Using my new AMEX Zync like debit card?

[j_casteel]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

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.

---

awesome advice and tips...i may look into the ATM card as well and ditching the Visa check/bank/debit card...lol

[injustifiiable]

I would probably do the same...actually, I do the same with my cards now. I also have mint.com so using a card helps me see where my money is going every month.

If I could build the perfect card, I'd do 5% off on coffee shops. lol

[Eschaton]

AmEx encourages heavy usage of their cards. But perosnally, I only charge gas and restaurant on my Zync to keep it actively reporting every month. 

All my other charges go to my Freedom, but since the rotation goes to gas and restaurant next month for the 5% I'm probably going to only use the Zync for groceries and morning coffee. I find that Chase has the better rewards for the points.