The SimplyCash Card from American Express is a great entry-level Amex card. For a card with no annual fee, it earns rewards at quite a high rate, and also offers many standard benefits of the Amex lifestyle such as Amex Offers.
Bonuses & Fees
As a welcome bonus, this card offers $10 cash back in the first 10 months when you spend at least $300, totalling $100 cash back.
This card has no annual fee, along with no fee for adding additional users. It’s a good choice to keep around in the long run to support the longevity of your credit history and your relationship with American Express.
Earning Rewards
The American Express SimplyCash Card has a simple earning structure: you’ll earn 2% cash back on groceries and gas, and 1.25% cash back on all purchases. It's important to note that the 2% cash back categories are limited to a maximum of $15,000 spent per cardholder anniversary. While other cards may have higher earning rates in a few niche categories, this card offers a very strong rate of return on two popular categories, and a good return on uncategorized purchases. If you prefer a slim wallet, frequently shop at stores that take Amex, and want to minimize annual fees, the SimplyCash Card can be suitable as an addition to your wallet. The card also has a refer-a-friend program. You can earn $75 for every successful referral, up to $375 per calendar year.
Redeeming Rewards
Your cash back on the SimplyCash Card can be redeemed annually. It's always issued automatically on your September statement, as a credit to your account.
Perks & Benefits
The SimplyCash Card by American Express comes with all of the standard perks of being an American Express cardholder, including Front of the Line event presale tickets, exclusive invites for American Express Experiences, and periodic Amex Offers for additional rebates and rewards on everyday spending.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance benefits on the American Express SimplyCash Card are fairly limited. The card's sole type of travel insurance is Common Carrier Accident insurance, which reimburses you up to $100,000 in the case of an unforeseen accident onboard scheduled transportation that results in bodily harm. Additionally, the card also offers Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection, covering most eligible items you’ve purchased with your card should they be stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase, as well as an extended one-year warranty period compared to the manufacturer’s warranty.