Barclaycard Breathe helps customers go green with 50 per cent of profits reducing carbon emissions.

Barclaycard has announced plans to launch the first UK credit card that donates 50 per cent of its profits to give people across the country a greener card option. The Barclaycard Breathe credit card will see Barclaycard:

Donate 50 per cent of Barclaycard Breathe profits to environmental projects dedicated to reducing carbon emissions around the world.

Offer cardholders discounts and lower rate borrowing on green products and services.

Take a greener approach to account management including online statements and recycling of card plastics.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘We’re In This Together’ campaign, Barclaycard Chief Executive Antony Jenkins gave details of the new card and a guarantee that Barclaycard Breathe would donate a minimum of £1 million to environmental projects in its first year. Barclaycard will then donate 50 per cent of profits from the card in following years.

Barclaycard Breathe will also help consumers make greener choices by offering discounts and lower rates on green products, for example energy saving products and greener transport options.

The card itself offers a greener customer experience with no paper statements, marketing directed through online channel, cards made from PETg - a more environmentally friendly alternative to current PVC cards - and a recycling scheme for old cards when new cards are issued.

Commenting on the new card, Antony Jenkins, Barclaycard Chief Executive said: “Barclaycard Breathe makes it easy for people to do their bit in the fight against climate change by offering incentives to make being green easier and supporting projects around the world that help reduce carbon emissions.”

Profit donations made by Barclaycard Breathe will be administered by an independent third party who will select projects to be supported and certify that these have helped reduce carbon emissions. Barclaycard will send regular online updates to customers about how much has been donated and which projects have been supported.

The new card forms part of Barclays global commitment to manage its impact on the environment and support its customers in the transition towards a lower carbon economy.