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عربي

Affinity Cards
 18/06/2007


 


Increased awareness of the developing world and of effects of consumerism on the environment is behind the use of affinity cards. 

 

Whilst the use of affinity cards is beneficial to charities the actual advantage of such cards needs to be scrutinised.  The percentage donation in all cases is quite low meaning that for any individual to have any impact a substantial amount would need to be spent.
Examples:
1.   UNICEF
donation for new account = £20.00
25p for every £100 spent (equivalent to 0.25%)
2.   British Heart Foundation
donation for new account = £35.00
35p for every £100 spent
3.   National Trust
first purchase donation  = £36.00
     30p for every £100 spent
     £2.00 annually for active accounts
4.   Comic Relief
donation for 1st time use = £6.00
5p of total value spent
Like other credit cards, paying the full balance is sensible.  But, carrying over any balance will incur an above interest rate: typical rate of 18.9%
It seems that any affinity card will have an inferior deal to the competitive credit cards available at present.
The charity cards should seriously consider improved offers in order to be competitive otherwise there are alternative ways to make donations.