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American Express SimplyCash Card

American Express SimplyCash Card

Reviewed by Jen, founder of MoneyMint · Updated September 25, 2026

American Express SimplyCash Card
American ExpressNo Annual Fee

American Express SimplyCash Card

Our take: strongest for groceries and gas — about 2% back in value (est.) with no annual fee, plus a welcome bonus we value at roughly $100.

#6 Sign-up bonus#6 No annual fee

Welcome bonus5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in purchases (up to $100 in bonus cash back)
Apply on Amex’s site →

  • Goes straight to American Express
  • No cost to you
  • Our review

The American Express SimplyCash Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card built for straightforward, everyday spending. It pairs an uncapped 1.25% base cash back rate with elevated 2% earning on gas and grocery purchases (combined up to $300 in bonus cash back per year), making it a reasonable pick for people who want simple rewards without a fee, though its earn rates trail those of Amex’s fee-based SimplyCash Preferred and many other no-fee cash back cards.

4.0out of 5

MoneyMint rating

#6 of 34 no-fee rewards cards · How we rate

Rewards value
3/10
Insurance
4/10
Flexibility
8/10
Welcome bonus
1/10
Fee value
10/10
Perks
2/10

≈ $408

estimated first-year value after the annual fee, on a typical $2,050/month budget. See it for your spending →

At a Glance

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Up to 2% cash back2% on gas & grocery (combined, capped); 1.25% on everything else

Welcome Bonus

Up to $100 bonus cash back

Rewards

~2%on groceries (est. value)

Credit Score Needed

Good

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

Purchase APR 21.99% · Cash Advance APR 21.99%

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Uncapped 1.25% base cash back on all other purchases
  • 2% cash back on gas and groceries (combined, up to $300 in bonus cash back per year)
  • Cash back is applied automatically as a statement credit — no redemption hassle

Cons

  • Lower earn rates than the fee-based SimplyCash Preferred and many competing no-fee cards
  • Gas and grocery bonus cash back is capped
  • Foreign transaction fee of 2.5% applies
  • Amex acceptance is narrower than Visa or Mastercard at some Canadian merchants

Rewards & Earn Rates

Gas & Grocery (combined)2%Up to $300 in bonus cash back per year, combined
All other purchases1.25%Uncapped
Bonus cash back on gas and groceries is capped at a combined $300 per year (roughly $15,000 in combined spend at the 2% rate); purchases beyond that earn the base 1.25% rate.

Who It’s For

Best for

  • People who want simple, automatic cash back with no annual fee
  • Everyday spenders whose gas and grocery spending fits within the bonus cap
  • Amex holders who want a low-maintenance secondary card

Not ideal for

  • Big spenders on gas/groceries who would earn more with an uncapped card
  • Those who want the highest possible cash back rate (SimplyCash Preferred or other fee-based cards may earn more)
  • Frequent travellers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee$0
Rewards RateUp to 2%
Welcome OfferUp to $100
Credit ScoreGood
MoneyMint rating4.0 / 5

Apply on Amex’s site →

This link goes directly to American Express’s official page. MoneyMint doesn’t currently have a paid partnership for this card, so this isn’t a monetized recommendation.

+ Compare with other cards

Not Sure? Three Cards People Compare It With

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American Express Green Card

American Express Green Card

Pick this instead if most of your spending is everyday spending (~1.7% est.).

Fee $0Rating 4.0 ★Bonus $170

Read review

RBC ION Visa

RBC ION Visa

Pick this instead if you would rather earn RBC Avion points than cash back.

Fee $0Rating 3.1 ★Bonus $100

Read review

Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard

Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard

Pick this instead if you spend abroad — it has no foreign transaction fee.

Fee $495Rating 3.7 ★

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4.0MoneyMint rating

American Express SimplyCash Card

Best for groceries and gas · No annual fee · ~$100 welcome bonus (est.)

Apply on Amex’s site →Find a better fit

J

Jen, founder of MoneyMint

Reviewed by Jen. Every figure on this page was checked against Amex’s official card page on September 25, 2026. How we rate cards →

This is general information, not personalized financial advice — consider your own spending habits and consult a professional for decisions specific to your situation. Rates, fees, and offers are set by American Express and can change without notice; always confirm current terms on the issuer’s official page before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the American Express SimplyCash Card?

The American Express SimplyCash Card has an annual fee of $0.

What is the rewards rate on the American Express SimplyCash Card?

The American Express SimplyCash Card offers: Up to 2% cash back: 2% on gas and grocery purchases combined (up to $300 in bonus cash back per year), 1.25% uncapped on all other purchases

Does the American Express SimplyCash Card have a welcome bonus?

5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in purchases (up to $100 in bonus cash back) Welcome offer terms and caps can change; confirm the live offer amount and expiry on amex.ca before applying.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the American Express SimplyCash Card?

Generally, you’ll want a good credit score to be considered for the American Express SimplyCash Card. Approval also depends on income and overall credit history, not credit score alone.

Does the American Express SimplyCash Card charge foreign transaction fees?

2.5%