The Growing Popularity of Affinity Credit Cards

What Are Affinity Credit Cards?

Affinity credit cards are credit cards that have two logos on them. One logo is the credit card company's logo and the other logo is the logo of a charity. Every time the credit card is used, a percentage of the purchase price goes to the charity featured on the front of the card.

Are Affinity Credit Cards A Good Way to Donate?

I do think affinity credit cards are a good idea for some people. After all, I'm all for charity. However, it's important that you understand exactly what affinity credit cards do (and do not do) for the charities and cardholders.

It's Not Enough

If you think that using your affinity credit cards is a replacement for donating to charities, don't do it. Charities do not receive enough money from their affinity credit card relationships to cover their operating expenses. Affinity credit card donations are supposed to supplement the amount you donate to charity, not replace it.

It Costs More

Affinity credit cards probably aren't a good idea for those who carry a balance on their credit cards since the interest rates charged on these cards are often quite high. However, this won't affect you if you pay your balance off in full each month.

A Lack of Perks

One other think to consider when looking at affinity credit cards is that you're probably not going to benefit from a rewards programs or other common credit card perks. However, that

While it's true that affinity credit cards aren't for everyone, if you pay your balance in full each month and don't mind giving up the perks of rewards credit cards, you can use affinity credit cards knowing that you're benefiting the charities you admire.