Nearly 20 million UK consumers are still using unrewarding credit cards, according to new research out from American Express. To mark National Giving Week (16 – 22 October), the UK’s leading Credit Card for ‘conscience consumers’, is urging credit card holders to give up their ‘passive plastic’ and make their spending count.

Despite the rise in price comparison web sites that help consumers to get savvy with their finances, the research found that 43% of credit card holders are armed with plastic that offers no rewards at all. However, American Express research showed a significant increase in ‘conscience consumers’, with one in three people saying they want to use the ‘power of their pocket’ to make a difference.

The research by American Express found that 86% of credit card holders would like to do something for charity. The key barrier to giving was money with 32% who could not spare extra cash for donations, while 1 in 10 felt uncomfortable committing to regular direct debits. A further 12%, more than one in ten of those questioned, admitted they would give more to charity if it was easy for them to do so.

As this year’s ‘National Giving Week’ champions the theme of ‘give it up for’, American Express urges consumers to give up their ‘passive plastic’ and replace it with a card that benefits themselves and others.

American Express RED offers to donate, on Cardmembers’ behalf, a minimum of 1% of every pound spent on the Card to the Global Fund-financed programs, increasing to 1.25% on additional spending above £5,000 annually. Consumers can make a real difference by simply using their plastic as normal to make everyday purchases. American Express RED will donate another £5 on behalf of Cardmembers who use the Card in the first month.

In the spirit of the RED brand, which demands that products are desirable to consumers as well as generating donations to the cause, American Express RED also offers REDdeals, a range of benefits tailored to meet the lifestyle needs of Cardmembers, including hand picked discounts and exclusive access to must-have entertainment and retail events.

Kate Harris, Vice President of UK Partnerships from American Express said: “This research shows that many credit card holders still aren’t getting anything back for their spending, but by making a small change to their wallet, they could collectively make a big difference to good causes.

“The RED Card offers spenders a perfect and easy opportunity to give something every time they shop. As National Giving Week is asking people to ‘give it up for’, we are urging credit card holders to give up their passive plastic and to put their spending power to better use.”