American Express SimplyCash Preferred vs Scotiabank Gold American Express

Verified Oct 16, 2026CAD

Both cards valued on the same spending, after fees. Year 1 against every year after shows which one keeps its value once the welcome bonus is gone.

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American Express SimplyCash Preferred

American Express

SimplyCash Preferred

$119.88 fee

after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$1,136
Year 2+$936
4%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
4%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2%
Air
Flights
2%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2%
Stream
Streaming
2%
Drug
Drugstores
2%
Online
Online shopping
2%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2%
Other
Everything else
Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Scotiabank Gold American Express

Scotiabank

Gold American Express

$120 fee

after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$1,240
Year 2+$940
5x
Groc
Groceries
5x
Dine
Dining and takeout
3x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1x
Air
Flights
1x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
3x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
3x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
1x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far
Year 1Year 2Year 3

On a family's spending: Year 1 goes to Scotiabank Gold American Express, every year after to Scotiabank Gold American Express, and 3 years to Scotiabank Gold American Express. Compare them on your own spending

All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.

Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.

Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.

3-year value on each preset

after fees, points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.

SpendingAmerican Express SimplyCash PreferredScotiabank Gold American ExpressAhead
Student$823$989Scotiabank Gold American Express
Couple$2,270$2,401Scotiabank Gold American Express
Family$3,058$3,119Scotiabank Gold American Express
Frequent traveller$3,152$3,166Scotiabank Gold American Express
Big spender$6,702$6,233American Express SimplyCash Preferred

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, American Express SimplyCash Preferred or Scotiabank Gold American Express?

Over 3 years, American Express SimplyCash Preferred comes out ahead on 1 of 5 spending presets and Scotiabank Gold American Express on 4. On a family's spending ($3,350 a month), Year 1 goes to Scotiabank Gold American Express and every year after to Scotiabank Gold American Express.

Why can the winner change after year 1?

Year 1 includes welcome bonuses and first-year fee waivers. From year 2 only rewards on spending, ongoing credits and the full annual fee count, so a card with a bigger bonus can fall behind.

Sources

Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.