I have a friend who is highly organized with everything in her life. She keeps close tabs on coupons, bonus points and has several rewards program cards in her wallet. She’s great at keeping track of special offers and sales. I started thinking that I was missing out lately as I’m the complete opposite. I never know when the sales are on and we seldom get flyers at the door.
Hubby the other day mentioned to me that I should probably look into getting some sort of credit card that offers incentive. “You’re out there paying for music lessons, getting groceries, seeing movies and buying shoes,” he said to me. “Why not get something in return?
But what’s right card for me? I admit that when I’m shopping I’m not someone who seeks out the deals and discounts. I’m usually rushing to get what I need… however, I do cringe if I hear about a sale a few days later on something I just bought. Grrrr. But I know when it comes to reward cards, I just need something simple. “How about a cash-back card? Look into that,” he says. Well, as fate would have it, no sooner when he had mentioned that, American Express Canada o announced their aggressive entry into the cash-back market with the new SimplyCash and SimplyCash Preferred cards. They had me at hello.
It turns out that I’m not alone when it comes to taking time to seek out discounts and wanting a break when I need to shop. American Express found out that although consumers enjoy finding deals and discounts when shopping, many struggle to find time or enough cost savings to make it worthwhile. In fact, only 26 per cent of Canadians consider themselves savvy shoppers. Those who don’t shop around for the best deals say they lack the discipline (37%) and the time (29%) to hunt out bargains.
The new cash-back card is simple… it’s like getting a discount on every purchase.
When it comes to credit cards, American Express found that consumers are looking for cards that are simple and easy to use, earn cash back everywhere they spend, still offer additional card benefits and 24/7 Customer Service.
Benefits of the SimplyCash Card: (No annual fee)
- Welcome rate of 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in Canada at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants in the first 6 months (up to $250 cash back)
- 1.2% cash back on all other purchases and when the welcome rate ends.
- Insurance coverage, including Buyers Assurance, Purchase Protection, Travel Accident, Car Rental & Theft Damage Insurance.
- Front of the Line access to entertainment.
Benefits of the The SimplyCash Preferred Card: (annual fee of $79)
- Welcome rate of 5% cash back on ALL purchases in the first 6 months (up to $400 cash back)
- 1.50% cash back on purchases up to $100K when the welcome rate ends (1.25% cash back over $100K)
- Insurance coverage, including Buyers Assurance, Purchase Protection, Travel Accident, Car Rental & Theft Damage Insurance, Emergency Medical, Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance, Lost or Stolen Baggage, Flight Delay, Baggage Delay insurance.
- Front of the Line access to entertainment.
Both cards also offer access to memorable experiences with American Express Invites that includes advance access to the hottest tickets in the entertainment circuit as well as exclusive offers. You can get all the details at americanexpress.com
I admit that these both sound appealing to me and I may just need to jump in and ditch my non-exciting credit card that doesn’t come with any perks. I mean, who doesn’t want cash back and Front of the Line access? Usher has announced his tour. I better get on it!
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