Feel Good Spending with an Affinity Card

So maybe you don't have an extra $10 or $20 sitting around, but did you know that you can still do your part to support a good cause? Issued by various financial institutions, affinity credit cards allow cardholders to contribute to various charities that are affiliated with a credit card merely by opening an account and through normal, routine spending.

Affinity cards are typically offered by two organizations, a financial institution and a charity, sports club or team, college or university, political party or otherwise. Though they are bank-issued, these cards directly benefit just about any organization that decides to partner with a participating credit card company, such as Visa or MasterCard.

Often dressed up with the beneficiary organization's logo and official colors, affinity cards constantly remind cardholders of the contributions they make, simply by owning the card and spending as they would with any other credit card. Sometimes consumers may receive rewards for using their affinity cards while other times the benefits relate directly to the charitable or nonprofit organization paired up with the account.

Though affinity cards involve different rewards and benefits than standard credit cards, they operate in much the same way. A simple swipe tallies cents toward the charitable cause or notches personal rewards for the savvy shopper.

PNC Bank Affinity Check Cards allow cardholders to use the cards like standard PNC check cards while showing support for their alma mater or other university, team or cause. Those interested in opening an affinity card account should call 1-888-PNCBANK.

Though often associated with charities and nonprofit organizations, affinity cards may also be considered "rewards cards" for consumers. Shopping venues may offer special discounts or coupons when consumers use their credit cards for purchases. Some cards like the AAA Visa Card offer gasoline rebates. Frequent Flyer miles, cash back and free hotel rooms give consumers additional incentives to spend, spend, spend.

College alumni cards may be a popular choice for recent graduates who hope to give back to their alma mater. By shopping with the college affiliated credit card, small amounts of money may be donated back to the cause via the financial institution or bank that issued the card.

Due to the rewards and donations posed toward the designated cause, cardholders with affinity card accounts often exhibit responsible behavior in spending and bill paying in order to retain any benefits associated with the account. By doing so, they also build a stronger credit score and begin a routine that will reflect positively on their credit history.

In order to get the most out of an affinity card account, cardholders should be sure to familiarize themselves with the terms of agreement prior to signing up for an account. Affinity cards become especially worthwhile when offered with no annual fee and when the interest rates are especially low. Cardholders who pay off their bills in full when they come due will make the most of the savings and donation opportunity. By avoiding any unnecessary interest payments, late fees or finance charges, consumers can really rake in the savings, whether for their own good or for the benefit of the predefined cause affiliated with the account.