Amex Cash Back Credit Cards: Up to $400 Bonus!
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Cash Back Credit Cards
Cashback credit cards have their slot in our wallet for all our “other” purchases.
For example, with the two SimplyCash credit cards we present in this article:
Unlike a card like the American Express Cobalt® Card which offers accelerated earn rates on certain purchase categories (groceries, restaurants, bars, etc.), these two credit cards earn cash back at a flat rate for all your purchases.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $119.88 |
American Express SimplyCash® Preferred Card
The American Express SimplyCash® Preferred Card is the only credit card in Canada that earns 2% cash back on all purchases. You can also get:
- 4% cash back at gas stations
- 4% cash back at grocery stores
With this welcome offer, you can earn 10% cash back on all your purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) in the first 3 months, for up to $200. Plus, get a $50 statement credit after making a purchase in your 13th month.
The American Express SimplyCash® Preferred Card is especially popular with people who have large purchases to make: renovations, furniture or appliance purchases, since it offers 2% at all merchants.
This Card stands out for its extensive insurance coverage: car rental theft and damage, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out of province or country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and delayed baggage, hotel/motel burglary, Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty.
As with all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is required.
- Annual fee
- $119.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$200Total$200$50 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $200
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to $250 cash back
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
SimplyCash® Card from American Express
Looking for a cash back credit card with no annual fee and a great cash back rate on everyday purchases? Here is an option for you: the SimplyCash® Card from American Express.
With this no-annual-fee credit card, you get:
- 2% cash back at gas stations
- 2% cash back at grocery stores
- 1.25% cash back on all other purchases
And with this welcome offer, you can earn 5% cash back on all your purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) in the first 3 months (that’s up to $100 in statement credits).
You also get several types of insurance: $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty.
As with all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is required.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$100Total$100Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $100
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to $100 cash back
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
An annual cash back
Cash back is redeemed once every calendar year.
You can check the cash back you earn, directly within your online account or on your statement.
American Express Benefits
Like all other American Express cards, SimplyCash credit cards allow you to enjoy many benefits reserved for cardmembers.
Front Of The Line Advance Access
Cardmembers can purchase presale tickets or make reservations to some of the most in-demand:
- concerts,
- theatre productions,
- the most popular restaurants and special events
Often before sales open to the general public.
Access to Front Of The Line reserved tickets
During the general sale period for many major events, Cardmembers can purchase Front Of The Line tickets for excellent seats reserved exclusively for American Express Cardmembers.
For example, in the facebook group of milesopedia, many American Express Cardmembers were able to benefit from this for future Celine Dion shows!
Front Of The Line News
Learn more at ticketmaster.ca/americanexpress. Sign up to receive Front Of The Line News and get lists of the most anticipated events delivered straight to your inbox.
Special Access for all Cardmembers
American Express Cardmembers can skip the lines with:
- American Express’ private entrance to the Budweiser stage
- relax in the American Express lounges at Budweiser Stage and Roy Thomson Hall
- enjoy express service at the American Express reserved bar at Massey Hall.
Special Offers & Experiences for all Cardmembers
Throughout the year, Cardmembers can purchase a variety of special offers created solely for American Express: movie screenings, getaway packages, or shopping…
Additionally, these cards give you access to new American Express online promotional offers, which are often very attractive!
Conclusion
Both SimplyCash credit cards are attractive to anyone who wants to earn cash back.
As a points and miles enthusiasts we apply for this card to:
- large purchases made outside the earn categories of other cards
- Purchase/extended warranty insurance
- Earn an exciting welcome bonus
These credit cards are also interesting if you do not have the income required by other cards: no minimum income is required.
Note that you get between 2% and 4% cash back for your gas and grocery purchases.
- Annual fee
- $119.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$200Total$200$50 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $200
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to $250 cash back
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions about American Express SimplyCash Cards
Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about this card.
Should I choose the SimplyCash or the SimplyCash Preferred?
The no-fee SimplyCash offers 2% on groceries and gas + 1.25% elsewhere, while the Preferred (with an annual fee) doubles the rates to 4% on groceries/gas + 2% everywhere else. The break-even point is around $5,000 to $6,000 in annual eligible spending: beyond that, the Preferred’s superior return easily covers the fee. For households spending $400+ per month on groceries and gas, the Preferred clearly wins; lighter consumers should stick to the no-fee version.
Are American Express cards widely accepted in Canada?
Acceptance has significantly improved. Loblaws, Sobeys, IGA, Metro, Esso, Shell, and most major restaurant chains now accept Amex. Costco, independent merchants, convenience stores, and some Quebec grocery banners (notably Maxi and Super C) still do not accept it, so most holders combine their Amex with a backup Visa or Mastercard. For SimplyCash users who shop mainly at major banners, acceptance is not a daily issue.
How is the welcome bonus paid out?
The SimplyCash Preferred offers up to $250 in cash back: 10% on the first $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months (up to $200) plus a $50 credit in the 13th month if the account remains active. The no-fee SimplyCash offers up to $100 (5% on $2,000 in the first 3 months). All cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit, with no minimum redemption threshold or manual process. Credits appear on the monthly statement in the following cycle.
What insurance and benefits are included with the SimplyCash Preferred?
The Preferred includes $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance, Car Rental Theft and Damage coverage, Purchase Protection (90 days against theft, loss, and damage), and Extended Warranty doubling the manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year. Holders also unlock American Express Front Of The Line presales for concerts, theatre, and sports, plus Amex Experiences invitations. The no-fee SimplyCash offers similar protection but is slightly thinner on the travel side.