CREDIT CARDS

Banks end charity credit card deals

Two of the UK’s leading high street banks have announced plans to scrap charity credit cards as of the end of February.

Halifax and Bank of Scotland, are withdrawing their charity credit cards from the market. Lloyds Banking Group, which manages the card scheme, found that the credit cards are an ineffective way of donating to charity.

The credit cards raised over £1.1 million in 2009 for Cancer Research UK, NSPCC and the Scottish SPCA.

The credit card operated in a similar way to credit card cash-back schemes, with donations being made each time a cardholder makes a transaction. This is often a small percentage of (0.25-0.5%) of the total amount spent.

The Cancer Research UK donation credit card was launched 23 years ago in 1988.

The NSCPCC card has been available for 17 years and the Scottish SPCA card was first issued 15 years ago.

The donation cards have raised a staggering £14.5 million for Cancer Research UK and £500,000 for Scottish SPCA.

The credit cards are to be replaced with a standard Halifax or Bank of Scotland alternatives.

The Cancer Research UK credit card won the Best Charity Card Programme at the Card Awards in 2010.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesman from Cancer Research UK said; "While it's disappointing that the partnership has come to an end, we would like to thank all Halifax and Bank of Scotland staff and customers who have supported us over the years."

Whilst Lloyds Banking Group claim they remain committed to donating to charity, they said that there was a limited demand for the charity cards in recent years and they are no longer cost-effective.

Credit cards

If you are looking for a cash-back credit card or a card that offers you the chance to donate to charity there are a wide range available to you.

Tags: Best Charity Card Programme, Cancer Research UK credit card, charity credit card deals, CREDIT CARDS