PC World Elite Mastercard vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express: Which one is better?

PC World Elite Mastercard
2.3

SimplyCash® Card from American Express
3.8
Welcome Bonus
Earn 20,000 points when you get approved.
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 Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$260.96
PC Financial
First Year Bonus Value
+
$20
PC Financial
Annual Fee
-
$0
First Year Value
$280.96
$260.96 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$311.78
First Year Bonus Value
+
$100
Annual Fee
-
$0
First Year Value
$411.78
$311.78 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
How to Earn Rewards
- 45 points per $1 dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart® stores
- 30 points per $1 dollar spent at Atlantic Superstore, Extra Foods, Fortinos, Loblaws, Maxi, Maxi & cie, no frills, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore, SaveEasy, SuperValu, valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs
- 20 points per $1 spent in PC travel
- 19 points per $1 dollar spent at ESSO and Mobil (it's 30 points per liter and the assumption of average gas price of $1.6 was made)
- 10 points per $1 dollar spent for everything else
How to Earn Rewards*
- 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
Insurance Included
Extended Warranty
Doubled up to a yearPurchase Protection
90 daysCar Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 31 daysEmergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 10 days
Insurance Included*
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 days or theft up to $1,000 per occurrenceTravel Accident
Up to $100,000
Extra Benefits
Concierge Services
Identity Theft Assistance
Extra Benefits*
Amex Experiences™
Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Interest Rates
Purchase:
21.99%
Cash Advance:
22.97%
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.99%2
Cash Advance:
21.99%2
Annual Fee
$0
Annual Fee*
$0
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
$80,000
Min Household Income:
$150,000
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Loyalty Program
Loyalty Program*
N/A
Point Redemption Options
Groceries
0.1¢ / pointGas (Esso)
0.1¢ / point
Point Redemption Options*
Not Applicable
Is this card worth it?
This is a great card to have in your arsenal if you frequently shop at Shoppers Drug Mart®, Loblaw's owned chains, and ESSO and Mobil gas stations, as you will earn significant rewards in these categories. The additional benefits, such as out-of-province medical insurance, car rental damage insurance, and concierge service, are impressive and typically only come with cards that have annual fees; however, you can access these benefits for free with this card. We do not recommend using this as your primary credit card but as a supplement to another primary card, especially because there are no fees. This is because the rewards on purchases outside the mentioned shops are very average, and many other cards offer much more substantial rewards for general use.
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
- Out-of-province medical insurance, concierge service, and car rental damage insurance—benefits that are usually included with cards that have fees—are included with this card.
- Decent rewards on purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart®, Loblaw's owned chains, and ESSO and Mobil gas stations.
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
- Many other high-spend categories don't earn as many rewards. Shopping at any other grocery chains, gas stations, or pharmacies will only give the base reward rate, and restaurant purchases and purchases in other categories don't earn much either.
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.


vs Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card


vs CIBC Costco Mastercard


vs BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®


vs Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®


vs SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express


vs Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card


vs MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®


vs American Express® Green Card


vs Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card


vs RBC ION+ Visa


vs American Express Gold Rewards Card®


vs Rogers World Elite® Mastercard®


vs American Express Cobalt® Card


vs Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card


vs American Express Platinum Card®


vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Card


vs Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card


vs CIBC Costco Mastercard


vs BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®


vs Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card


vs Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®


vs SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express


vs MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®


vs American Express® Green Card


vs Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card


vs American Express Gold Rewards Card®


vs Rogers World Elite® Mastercard®


vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card


vs Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card


vs Rogers Red Mastercard®


vs American Express Cobalt® Card
Legal