Charities Can Benefit from Your Credit Card Spending

When asked, most people will happily give a donation to a charity. Some people will give their donation to a street collector armed with a collection tin, while some will donate to a sponsored event being undertaken by a friend or work colleague. Other people will donate via a direct debit from their bank account and others still will buy products that promise a proportion to any number of charities. However, there is a method that allows people to spend and donate money at the same time: a charity credit card.

Many people when considering a credit card will normally choose a generic card offered by their bank or credit card provider. However, charity credit cards are a simple hassle-free way of supporting your favourite charity at no extra cost, simply by carrying on with your normal, everyday spending. Furthermore, opting for a charity credit card doesn’t mean you need forego a lower rate or lose out on preferential balance transfers.

Charity credit cards work by paying a small donation to a charity for each approved application, plus a percentage of any spend made using the card in the future. Initial donations for approved applications typically vary between £10-£20, with further donations usually between 0.25% and 0.5%. There are numerous charity credit cards in circulation, so the likelihood is you'll be able to find a credit card that supports your favourite charity.

The Co-operative Bank recently launched a credit card which supports homeless charity, Shelter while charities such as British Heart Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Childline and Breakthrough Breast Cancer can all be supported through credit cards provided by American credit card issuer MBNA, who also operates a large number of charity cards and other affinity credit cards. Other charity credit cards include American Express' Red credit card which helps to fight the HIV/AIDS emergency in Africa, Beneficial Bank's RSPCA card which helps vulnerable domestic animals and Cancer Research UK, which is issued by Halifax and funds research into various forms of cancer.

However some financial analysts believe that charity credit cards might sway individuals away from better deals elsewhere, claiming that a lower rate card could leave cardholders with more money from which they could donate. Charity campaigners argue that money saved is unlikely to be seen by charities, however, and while many others are grateful for donations received through charity credit cards - however small they may be.

When choosing your next credit card, why not find out if your favourite charity could benefit from your spending? But whether or not you decide to apply for a charity credit card, there are several online resources that can help compare credit cards - both affinity and generic - allowing you to make an informed decision about the card that best suits your needs.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan

American Express SimplyCash(SM) Business Credit Card Reviewed

There is no limit to the cash back you can earn with the American Express SimplyCash Business Credit Card. You get Cash back is automatically credited to the statement each month and you can get Fee-free employee additional cards at no cost. It has never been so easy to earn cash back on the business purchases you make when you use the American Express SimplyCash(SM) Business Credit Card.

You also get access to the services of OPEN® the small business team at American Express. This service is all about small business as it provides you the resources to help you run your business, including these perks and services:

Financing Get unlimited fee-free Additional Cards, 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, and pay no annual fee.

OPEN Savings® Ongoing savings with FedEx, Delta®, Hertz®, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts® and more just by using your Business Card. The savings will automatically appear on your statement, and the savings are in addition to other discounts your business may already receive.

Online management Manage your account with Summary of Accounts and track charges with Expense Management Reports.

Community Chat, pose questions, get insights from other small business owners, and attract new business.

Advice Ask an expert a question, use an online tool, and read articles by other business owners.

Do also note that when you use the OPEN Savings® scheme that is associated with this card that payments must be made with an American Express® Business Card at the time of purchase. If you are a cardholder, your savings will be credited to your SimplyCash Business Credit Card from American Express billing statement. It is important to also remember that all savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice in regards to these conditions as it is with just about any other business credit card as well, so be certain that you have read and understood the latest terms and conditions before applying for this card if you wish to do so.

Also it must be noted that the Simply Cash Business Credit Card from American Express comes with the very best Card protection and services to make it easier for business minded folks to concentrate on running their business. Never no need to worry about fraudulent charges on your account online or in the brick and mortar world.

The insurance protection plan that comes with the SimplyCash Business Credit Card from American Express covers your eligible purchases and there is a buyer's assurance plan featured with the card as well. You can also enjoy emergency services to help you with emergency card replacement, check-cashing, and hotel check-in if desired. You also get great customer service that provides help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the SimplyCash Business Credit Card from American Express.

So if you are looking for a great credit card featuring a great rewards scheme and other useful benefits from the Small Business Team at American Express; the SimplyCash(SM) Business Credit Card might be the right choice for you.

Sam Donaldson is the current staff writer for the Credit Cards with Rewards website. The website contains a number of reviews for personal and business credit cards including the American Express SimplyCash(SM) Business Credit Card

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Donaldson