Paper coupon books are a thing of the past. Wasteful, ungainly and a general pain in the neck to keep track of, discount shopping is long overdue for an overhaul. Discount cards offer savings and deals for members without the hassle of coupon books or points programs. Read on to learn more about some of the advantages of being a card-carrying discount shopper rather than a coupon-clipper.

More choices are offered by a discount card program. The Max Card, the world's largest discount program, connects members to deals on the local, national and international level. All the big brands offer exclusive deals to Max Card members and a personalized discount card gives members thousands of dollars worth of local savings and access to deals from over 190,000 national retailers.

Greener savings due to less paper waste is a perk that the whole world can benefit from. Over 100 million trees are ground up to produce junk mail-such as coupon books, mailers and flyers-and most of this junk mail ends up tossed in the garbage. In fact, by the year 2010, it is estimated by the Native Forest Organization that 48% of the solid mass in landfills will be taken up by paper and paperboard waste. The Max Card only take up a sliver of space in your wallet.

Pays for itself in savings. The annual membership fee of $54.95 (currently discounted to $39.95) is negligible. With 14 lifestyle categories, over 20,000 discount hotels, discounts on auto repair and car rental and discounts on dining and entertainment, the card can pay for itself in one day of everyday shopping.

Instant savings are available anywhere that accepts The Max Card, anytime. As long as you have The Max Card on hand, you'll be able to get any applicable savings just by showing the card.

Easy on the road savings and discounts are available with The Max Card. Deals are notoriously hard to find when you are away from home. But just like a Visa or Mastercard is accepted worldwide, so too is The Max Card. Thousands of worldwide businesses honor Max Card discounts which can save you the trouble of searching for deals abroad.

Great for businesses looking to build loyal customers. The first place any Max Card member is going to look when they go shopping is the Max Card's online directory. Members will try out a new business or product because of the savings and will come back again and again for the same deals.

Help the Earth and help other people with the Max Card's upcoming fundraising program. Local and national charitable organizations can partner up with Max Card to easily donate portions of proceeds to good causes.

Smart, easy and fun savings from The Max Card make discount shopping more guilt-free and hassle-free than carrying around a coupon book ever could be.