American Express® Green Card vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express: Which one is better?
American Express® Green Card
3.9
SimplyCash® Card from American Express
3.8
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$467.86
American Express Membership Rewards
First Year Bonus
$210
American Express Membership Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
First Year Value
$677.86
$467.86 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$311.78
First Year Bonus
$100
Annual Fee
$0
First Year Value
$411.78
$311.78 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Insurance Included*
Extended Warranty
Up to a year
Purchase Protection
90 days
Insurance Included*
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 days or theft up to $1,000 per occurrence
Travel Accident
Up to $100,000
Extra Benefits*
Amex Experiences™
With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada
Extra points
2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases
Extra Benefits*
Amex Experiences™
Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.99%1
Cash Advance:
21.99%1
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.992
Cash Advance:
21.992
Annual Fee*
$0
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 a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months.
Welcome Bonus*
In your first 3 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates. That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back.
Rewards Rate*
- 1x point per $1 spent on all 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
Fixed Point Travel Program
1.66¢ / point
Transfer to Hotel Partners
1.66¢ / point
Statement Credits (Cash)
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® Green Card is a great option for those looking for a no-frills card that earns rewards on all purchases without any annual fee or minimum income requirement. It's an accessible card with no cap on rewards, making it ideal for those who want to earn points without the higher costs and complexities of premium cards. However, it does come with lower rewards earnings across most categories and a modest welcome bonus.
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
- No Spending Limits: Earn unlimited rewards with no caps.
- Flexible Redemption: Transfer points to other loyalty programs for maximum value.
- VIP Perks: Access a variety of exclusive benefits through Amex Experiences™.
- Eco-Friendly: The card is made from 99% recycled plastic.
Pros
- No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it accessible and cost-effective.
- Attractive cash-back rates: Offers a solid structure for earning cash-back on eligible purchases.
- Exclusive Amex perks: Provides benefits such as access to concert tickets and enhanced security for online shopping.
Cons
- Lower Reward Rates: Earn rates are lower compared to other no-fee cards.
- Limited Travel Perks: Lacks some of the travel benefits and insurance options provided by other cards.
Cons
- Annual cash-back cap: Limits the total amount of cash-back you can earn within a year.
- Limited travel and shopping insurance: The card lacks comprehensive travel and shopping coverage compared to other premium cards.
- American Express acceptance: Amex is not accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard.
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Other Comparisons
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American Express® Green Card vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express: When to go for one over the other
Annual Fees and Requirements
Both the American Express Green Card and the SimplyCash Card from American Express have no annual fee, making them accessible options for users who prefer to avoid yearly costs. Neither card has a specific minimum income requirement, which adds to their accessibility. This makes them both great options for those who want to avoid paying annual fees while still earning rewards.
Rewards Comparison
The American Express Green Card earns points on all purchases, while the SimplyCash Card focuses on cashback, offering higher rates in select categories such as gas and groceries. The Green Card's welcome bonus is larger, but the SimplyCash Card offers a smaller, more attainable cashback bonus within the first 10 months. Both cards are solid for everyday use, but if you prefer cashback over points, SimplyCash may be the better fit.
Reward Redemption Options
The Green Card allows point transfers to airline and hotel partners, with optimal value achieved through travel redemptions. While these options offer flexibility for travelers, cashback is more versatile and usable for any expense, which is where the SimplyCash Card excels. If you prefer ease of use and immediate value, the SimplyCash Card's cashback structure is more convenient.
Benefits and Insurance
Both cards offer similar insurance coverage, such as purchase protection and extended warranty. However, the Green Card has additional travel accident insurance, making it a slightly better option for those seeking more robust travel protection. Both cards also provide access to American Express Experiences, giving users special perks like early access to concert tickets.
Conclusion: Which Card is Best for You?
The American Express Green Card is better for those who prioritize earning points and redeeming them for travel. However, if you're more interested in straightforward cashback rewards, particularly for gas and groceries, the SimplyCash Card is the stronger choice. Travelers and those wanting to transfer points to loyalty programs should opt for the Green Card, while budget-conscious shoppers will benefit more from the SimplyCash Card's higher cashback rates.
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