Daniela Hanna
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express is a no-fee cash-back card that’s easy to use every day. Earn boosted cash back on gas and groceries, plus a simple flat rate on everything else — with useful Amex perks like Front Of The Line®.
Quick highlights
- ⛽🛒 2% cash back on eligible gas & grocery purchases in Canada (grocery up to $300 cash back annually).
- 💳 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases with no cap.
- 🎉 Intro: 5% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases = up to $100 bonus).
- 💵 No annual fee; add additional cards at no extra cost.
Why we like the SimplyCash® Card from American Express
This no-fee Amex delivers dependable cash back without complexity. You’ll earn elevated rewards at the pump and grocery checkout, plus a straightforward 1.25% on everything else — all with familiar Amex protections and offers.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 2% back at eligible gas stations and grocery stores (grocery up to $300 cash back annually).
- ✅ 1.25% back on all other eligible purchases with no limit.
- ✅ Welcome: 5% back for 3 months on up to $2,000 in purchases (up to $100).
- ✅ Access to Amex Offers and Front Of The Line® presales.
Good to know
- ⚠️ Merchant category coding must qualify for gas/grocery earn rates.
- ⚠️ Foreign transactions incur a 2.5% fee.
- ⚠️ Intro offer is for new SimplyCash Cardmembers and can change.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Strong earn at gas & grocery for a $0-fee card.
- Unlimited 1.25% on other purchases.
- Useful Amex perks (Front Of The Line®, Amex Offers).
- Purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible items.
Cons
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- Category definitions depend on merchant coding.
- Fewer travel insurances than premium cards.
Rewards program
- ⛽ 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada.
- 🛒 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually).
- 💳 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases, no cap.
How to maximize rewards
- Route gas and grocery spend to this card to lock in the 2% earn rates.
- Use the card broadly for a reliable 1.25% on other purchases.
- Enroll in Amex Offers for targeted statement credits.
- Add a free supplementary card to consolidate household spend.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Protection — coverage against theft or damage on eligible items for 90 days.
- 🕒 Extended Warranty — doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on eligible items.
- 🎟️ American Express Experiences (Front Of The Line® access).
Not included
- ❌ No comprehensive travel medical or trip protection.
- ❌ No rental car collision damage waiver.
- ❌ No mobile device insurance.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 21.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 21.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 🚗🛒 Households with steady gas and grocery spend.
- 💸 Canadians who want a $0-fee, set-and-forget cash-back card.
- 🎟️ Fans of Amex Offers and Front Of The Line® perks.
Where it falls short
- Foreign purchases cost ~2.5% extra in fees.
- Limited insurance compared to mid/premium cards.
- Acceptance can vary with some smaller merchants.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Solid no-fee card — 2% on gas and groceries adds up fast.”
“Amex Offers and presales are a nice bonus on top of cash back.”
Critiques
“Wish there were more travel protections.”
“Some local shops still don’t take Amex.”
Community insights
Popular starter pick: many Canadians pair SimplyCash with a no-FX-fee Visa/Mastercard for travel, using SimplyCash at home to capture 2% on gas/grocery and 1.25% everywhere else.
AI review (straight talk)
If you want a $0-fee Amex that’s easy to keep long-term, SimplyCash fits. It shines on gas and groceries and stays respectable everywhere else — just mind the 2.5% FX fee abroad.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimplyCash® Card from American Express | $0 | 2% gas & grocery (grocery cap) | 1.25% | Amex Offers; presales | No-fee cash back |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% custom categories | 0.5% | Choose categories | Tailored earners |
| Rogers World Elite Mastercard® | $0 | High flat rates incl. USD | 1.5%+ | Strong bill credits | Cross-border spenders |
| MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® | $0 | 2% gas & groceries | 0.5% | Auto cash-back | Basic earners |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the SimplyCash® Card from American Express has no annual fee.
What are the earn rates?
Earn 2% on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada (grocery up to $300 cash back annually) and 1.25% on all other eligible purchases.
Is there a welcome bonus?
Yes — new Cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on all purchases in the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in purchases (up to $100 bonus).
Does it include travel insurance?
No, this card focuses on purchase-related protections (Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty) rather than travel coverage.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take A reliable no-fee cash-back card with strong everyday value: 2% at gas and grocery, 1.25% elsewhere, and a simple welcome offer — great as a long-term keeper.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.2 / 5 — solid gas & grocery earn |
| Benefits & protections | 3.6 / 5 — purchase & warranty coverage |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — no annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — accessible for most Canadians |
