Top marks for Barclaycard which has brought out the country's first mainstream "green" credit card. Called Breathe, it's by MasterCard and is offering a balance transfer deal of 0 per cent for 12 months (handling fee of 2.5 per cent) and a standard purchase rate (the rate you pay if you don't clear the balance each month) of 14.9 per cent.
The way it works is that Barclaycard is offering to donate a minimum of £1 million in the first year and, after that, 50 per cent of the card's profits to carbon reduction projects.
Also you can get preferential rates when you spend on greener travel options, green energy providers and other special deals (but that's if you don't repay your balance in full).
So, although it's not the best credit-card buy as far as its terms and rates are concerned, it's certainly a way of helping the planet without effort. If you're going to spend, you might as well do some good while you're at it.
Barclaycard are also encouraging customers to manage their banking online, increasing convenience whilst reducing consumption.
Save paper and post by receiving statements online.
Be kept up to date with environmental projects, offers and discounts.
No more junk mail - receive marketing online, and read at your own whim.
Every bit helps - at least it might make us all think a little more about what we're spending on, too.
To put a bit back into the planet without breaking your budget, sign up now for Barclaycard's new Breathe card.
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