American Express ZYNC
By Alex Compton · Last verified
The build-your-own charge card experiment that lasted two years.
Welcome Bonus
None
Discontinued
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$25
2.7% FTF
Credit Score
630+
(Fair-Good)
Common Questions
Is the American Express ZYNC discontinued?
Yes. Discontinued. The build-your-own charge card experiment that lasted two years.
What can I use instead of the American Express ZYNC?
The closest open alternatives we track are the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Discover it Cash Back, Blue Cash Everyday Card. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.
Open Alternatives
The ZYNC is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
Cashback Match doubles everything you earn in year one.
3% groceries, gas, and online retail with no fee.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Last verified 2026-06-11 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
Earning Rates
- 1xEverything
- 2xCategory packs you bolted on
Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Benefits
- ✦Full Membership Rewards earning on a 25 dollar charge card
- ✦Modular packs let cardholders customize bonus categories, a structure never tried again
Why it earns its spot
- +Cheapest path into Membership Rewards ever offered
- +Genuinely innovative modular design
Where it costs you
- −Charge card with no preset limit confused its young target market
- −Amex abandoned the experiment within two years
The Compound Verdict
ZYNC was Amex's 2010 attempt to sell charge cards to millennials: a white card with a 25 dollar fee where you bolted on 25 dollar lifestyle packs for bonus earning in music, travel, dining or eco categories. It was clever, it earned real Membership Rewards, and it flopped commercially. Applications closed in 2012 and the modular concept died with it, though holders clung to the odd white keepsake for years.
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