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Moderator/Staff
American Express Zync Card Review – An Important Warning
WARNING: Don’t submit an American Express Zync card application without fully understanding the benefits. My American Express Zync card review carefully takes you through each part of the card.
This is one of the best credit card deals on the market today, but it’s important that you understand each and every benefit first - that way you know how to take full advantage of this card and get your money’s worth.
What is the Zync Card?
Since the credit crunch, banks have been tightening their terms quite a bit. They no longer want to lend money to people that can’t pay their bills. In turn, the popularity of charge cards (which are paid in full every month) have really taken off.
Since this type of card is paid in full every month, not only are they a great way to manage spending, but it’s much better than using debit card… charge cards show on your credit report and they offer a broad array of benefits and protection you can’t get with debit.
Unfortunately, charge cards have high annual fees (hundred of dollars) and some are geared towards the upper-class that have lengthy, perfect credit files. However, the American Express Zync Card is about to change all that… it’s a charge card with exceptional benefits and rewards, yet it has a low annual fee and is geared towards younger working individuals and those that have never had an AmEx card before.
American Express Zync Requirements
So, what exactly are the American Express Zync requirements? Well, I called AmEx up directly to ask them and find out. The only official requirements they state are you must be a U.S. resident 18 years or older at time of application. They did not have an official (or at least one that is publicly available) requirement for income.
Being that the American Express Zync charge card is geared towards younger individuals, it’s safe to assume that they’re much more lenient in their approval process. Therefore, this would be the perfect card for college students and those recently entering the workforce.
American Express Zync Card Annual Fee
The annual fee is by far the lowest I’ve ever seen for a charge card… it’s only $25. Compare this to the AmEx Gold ($125), Platinum ($450) and the Diners Club “Carte Blanche” card ($300). As you can see, the American Express Zync is clearly the most affordable.
American Express Zync Card Rewards
One of the best perks of the Zync Card is that you get to participate in the AmEx “Membership Rewards” points program. This is by far the best rewards program out there – you can redeem your points for almost anything; travel, to merchandise, gift cards, you name it and it probably can be found in this program.
First of all, you will receive at least 1 point per dollar spent. In addition, there are four different reward upgrades you can add onto the card. One of them is free and the others are $20 each per year. Let’s take a look at each…
The Eco Pack is free with every Zync Card. I was looking over to see which merchants they rank for being green, and there were quite a few places around me that I actually go to – Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and hundreds of restaurants, bars, stores, and more. So the double membership points they offer for the free Eco Pack will really benefit me.
Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, buying one or more of the other packs may benefit you. But those packs can be added/deleted whenever you want, so instead of signing up for them right away, I would recommend you first just apply for American Express Zync card and then you can wait a month or two to see if they will be worth it – after you understand the program better. That way you aren’t spending $20 on something unless its rewards will really fit your spending.
American Express Zync Card Benefits
However, even better then the Membership Rewards program is the American Express customer service. Seriously, you have no idea how amazing their customer service is until you’re a cardmember.
First of all, when I call I don’t have to press a million buttons to speak with someone, there’s never a wait, and I get to speak to an actual American customer service rep! But wait to you hear about their other benefits… Rental Car Insurance (Free!)
Renting a car is already as expensive enough as it is, but if you need insurance for it to, that’s just adding insult to injury. Fortunately, the American Express Zync Card has you covered when renting a car – so you don’t have to buy collision insurance from the rental company. If an accident happens, AmEx will take care of what your regular car insurance policy (if you have one) won’t pay for. Please note that exotics aren’t covered, in case you were planning on renting an Aston Martin or something 
Return Protection (Free!)
How many times have you bought something, wanted to take it back, but you couldn’t – either because you lost the receipt or the store won’t accept returns. Well, with the American Express Zync Card, that will no longer be a problem because they will accept your return! Eligible purchases - up to $300 per item, $1000 a year total – will be refunded through AmEx! Now try doing that with your debit card!
Extended Warranty (Free!)
Ever bought a new laptop, only to have it die on you a month after the warranty expires? Well with the American Express Zync charge card, if the original manufacturers warranty is less than five years, AmEx will extend its coverage an additional year for absolutely free on eligible purchases. Being that most computers have a 12 month warranty, the potential to make that a 24 month warranty instead – for free – is an amazing benefit!
Purchase Protection (Free!)
Ever bought a new shirt or sweater, only to accidentally rip it a few weeks later? Or have you bought a new phone, only to accidentally leave it somewhere and you never get it back? Well with American Express Zync card, you’re protected – for ninety days from date of purchase – against theft and accidental damage, up to one thousand dollars per eligible incident!
Should You Apply for American Express Zync?
As you can see, the Zync card offers a ton of benefits you won’t find anywhere else. Not only is this an economically smart choice, but it will also look good to have an AmEx card on your credit record. The AmEx Zync card is truly an amazing value!
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