American Express ZYNC
By Alex Compton · Last verified
The build-your-own charge card experiment that lasted two years.
Welcome Bonus
None recorded
Last recorded offer
Spend Requirement
None recorded
Last recorded requirement
Annual Fee
$25
Last recorded · 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 Blue Cash Everyday Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Discover it Cash Back. 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.
3% groceries, gas, and online retail with no fee.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
Cashback Match doubles everything you earn in year one.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
| Observed | Offer | Requirement | What changed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-01 | 5,000 | $500 in 3 mo | Terms reconfirmedFinal offer, applications closed in 2012 | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2010-10 | 5,000 | $500 in 3 mo | Earliest recordModest Membership Rewards offers fit the 25 dollar fee | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
Primary-source verification log
Append-only evidence ledgerEvent-level primary-source attachments begin with the September 2026 verification system. Older records remain visible but are not retroactively presented as evidenced.
Historical record · spot an outdated offer? Report a correction above.
Last Recorded Earning Rates
These terms are historical context and are not presented as current.
- 1xEverything
- 2xCategory packs you bolted onOptional 25 dollar per year packs like Go, Connect, Eco and Social boosted specific categories
Last Recorded Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Last Recorded Benefits
Confirm availability and enrollment requirements with the issuer.
- ✦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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