American Express Gold Rewards Card® vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express: Which one is better?
American Express Gold Rewards Card®
4.25
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
SimplyCash® Card from American Express
3.5
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$597.35
American Express Membership Rewards
Welcome Bonus
$1,260
American Express Membership Rewards
Annual Fee
$250
First Year Value
$1,607.35
$347.35 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$301.46
Welcome Bonus
$100
Annual Fee
$0
First Year Value
$401.46
$301.46 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Insurance Included*
Travel Accident
$500,000
Purchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1,000
Extended Warranty
1 year
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500 per person, $3,000 combined
Trip Interruption
$1,500 per person, $6,000 combined
Flight Delay
$500 after 4 hour delay
Baggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 days
Insurance Included*
Travel Accident
$500,000Purchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1,000Extended Warranty
1 year
Extra Benefits*
American Express Experiences
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Travel Credit
$100
Nexus Application
$50 statement credit every 4 years
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visits
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express Travel.svg)
Status lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Extra Benefits*
American Express Experiences
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.99%1
Cash Advance:
21.99%1
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.992
Cash Advance:
21.992
Annual Fee*
$250
Annual Fee*
$0
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Welcome Bonus*
Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
Welcome Bonus*
Earn up to $100 in Statement Credits by earning a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 on your Card in your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months. Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Rewards Rate*
- 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
- 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Rewards Rate*
- 2% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
- 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Loyalty Program*
Loyalty Program*
N/A
Point Redemption Options*
Most Optimal
Transfer to Airline Partners
2.1¢ / point.svg)
Fixed Point Travel Program
1.66¢ / point
Transfer to Hotel Partners
1.66¢ / point
Statement Credits
1¢ / point
Gift Cards
0.765¢ / point
Amazon.ca
0.7¢ / point
Merchandise
0.63¢ / point
Point Redemption Options*
Not Applicable
Is this card worth it?
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.
Is this card worth it?
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express stands out for its no annual fee and strong cash-back earning potential, offering up to $100 in statement credits within the first 10 months. What makes it even more appealing are the unique perks, such as early access to concert tickets and extra layers of security for online shopping. These extra benefits, along with the affordability, make it a strong contender for those looking for a reliable cash-back card with no annual fee. It's an excellent choice for everyday spending while still enjoying exclusive Amex advantages.
Pros
- Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2 points per $1 spent.
- Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit and 4 free passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Multiple Redemption Options: Offers 4 ways to redeem points for maximum value.
Pros
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The card comes with a $250 annual fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
- Limited Travel Insurance for Seniors: No travel medical insurance coverage for those over 65.
- Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.
Cons
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