Comments on: American Express Zync Card Review

By: A.S.

A.S. — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:33:57 +0000

Hi, i was just apporved for a Zync card and my credit is not the best, its in the high 600′s with a repo on it. I am only 24(yea I know kinda young for a repo, but I learned to never listen to a parent about your finainces). Anyway, I wanted to say that the American Express Zync card will give you a limit if you do not qualify for the “real” thing. They will give you options such as takinga 500 limit with a requirement that they can automatically withdrawl from your bank account each month to pay your balance. If chosing this option you get $10. The other option would be a 200 limit, that has no additional requirements. I am only saying this as a heads up to others with bad-fair credit, depending on whats on it you’ll get a limit.

By: Ed

Ed — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:55:34 +0000

Hi, I am 18 and will be a freshman in college. I have no credit history, but have a checking account with a decent amount of my own money I made from work. I plan to get a job in college as well. Do you think it would be possible to get approved for a Zync card as my very first card? If not, what steps can I take to get one?

By: DT

DT — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:12:23 +0000

Hi David, my daughter just received and American Express Gold card and a Zync card
she is in college and has a job….which card would be better suited for her.

also, she listed me on the gold card for a card in my name, does this use of this card report to my credit history? the account is not technically in my name, just curious…

By: Jake

Jake — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:38:01 +0000

To answer your question about penalties against a revolving balance, American Express calls it their “sign and travel” expenses… You pay no fee up front for diverting a charge balance to a revolving balance, but what does happen is that a fairly hefty interest rate does take effect on whatever the balance amount is that you are paying down ( If I remember correctly, it was something in the neighborhood of 22% on a green card account). I also believe that you can elect to either pick certain purchases and pay them over time or a set dollar amount of the balance.

The drawback to this behavior, obviously, is that you turn your charge card into any old credit card, but its a good safety in the event that you run into an unexpected situation where you cannot afford to pay your entire balance I guess.

Hope that’s the answer you were looking for!
-Jake

By: Myia

Myia — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:24:46 +0000

I just got approved today! I think $25 annual fee is reasonable! And I added the $15 fitness pack because I plan on paying my gym membership monthly with it and earning rewards! I like that is has to be paid off monthly. I mainly got it because I missed out on some pre-sale tickets for the Live Glee tour and thought, well if I had an Amex I could have bought my tickets already! Although I will miss the pre-sale for glee I do believe this card will be great to have. Thanks for all the comments, it was helpful and the article was helpful.

By: David Weliver

David Weliver — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:46:13 +0000

Matt, you make good points. When looking at the numbers, it’s hard to beat Blue Cash. You get Amex’s customer service and generous cash rewards for no annual fee. I don’t know if you can get a Zync card with a lesser credit score than other Amex cards, but what I maintain is attractive about a charge cards is the requirement that the bill is paid in full every month. We all can exercise self control, but for some, knowing that their primary card must be paid in full every month is helpful to keep spending in check…a matter of preference and possibly worth $25 a year.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:26:51 +0000

I don’t see the advantage of Zync. I have an Amex BlueSky card. I get 1.33% back on all my purchases to be used for travel – any travel, hotel, flight, whatever. Also, no annual fee. And if I need to pay for a purchase over a few months, I can.

It seems like the Zync offers you .5%, you have to purchase rewards through their system, and there’s an annual fee.

I would rather just have some self-control and pay off my free card every month at 1.3% rewards.

Maybe this card is good for people with bad credit, but I do not see the advantage of this card for people with already established credit. Also, I could understand if people can’t get a BlueSky/BlueCash card and can get one of these, I LOVE Amex Customer service.

By: Garrett

Garrett — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:50:51 +0000

does anyone know how often that the american express zync card refers to the credit bureaus? I’m in need of rebuilding my credit and I’m hoping that a secured card isn’t my only option. (I recently cancelled a Capital One secured card application after hearing enough stories about them.
I heard that Orchard Bank is great for rebuilding credit. Also b/c it contacts the bureaus EVERY month. I’m hoping Zync does this.

By: Financial Teen

Financial Teen — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 03:24:40 +0000

It’s a shame this card is not available in Canada! Actually, there are a lot of great cards we don’t have here (like Chase’s Freedom card). I would get the Zync. I currently have BMO’s SPC Card (MasterCard) and I’ve been really responsible with it. I’ve had it for a year now.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:01:59 +0000

Thank you, David. Bankruptcy doesn’t mean you’re doomed as far as credit cards go. I received a secured card from Wells Fargo after I filed for bankruptcy. A year later I qualified an unsecured Platinum Card, and I now have their Signature Card, which, I believe, is the best they offer.