmacy network. Fees may vary by location. | $10.99 | 12% | None | ON AB BC SK MB NB NS PE NL |
IDA Pharmacy Personalized service. Some locations offer price matching. | $11.49 | 12% | None | ON AB BC |
London Drugs Western Canada chain. Competitive on generics. | $11.49 | 11% | None | BC AB SK MB |
Rexall Be Well rewards program for pharmacy purchases. | $11.99 | 12% | None | ON AB |
Guardian Pharmacy Independent network. Check individual locations for exact fees. | $12.49 | 13% | None | ON NS NB |
Shoppers Drug Mart Highest fees but most locations. PC Optimum points available. | $12.99 | 15% | None | ON AB BC SK MB QC NB NS PE NL |
Annual Savings Example
If you fill 1 prescription monthly, switching from Shoppers Drug Mart ($12.99/fill) to Costco Pharmacy ($4.49/fill) saves you $102.00 per year in dispensing fees alone. With 3 monthly prescriptions, that savings jumps to $306.00 per year.
How to Minimize Dispensing Fees
Practical tips to reduce what you pay every time you fill a prescription.
Use Costco Pharmacy
You don't need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy. Their $4.49 dispensing fee is the lowest among major chains in Canada.
Ask About Generic Substitutes
Generic drugs have the same active ingredients at a fraction of the cost. Ask your pharmacist if a generic option is available.
Transfer Your Prescriptions
Moving from Shoppers Drug Mart to Costco on a monthly prescription could save you over $100/year in dispensing fees alone.
Request 90-Day Supplies
Getting a 90-day supply instead of monthly means you pay the dispensing fee 4 times a year instead of 12 — that is an instant 66% saving on fees.