The Best Environmental Credit Cards

Written by Rebecca Lake

One of the latest trends in the green movement is the advent of eco-friendly credit cards. The philosophy behind environmental credit cards is that cardholders can contribute to environmental research and green projects while also earning rewards points redeemable for cash and green products. If you're looking for another way to go green and give back to eco-friendly efforts, these environmental credit cards can help you earn rewards and support a cause you believe in.

The Brighter Planet Visa

Issued by Bank of America, the Brighter Planet Visa allows cardholders to earn one EarthSmart point for every dollar spent. These points are used to fund carbon offset efforts and a percentage of every purchase made with the card goes toward domestic renewable energy projects. Cardholders earn 1,000 bonus points for their first purchase and an additional 1,000 points if they opt for paperless statements. By enrolling in Bank of America's Add It Up Program, cardholders can also earn up to twenty percent cash back. There is no annual fee.

The Nature Conservancy Visa

Also issued by Bank of America, the Nature Conservancy Visa help support tree-planting efforts as part of the Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Project currently underway in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Every dollar spent earns one WorldPoint which may be used for cash, travel, or green merchandise and cardholders also receive a free one-year membership to the Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy also receives a $65 donation for every new account opened. There is no annual fee.

GreenPay Mastercard

The GreenPay Mastercard, issued by MetaBank, supports the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in an effort to fight global warming. Every dollar of eligible purchases for gas and household utilities contributes to the reduction of ten pounds of carbon dioxide. Every dollar of other eligible purchases funds the reduction of five pounds of carbon dioxide. As a bonus, 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide will be eliminated with the cardholder's first purchase. There is no annual fee.

HSBC Ecosmart Mastercard

The HSBC ecosmart Mastercard allows to earn rewards points which may be converted to charitable donations to green causes. One point is earned for every dollar spent and in addition to charitable donations, points may also be redeemed for eco-friendly merchandise, cash, or travel rewards. There is no annual fee.

World Wildlife Fund Signature Visa

A percentage of every purchase made with the World Wildlife Fund Signature Visa is contributed to the World Wildlife Fund. Every net retail dollar spent earns one WorldPoint which may be redeemed for cash, travel rewards, or eco-friendly merchandise. The World Wildlife Fund also receives a $100 donation for every new account opened. There is no annual fee.