Barclaycard Breathe Credit Card Review

Posted: 06 February 2008 by Harriet Meyer

Barclaycard Breathe, launched with much fanfare last year, promising to donate at least £1 million in its first year, and 50 per cent of profits in future years, to schemes that will cut carbon emissions.

The donations will go to Pure, a UK charity that works to combat climate change by investing in low-energy projects. The card, which is made from eco-friendly material, has a standard rate of 14.9 per cent and a balance transfer deal of zero per cent for six months on up to £5,000 and 6.9 per cent for life on larger balances.

It offers a variety of green spending incentives. These include discounts on home insulation, bikes purchased at Halfords, holidays in the UK, and a ten per cent discount with green fuel provider Ecotricity. Also, interest is charged at a low annual percentage rate (APR) of 5.9 when the card pays for green transport -- bus and rail tickets instead of private car use.

And with the card's green design, you can feel part of the eco-chic generation. As a connoisseur of credit cards, Barclaycard's website is easy to use, with changing card limits, seeing statements, paying off balances and updating personal details all done in seconds.

But there is a nasty catch if you're tempted to apply: if you use the card wisely and pay off your debt in full each month, the bank's profits will be reduced and it will have less money to give to the cause.

In contrast, other cards are available which are nice and clear and do not entice customers into the red. It's vital that conscientious consumers keen to take advantage of a green, ethical credit card deal should take the time to understand what the benefits are and whether or not the way they intend to use the card will help the cause.

Frankly, you might be better off finding a more competitive deal on the wider market, and donating the money saved to a green charity.