Amex SimplyCash Preferred Review 2025 – Canada’s Best 2% Cashback Card for Everyday Spending

Overview and who this card suits

The Amex SimplyCash Preferred is a straightforward Canadian cashback card that gives a flat 2% cashback on eligible purchases, making it ideal for folks who don’t want to juggle rotating categories. For everyday spending in Canada – groceries, gas, dining and recurring bills – this card simplifies rewards so you earn the same rate wherever you use it.

American Express built the SimplyCash Preferred for practical value: a clear earning rate, solid protections, and predictable benefits for household budgets. If you live in a province where AMEX is widely accepted and you value liquidity from statement credits, this card stands out among cashback credit cards in Canada.

Rewards structure, welcome offer and costs

The headline is the 2% cashback flat rate on qualifying purchases, which competes well against other cashback cards in Canada. New cardholders often see a competitive welcome offer on the Amex Canada portal – typically a statement credit or high-value gift card – that boosts first-year value compared to rivals.

There is an annual fee around $99 CAD, but the math works for most households paying regular bills and grocery tabs on the card. Keep in mind acceptance varies by merchant – not every small business takes Amex – so pairing with a Visa or Mastercard helps you capture full-market cashback.

How to maximise your 2% cashback

Use the Amex SimplyCash Preferred for recurring bills, groceries, and larger monthly expenses to quickly offset the annual fee. Paying utility bills, mobile plans and subscriptions with the card where accepted gives steady cashback without changing your routine; set up auto-pay to make earnings consistent.

Add authorized users for household spending to boost total cashback, and time larger purchases during the welcome-offer window if applicable. Regularly check statements on the American Express Canada app to verify eligible purchases and to spot merchant categories that may not qualify for cashback.

Security, acceptance and final verdict

American Express offers strong fraud protection, purchase security and 24/7 customer support on the SimplyCash Preferred, so your everyday spending is well covered. Cardholder tools in the Amex app make monitoring, dispute filing and reward redemption easy for Canadians who prefer mobile banking experiences.

Overall, the Amex SimplyCash Preferred is one of Canada’s best flat-rate cashback cards for straightforward rewards and predictable value. If you want a no-nonsense 2% cashback card and are comfortable with occasional acceptance limits at independent merchants, this card delivers real returns on everyday spending.