Long known for its line of charge cards, American Express recently unveiled a new charge product targeted towards the younger generation. The Amex Zync is being pitched as a way to build your credit history without the danger of running up high interest charges, since it must be paid in full every month. As a charge card, any balances you carry on your Zync will not count towards your utilization ratios on either your FICO or Vantage Score.

The Zync does carry an annual fee, though at $25, it is much lower than its elder siblings. Purchases earn Membership Rewards points which can be redeemed for the usual assortment of travel, shopping, and entertainment rewards. In addition, there are four “Lifestyle Packs,” that can boost your benefits. For instance, the “Go” pack costs an additional $20/year and doubles the number of points your airfare purchases earn. The “Social” pack also costs another $20/year and doubles your points on restaurant, concert and theater purchases.

For more details, see this link.

Amex Platinum or Centurion cardmembers can get one night free at either the Wynn or Encore in Las Vegas, with a minimum 2 night stay:

Stay between Jan 15th and ends June 30th, 2010. First complimentary night free with a 2 night minimum. (essentially buy one, get 1 night free)

MENTION Promo Code: E1320542 (this is not bookable on the new FHR website, must phone in)

Bookings must be made by April 15, 2010. In addition, the promo is valid for only one room per cardmember. (Via FT)

Select Amex Gold cardmembers are eligible to receive one year of free Costco membership, courtesy of American Express. To receive the $50 statement credit for the annual Costco membership fee, you must enroll in the promo, then use your Gold Card to purchase a membership and spend at Costco by January 15, 2010.

Eligible cardmembers can enroll at www.americanexpress.com/costcogift/

American Express just announced a new Membership Rewards redemption option, allowing cardmembers to use points toward federal, state and local income tax payments. Through expanded partnerships with Pay1040 and Official Payments Corp, cardmembers can now redeem their points towards the actual tax payment. Previously, points could only be used to offset the cost of the convenience and payment fees incurred when filing taxes online. Unfortunately, the redemption rate of 200 MR points per 1 dollar towards your tax bill leaves a lot to be desired.

So recently I was in the market for a new car. Now, I know that many will argue the merits of only buying used cars because of the steep and immediate depreciation hit you take the minute you leave the lot with a new car. Well, in general, I prefer to buy new because I don’t trust my ability to evaluate the mechanical condition of a used car. Plus, it’s just a lot easier to comparison shop for new cars. I also keep my cars for a long time, so the depreciation is less of an issue.

Another problem I face when buying a car is that I hate haggling. Personally, I’d rather pay a slight premium for a more convenient transaction. Which is why I decided to explore the subject of this post: a review and comparison of a few of the “no-haggle” price car purchase programs on the market.
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Enroll your American Express card at the link below and earn a 5% rebate on BP gas through December 31, 2009. The rebate will be issued as a statement credit and may take up to 2 billing cycles to post. Note that not all American Express cards are eligible for this promotion.

For more info or to see if your card qualifies, see this link. (via SD)

The following promo is by invitation only: If you are eligible, you can participate by registering your American Express card at amexnetwork.com/my30, then make a purchase at 6 of the 18 participating merchants by December 19, 2009 to receive a $30 statement credit. Participating merchants include:

• Target
• Amazon.com
• WalMart
• Drugstore.com
• Costco
• Kohl’s
• Dunkin Donuts
• Burger King
• Subway
• Exxon Stations
• Chevron
• Mobil Stations
• Whole Foods Market
• Shoprite
• Smart & Final
• TGI Fridays
• Panera Bread
• Outback Steakhouse