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Affinity credit cards are offers made to people with like interests and causes. When Bank of America acquired MBNA, they gained possession of an affinity marketing expert. Bank of America now has an assortment of charity credit card offers that donate to your designated cause each time you use your credit card.
One of the longest standing affinity programs Bank of America has is with Ducks Unlimited. To date, Ducks Unlimited the leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, has received over $50 million in donations. The Ducks Unlimited World Points Mastercard has no annual fee and 0% APR for the first twelve billing cycles. Depending on your credit worthiness, the Ducks Unlimited World Points Mastercard has a regular interest rate as low as 7.9%.
Another Bank of America charity credit card is the Anne Geddes Visa Platinum Card in which a percentage of each purchase you make with your credit card is contributed to the Anne Geddes Philanthropic Trust. This organization works toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect. This is also a no fee card and offers 1.9% APR for the first six billing cycles.
Bank of America also has available a charity credit card for the Make-A-Wish foundation which grants wishes to children with major medical or life-threatening illnesses. The Make-A-Wish Visa Platinum charges no yearly fee and has a six month introductory interest rate of 1.9% APR.
Please take note that most affinity cards charge a higher interest rate than many other card offers. If you're not one to pay your entire balance each month, you may want to use caution should you take this avenue to make your donation. These offers do, however, give you many of the same rewards as regular reward credit card offers that allow you to earn bonus points for retail purchases and airline miles.
Choosing a charity credit card is a matter of choice. If you're looking for a new card and would like to donate to these causes, this is an easy way to make your contribution.
If you are thinking about applying for a credit card, here are some tips on credit card common sense. Credit cards are very important tools in our society to establish credit and to have a good credit standing. By being responsible with your credit cards, as well as other financial tools you can acquire loans much easier and save lots of money in the long run on your mortgage, car loans and personal loans by qualifying for lower interest rates.
One of the most important things to remember when using your credit card is that you are taking out a loan to buy an item. If you can purchase it with cash or your debit card, do so. You will save money in the long run on interest and possibly fees.
It is also important to understand that credit card marketers are extremely savvy and you must read the fine print and the terms and conditions carefully. Make decisions that are right for you and your financial situation. While having the status of a special credit card may be nice, if you can't afford it or if it costs you lots of money each year, decide if it is right or practical for you.
If you have no credit history or a poor credit history, don't jump at the first offer you find, be patient and pick products that are best for you. Many creditors may try to take advantage of your situation by offering you higher priced services or have cards with much higher interest rates.
If you are thinking about transferring a balance from one credit card to another, make sure that in the long run you come out ahead, beware of high transfer fees, introductory offers that end in six months and higher interest rates.
Just use common sense in aquiring and using credit cards and you will be fine.