Ratesopedia

Pros

  • Welcome Bonus: $250
  • Up to 4x on Groceries
  • Purchase protection included
  • Travel medical insurance included

Cons

  • Foreign Transaction Fee (2.5%)
  • No airport lounge access despite fee

Our Review

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is the only credit card in Canada that offers 2% cash back on all purchases. In addition, you can get:

  • 4% cash back at gas stations
  • 4% cash back at grocery stores

With this welcome offer, you can get 10% cash back on all your purchases (up to $2,000) during the first 3 months, for a total of up to $200. Plus, receive a $50 credit on your account after making a purchase in the 13th month.

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is particularly popular with those who have significant purchases to make: renovations, furniture or appliance purchases, as it offers 2% at all merchants.

This Card stands out for the numerous insurances offered: car rental theft and damage, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (outside the province or country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Buyer’s Assurance.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Rewards

All Spending

2x

Cash Back pts per dollar

Groceries

4x

Gas

4x

Credit Card Rewards Calculator

See how much you could earn with this card based on your spending.

Groceries4.00%
$400/month
Gas4.00%
$300/month
Restaurants2.00%
$160/month
Recurring2.00%
$300/month
All other spending2.00%
$700/month

Cashback earned

$614

$/yr

Estimated Value

$614

After Fees

+$495

1st Year Value

$745

incl. welcome bonus

Annual rewards breakdown

Groceries$4,800/yr × 4.00%$192
Gas$3,600/yr × 4.00%$144
Restaurants$1,920/yr × 2.00%$38
Recurring$3,600/yr × 2.00%$72
All other spending$8,400/yr × 2.00%$168
Total annual spend$22,320
Monthly spend$1,860
Average earn rate2.75%
Total cashback earned$614

Travel Insurance

Travel Medical

Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed Baggage

Up to $500

Lost Baggage

Up to $500

Flight Delay

Up to $500

Hotel Burglary

Up to $500

Travel Accident

Up to $100,000

Purchase Protection

Purchase Protection

Included

Extended Warranty

+1 year(s)

Mobile Device

Up to $1,000

Auto Rental

Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Interest Rates

  • Purchase Rate
    21.99%
  • Cash Advance
    21.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee
    2.5%

Terms & Conditions

Card Features

  • Get a bonus of 10% cash back on all your purchases during your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, get a $50 account credit when you make a purchase in the 13th month. You could accumulate up to $250 in bonus value during your first 13 months.
  • Get enhanced earning rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
  • Get 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back per year), and 2% cash back on all other purchases
  • Annual Fee: $9.99 per month (totaling $119.88 per year) for residents outside Quebec. $119 per year for residents of Quebec
  • Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
  • Benefit from extensive insurance coverage and 24/7 customer service

Apply with confidence!

  • See if you’ll be approved before you apply – with no impact to your credit score.*
  • When applying for a new card, businesses will typically run a “hard check” of your credit report. A hard credit check can cause a temporary impact to your credit score.
  • Unlike many lenders, for American Express’ personal cards, you can see if you will be approved before you apply without impacting your credit score
  • A soft credit check is a check into your credit report initiated either by you or a company even if you didn’t apply for credit. It is primarily used to screen for pre-approval financing offers or for a background check
  • Available for American Express personal cards, we’ll let you know your eligibility with no impact to your credit score, so you can submit your application with confidence.*

*Instant decisions are only available for Consumer (also known as Personal) Card applications.

FAQ

Where to use SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Quebec or in Canada?

You can use your SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express at grocery stores like IGA, Metro, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods, your convenience store Couche-Tard or 7Eleven, your favourite gas station like Esso, Shell, Petro-Canada, or any travel provider!

What is the welcome offer for SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express?

Get 10% cash back on all your purchases for 3 months, up to $2,000, plus $50 after making a purchase in the 13th month.

What are the cash-back ratios for gas and grocery purchases?

With your SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express, you can earn 4% cash back per dollar on your grocery and gas purchases and 2% cash back per dollar on all your other purchases.

What is the cash back rate for other purchases?

2% cash back on all other purchases.

What special events are available to cardholders?

Access to special events and offers via American Express Experiences.

What are the card annual fees?

$119.88 annually, with the first supplementary card free.

Are there any fees for foreign currency transactions?

2.5% foreign transaction fee.

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Conditions apply. All information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Card details, rewards, and offers are subject to change at any time. Always verify the latest terms on the issuer’s website before applying. Ratesopedia may receive compensation through affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial choices or card rankings. © 2026 American Express Canada. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.