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Credit cards with a conscience
By John Blonn
Last week saw one of the worlds leading credit card companies, American
Express, urge credit card holders to spend whilst 'having a conscience.' As part
of National Giving week, which ran from the 16-22 October 2006, American Express
has been promoting its RED card. The RED series, created by U2 frontman, Bono,
and Chairman of DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa), Bobby Shriver, was established to
raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with some of the
worlds most iconic brands in order to produce (PRODUCT) RED. A percentage of
each product sold is donated to The Global Fund, and the money is geared towards
helping women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The American
Express RED card aims to give 1% of your total spend to the Global Fund to help
fight AIDS in Africa; furthermore, if your total spend exceeds £5000, the sum
donated increases to 1.25%. Over the last year, the power of (PRODUCT) RED has
been confirmed as many other banks have set up similar credit
cards; Barclays Charity Card, for example, offers very similar terms to the
RED card, while also donating an initial £5 once you join. Many charity credit
cards also donate to a range of charities, not just the Global Fund; for
example, Cancer Care, Marie Curie, Save the Children and Samaritans all benefit
from such donation schemes.
The profile of charity credit cards has
risen dramatically over 2006, with more and more people opting to choose credit
cards that will donate to charity on their behalf every time they spend.
Research carried out by American Express shows that the number of 'conscience
consumers' in society has been steadily increasing, with an estimated one in
three people looking to use the 'power of the pocket' to donate to charity and
make a difference. Kate Harris, vice president of UK partnerships from American
Express, commented:
'This research shows that many credit card holders
still arent getting anything back for their spending, but by making a small
change to their wallet, they could collectively make a big difference to good
causes.'
So, if youre looking to update your regular credit card to a
charity credit card, there are a variety of different options available to you,
depending on the type of charity youd like to give to and the amount of money
youd like to donate every month. Generally speaking, charity credit cards would
suit you best if you have a good credit history, are over 21 and not a student,
have a regular income, and you have a permanent UK address. However, if for any
reason you dont qualify for a charity credit - for example, if you dont have
good credit history - then rest assured that projects like (RED) will always
find another way for you to donate to charity while you spend.
About the Author:
Author John Blonn
Johns Website: PR Sending
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