Millions of Brits carrying 'useless' credit cards

Monday, 16 October 2006 12:00

More than two Britons in five carry credit cards that do no good to man nor beast.

Some 20 million UK residents do not have cards that offer either themselves or charities any benefit - despite plenty of these being available on the market, research from American Express shows.

But while taking no action at present, there is a significant appetite to do more to help charities.

More than four credit card holders in five (86 per cent) want to do more for charity.

However, 32 per cent say they cannot afford extra cash for donations, while 12 per cent would give more if donating to charity became easier.

And there is a simple solution to these problems.

Charity credit cards are readily available, and these offer a percentage of everything spent on them to a nominated cause - at no cost to the consumer.

And American Express is urging consumers to make this switch.

As well as the ongoing donation, many cards offer an initial donation to the nominated charity when the card is first taken out.

"This research shows that many credit card holders still aren't getting anything back for their spending, but by making a small change to their wallet, they could collectively make a big difference to good causes," said Kate Harris, of American Express.

And the start of National Giving Week (October 16th to 22nd) is seen by the credit card company as a great reminder to the nation to make more from their credit cards.

"As National Giving Week is asking people to 'give it up for', we are urging credit card holders to give up their passive plastic and to put their spending power to better use," Ms Harris said.

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