Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard vs Amex SimplyCash Preferred
Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The Amex SimplyCash Preferred scores higher overall at 7.2/10, but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.
The verdict
StrongOne is free, one earns more. The Rogers Red World Elite's 2% at no annual fee (with a Rogers/Fido/Shaw service; 1.5% without) is the benchmark every paid card must beat; the SimplyCash Preferred beats it at 4% on gas and groceries but charges ~$120 a year and adds Amex acceptance gaps. Concentrated gas-and-grocery spend justifies the fee; everyone else keeps the free flat rate.
See offer · current Amex SimplyCash Preferred offer, direct from the issuer
Rewards math assumes you pay your balance in full every month — interest charges quickly exceed any rewards value.
| Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | Amex SimplyCash Preferred | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Score | 6.7/10 · Strong | 7.2/10 · Strong |
| Annual fee | None | $119.88 ($9.99 charged monthly) |
| Welcome bonus | Modest signup bonus for new cardholders (offers vary) | Up to $250 in bonus cash back: a bonus 10% back on your first $2,000 of purchases in the first 3 months (worth up to $200), plus a $50 statement credit for any purchase in month 13 |
| Est. bonus value | ≈ $60 | ≈ $250 |
| First-year net value | ≈ $285 | ≈ $480 |
| Earn rates |
|
|
| Points currency | Cash back | Cash back |
| No FX fees | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
Where the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard wins
- Low friction: scores 8.5/10 on this component
- Strategic fit: scores 8.0/10 on this component
Where the Amex SimplyCash Preferred wins
- First-year value: scores 6.5/10 on this component
- Ongoing value: scores 8.0/10 on this component
- Flexibility: scores 8.0/10 on this component
- Perk usability: scores 7.0/10 on this component
Read the full reviews: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard and Amex SimplyCash Preferred, or see how both rank in Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada.