Firetop

Barclays recently brought out a new environmentally-friendly credit card called ‘Barclaycard Breathe’. 50% of net profits after tax (independently reviewed) are donated to registered charity ‘Pure, the Clean Planet Trust’. ‘Pure’ funds government-approved environmental projects in countries like China and Brazil to generate renewable energy and minimise carbon emissions. Pure also offers UK companies the opportunity to make a donation to offset some of their day to day carbon emissions. In my opinion Barclays have been a bit naughty with the Breathe card repayment options, ensuring that they maximise profits… and offset the carbon offsetting!

The maximum amount that can be repaid on a Breathe account by debit card, per bill, is £100 for the first ninety days (three bills). This isn’t much good if you want to clear the card off each month and are spending more than that. There are options to pay more at the post office or telephone Barclays to set up a DDM, but let’s face it who has the time to waste in a call centre or post office queue? The explanation for this inability to pay more than £100 by debit card or bank transfer is officially cited as ‘security reasons’ but frankly I’ve never heard such a load of old nonsense in all my life. It seems rather convenient that Barclays will be maximising their interest charges for the first ninety days to make the card more profitable, before giving away 50% of the remaining net profits, I guess that ensures that their bottom line isn’t as badly impacted whilst they help save the world?

Technorati Tags: barclays, barclaycard, credit cards, barclaycard breathe, breathe card, carbon emissions, carbon offsetting, pure, clean planet trust

Bookmark to: