topic Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card? in Credit Cards

Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:49:03 GMT

So just curious if it would be fine to basically replace my bank/debit card for every purchase with my Zync card? I don't plan on making literally every purchase with it, but I'd like to start building up points and pushing some money through it so hopefully it will show them that I can and do use my card, responsibly at that.

I read all the time about the dreaded FR from AMEX...I'm not worried b/c I didn't lie on my app. I'm just happy to have even been approved for the card even if it currently is set up with a $500 limit and autopay. I also plan on pushing payments and using it more than just $500 per month, but will that look bad?

Thanks in advance,

John

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Ron1 — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:52:43 GMT

Yes, it is a good idea. I use mine like a debit card. I haven't gotten F/R since I got my card. It is almost like 2 years.

Ron.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:01:23 GMT

@Ron1 wrote:
Yes, it is a good idea. I use mine like a debit card. I haven't gotten F/R since I got my card. It is almost like 2 years.

Ron.

Thanks, I appreciate the quick response. I'm guessing AMEX is accepted most everynow isn't it?

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

RockinRay — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:03:16 GMT

You should use that card like a debit card for sure. I do this too.

Amex is accepted all over the place now. You should have few problems.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

CS800 — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:07:54 GMT

I use my CC's in general more than my debit. May as well earn some points or cashback.

Speaking of cashback, starting in July till sept, Discover has 5% on Gas...i know the Penfed guys on here dont need it

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:07:52 GMT

@RockinRay wrote:
You should use that card like a debit card for sure. I do this too.

Amex is accepted all over the place now. You should have few problems.

Sounds good!

Thanks

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:15:54 GMT

@CS800 wrote:
I use my CC's in general more than my debit. May as well earn some points or cashback.

Speaking of cashback, starting in July till sept, Discover has 5% on Gas...i know the Penfed guys on here dont need it

Discover and PenFed here. I'll just use the PenFed for groceries. I like Discover's reward redemption methods, better.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:17:36 GMT

@j_casteel wrote:

I read all the time about the dreaded FR from AMEX...I'm not worried b/c I didn't lie on my app. I'm just happy to have even been approved for the card even if it currently is set up with a $500 limit and autopay. I also plan on pushing payments and using it more than just $500 per month, but will that look bad?

This way of thinking is refreshing. Don't be afraid of the FR. They are much more rare than these forums would have you believe, and there is nothing wrong with them asking for a little income verification.

Also, using more than the limit each month and PIF will just show them that you need a CLI. Do this, and then ask for $1500 after 3 months.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:18:30 GMT

@CS800 wrote:
I use my CC's in general more than my debit. May as well earn some points or cashback.

Speaking of cashback, starting in July till sept, Discover has 5% on Gas...i know the Penfed guys on here dont need it

Chjase and Dsiscover, so I guess I need to use one till I hoit the cashback limit than use the other, or alternate

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:26:46 GMT

You planning on buying $1500 worth of gas in 3 months?

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Ron1 — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:27:41 GMT

In fact, I use all my credit cards this way and pay it full as soon as the statement cuts.

Ron.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:52:32 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@j_casteel wrote:

I read all the time about the dreaded FR from AMEX...I'm not worried b/c I didn't lie on my app. I'm just happy to have even been approved for the card even if it currently is set up with a $500 limit and autopay. I also plan on pushing payments and using it more than just $500 per month, but will that look bad?

This way of thinking is refreshing. Don't be afraid of the FR. They are much more rare than these forums would have you believe, and there is nothing wrong with them asking for a little income verification.

Also, using more than the limit each month and PIF will just show them that you need a CLI. Do this, and then ask for $1500 after 3 months.

I appreciate the good words and advice.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

webhopper — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:11:08 GMT

yes, my husband and I no longer use the debit card. He isn't allowed to take the debit card out of his wallet. rofl.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

RockinRay — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:18:49 GMT

I'll use mine at an ATM but that is all. My wife on the other hand uses hers for everything and I cannot change that behavior! LOL

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:23:29 GMT

What's a debit card?

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:28:36 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
What's a debit card?

bank card/check card.....i just call it debit card.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:36:04 GMT

I don't even have a debit card anymore. Cancelled it and replaced it with an ATM card to give me peace of mind that I don't have a number floating around on the visa network linking directly to my checking account.

In return for moving my spending to credit card or paper cash exclusive next month I will have enough miles to fly round trip to europe in economy class just from spending plus the signup bonus. I will have enough cashback on Discover to pre order Titanic on blu ray from amazon. Great rewards just from doing what I used to do with a debit card. Paying in full on my United card, and carrying a balance for some car bills on my discover card at 0% intro APR so I still haven't paid a penny in interest.

I know some people say, and it is actually a proven study that people with rewards cards do spend more than they otherwise would with cash because of our subconsiousness saying every time we walk into a store "The more you spend, the more miles/points/cashback you get" but the opposite has actually happened to me. I spend less with credit cards than I did with a debit card. With a debit card I never really saw in one bunch just how much I spent in a month. With a CC and you get your monthly bill you see just how much you have spent in one month and it can be scary.

For the last 3 months I have been walking to work so saving a bit on gas, and not going out to eat as often so saving money there too. So going credit card exclusive has meant more money in my pocket, plus some nice rewards.

So keep racking up those MR points with your zync and start thinking about what you want to spend your points on.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:39:47 GMT

@j_casteel wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
What's a debit card?

bank card/check card.....i just call it debit card.

I know what it is. I was just being facetious.

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

RockinRay — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:41:47 GMT

I actually think getting rid of the debit card and getting an ATM card is a great idea. I am going to look in to that. I am sure USAA has a regular ATM card...

Re: Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

j_casteel — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:49:10 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@j_casteel wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
What's a debit card?

bank card/check card.....i just call it debit card.
I know what it is. I was just being facetious.

i was taught never to assume.