Credit is a natural part of life these days, but unfortunately, like most things it comes at a cost to the environment. Whether you’re trying to live a bit more sustainably or go fully eco-friendly, there are some great credit card options that protect the planet and value people. Here are our top 12 best green credit cards to lower your footprint.
Top Eco-Friendly Credit Cards That Support The Environment
1. Aspiration Card
Annual Fee: $60
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: 1% For The Planet, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Crypto Climate Accord, 1t.org, B Corp, Project Drawdown.
Aspiration is a firm believer that you can change climate change. Unlike most credit providers, they fund projects and companies that align with sustainable and eco-friendly values. You can also reforest while you shop and neutralize your carbon footprint with every gas purchase.
2. Amalgamated Bank
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: B Corp, member of the GABV
Amalgamated Bank is an obvious feature on this list, because it really has to be one of the most sustainable credit providers. It is entirely powered 100% by renewable energy. They implement a fossil fuel-free policy, protecting the environment, and they help humankind by supporting immigrants, worker rights, and affordable housing.
3. The Green America VISA
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: 4 stars by Charity Navigator
With TCM Bank’s Green America VISA credit card, you support Green America’s green-economy programs.
Every purchase you make with the Green America VISA credit card allocates a portion of the funds to Green America’s work. Each swipe contributes to fostering fair trading, green energy, organic farming, and sustainable businesses.
4. The Amazon Watch VISA
Price Range: None
Sustainable Materials: 3 stars by Charity Navigator
The Amazon Watch VISA credit card helps to conserve the Amazon rainforest. Amazon Watch has partnered with indigenous communities at both regional and international levels to protect ecologically and culturally vulnerable ecosystems.
By using the Amazon Watch card, you help conserve these sensitive areas in South America, specifically in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
5. International Living Future Institute – Affinity Card
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: A a501c3 organization
The Affinity Card is International Living Future Institute’s eco-friendly VISA Platinum credit card. It’s all about supporting green building and architecture.
With each swipe, a percentage of every purchase benefits International Living Future Institute’s mission of creating a better, sustainable world through eco-friendly building and infrastructure.
6. REI Co-op – World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications:REI Cooperative Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity
The REI Co-op World Elite Mastercard is issued by U.S. Bank. Despite this, they’re a good option to consider if you’re looking for conscious credit.
Even though US Bank does fund some unsustainable projects and companies, they have invested over $10 billion in renewable energy projects! They also support community development, affordable housing, and clean energy projects with your swipes.
The bonuses for you include travel perks, no annual fee, 5% back on REI purchases, 2% back on mobile purchases and 1% back on anything else.
7. Salmon Nation – VISA Credit Card
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: Ecotrust
Salmon Nation puts a percentage of their income towards growing and preserving a stretch of bio-region from Alaska all the way to Oregon, called Salmon Nation. The stretch of wilderness is one of the most biodiverse and naturally rich regions in the country.
8. Hope Federal Credit Union – VISA Credit Card
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications:Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of Treasury
The Hope Federal Credit Union’s VISA credit card benefits people in the Mid-South. Members of HOPE are eligible for the VISA.
Debit Cards & Banks To Support The Environment
1. ATMOS
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: Pending B Corp, 1% For The Planet, The Conservation Alliance, California Solar + Storage Association
Atmos has one of our favorite climate banking products and here’s why: Atmos offers one of the nation’s leading interest rates on savings balances and a debit card paying up to 5% cash-back on purchases at hundreds of sustainable businesses. In addition to great rewards for you, your entire deposit balance with Atmos supports climate-positive infrastructure making measurable change for the environment. See your carbon impact grow directly in their app.
2. Sunrise Banks
Annual Fee: None
Sustainable & Ethical Qualifications: B Corp, Member of GABV, Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of Treasury
Sunrise Banks is a renowned Community Development Financial Institution, certified by the Department of Treasury. Their community-centered ethos means they offer a range of credit cards ideal for the conscious consumer. Elan Financial, a subsidiary of US Bank, issues the Sunrise card.
About Author
Brandon
Owner of IndieGetup, the premier sustainable marketplace for men to shop ethically.
