Go green with Barclaycard Breathe

Barclaycard is launching a credit card which rewards green spending - the Barclaycard Breathe.

Launched today, the card also donates 50 per cent of its profits to carbon reduction projects to go with cheaper rates and discounts promoting greener spending.

"Barclaycard has a long history of innovation as the first UK credit card provider and I'm delighted to launch another UK first," said Amer Sajed, Barclaycard managing director of UK cards. "This card helps customers do their bit in the fight against climate change."

As well as discounts on loft and cavity wall insulation and lower interest rates on green purchases, the card itself will also give cardholders a greener customer experience with paper-free management online and more environmentally-friendly materials used to make the plastic itself.

"Barclaycard's green stance is innovative in the credit card market," said Michelle Slade, from money search engine Moneyfacts.co.uk.

"It is offering to donate a minimum of £1 million in year one and for subsequent years 50 per cent of the card's profits to carbon reduction projects.

"Additionally preferential rates are available when spending on greener travel options and other selected deals, for those who don't repay their balance in full."

However, she was not as impressed with the card itself.

"Overall the standard features and rates on this card are fairly run of the mill," Ms Slade said.

"Better deals on purchases and introductory deals can easily be found.

"But as with most financial products which offer a donation scheme or have a green/ethical programme, it is unlikely that the product will also offer best buy features – it is usually one or the other."

Full details about Barclaycard Breathe and participating retailers and discounts are available at www.barclaycardbreathe.co.uk