A charity credit card is a type of credit card that allows you to donate a percentage of your purchases to a specific charitable organization or cause. When you use a charity credit card, the issuer donates a percentage of the transaction amount to the designated charity or charities. The donation amount may be a fixed percentage of your purchases, or it may be capped at a certain amount per year.

Charity credit cards can be a great way to support your favorite charities while also making purchases that you would normally make with a credit card. Some charity credit cards also offer rewards points or other perks, such as cashback or travel rewards, which can be used to support charitable causes.

List of the Best Charity Credit Cards Canada

Here are some of the best charity credit cards available in Canada:

1. BMO World Elite Mastercard – This card allows you to donate to a charity of your choice through BMO’s Giving Program. The program allows you to earn BMO Rewards points, which can then be donated to your selected charity.
2. Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite – This card allows you to donate your cashback rewards to any registered Canadian charity.
3. Tangerine World Mastercard – This card allows you to donate your cashback rewards to any registered Canadian charity.
4. American Express Platinum Card – This card allows you to donate Membership Rewards points to a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross and the United Way.
5. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite – This card allows you to donate your Aeroplan points to the Air Canada Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes.
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite – This card allows you to donate your Aeroplan points to the Air Canada Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes.
7. MBNA True Line® Mastercard® – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Charitable Rewards program, which allows you to donate cashback rewards to select charities in Canada, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Red Cross.
8. SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express – This card allows you to donate cashback rewards to select charitable organizations through its Member Give Program. You can donate your rewards to organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the World Wildlife Fund.
9. Desjardins Modulo Visa – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Modulo Rewards program, which allows you to donate rewards points to a variety of charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
10. RBC Avion Visa Infinite – This card allows you to donate your RBC Rewards points to select charitable organizations through its RBC Rewards program. You can donate your rewards points to organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
11. Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard – This card allows you to donate your rewards miles to select charitable organizations through its Miles for Good program. You can donate your rewards miles to organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
12. Rogers World Elite Mastercard – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Rogers Bank Mastercard® Donation Rewards program, which allows you to donate cashback rewards to select charitable organizations in Canada, including the Children’s Miracle Network and Food Banks Canada.
13. HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® – This card allows you to donate your HSBC Rewards points to select charitable organizations through its HSBC Rewards program. You can donate your rewards points to organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and WWF-Canada.
14. National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® – This card offers a charity credit card option through its À la carte Rewards program, which allows you to donate your rewards points to a variety of charitable organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
15. Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card – This card allows you to donate cashback rewards to select charitable organizations through its Meridian Goodwill™ program. You can donate your cashback rewards to organizations such as the United Way and the Canadian Red Cross.
16. Canadian Western Bank Reward Business Mastercard – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Business Rewards program, which allows you to donate your rewards points to a variety of charitable organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
17. Vancity enviro Visa Infinite – This card offers a charity credit card option through its enviroFund program, which allows you to donate cashback rewards to a variety of charitable organizations in Canada, including local food banks and environmental organizations.
18. Affinity Credit Union World Elite Mastercard – This card offers a charity credit card option through its MySelect Rewards program, which allows you to donate your rewards points to a variety of charitable organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Red Cross and the Saskatoon Food Bank.
19. Alterna Savings World Mastercard – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Member Giveback program, which allows you to donate cashback rewards to a variety of charitable organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Red Cross.
20. ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard – This card offers a charity credit card option through its Cash Back for Communities program, which allows you to donate cashback rewards to a variety of charitable organizations in Alberta, including the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Calgary Food Bank.

Here is a table summarizing the 20 best charity credit cards in Canada:

Pros of Charity Credit Cards

There are several potential benefits of using a charity credit card:

1. Supporting charitable causes – By using a charity credit card, you can donate a portion of your purchases to a charitable organization or cause that you care about. This can help you support your favorite charities or causes without having to make a separate donation.
2. Convenience – Charity credit cards are easy to use and can be used to make purchases anywhere that accepts credit cards.
3. Rewards – Many charity credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or cashback on your purchases. These rewards can be used to support charitable causes or can be redeemed for other benefits, such as travel or merchandise.
4. Tax benefits – Depending on the charity and your country’s tax laws, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for your charitable donations made through your credit card.
5. Increased awareness – Some charity credit cards may help raise awareness for specific causes by featuring the charity’s logo or mission on the card, which can help spread the word about the organization’s work.

Cons of Charity Credit Cards

While charity credit cards can have some advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. High-interest rates – Some charity credit cards may have higher interest rates than other credit cards, which can lead to increased debt and interest charges if you carry a balance.
2. Annual fees – Some charity credit cards may come with annual fees, which can eat into any rewards or donations that you earn.
3. Limited donation options – Some charity credit cards may only allow you to donate to specific charities or causes, which may not align with your values or preferences.
4. Less effective than direct donations – While using a charity credit card can be a convenient way to donate to charity, it may not be the most effective way to make a difference. Direct donations to a charity can ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the cause, whereas charity credit cards may have fees and other costs associated with the program.
5. Potential for overspending – Charity credit cards may encourage you to spend more than you would otherwise to earn more rewards or donations, which can lead to overspending and increased debt.

Charity Credit Cards Facts

Here are some facts about charity credit cards:

1. Many charity credit cards donate a percentage of each purchase to a designated charity or cause. The donation amount may be a fixed percentage or a capped amount per year.
2. Charity credit cards may also offer rewards programs, such as cashback or points, which can be used to support charitable causes or redeemed for other benefits.
3. Some charity credit cards allow you to choose the charity or cause that you want to support, while others may have a specific charity or group of charities that they work with.
4. Charity credit cards may offer tax benefits depending on the charity and your country’s tax laws. Donations made through a charity credit card may be eligible for a tax deduction.
5. Not all charity credit cards are created equal. It’s important to compare the interest rates, fees, donation options, and other features of each card before applying.
6. Using a charity credit card can be a convenient way to support charitable causes, but it may not be the most effective way to make a difference. Direct donations to a charity may ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the cause, while charity credit cards may have fees and other costs associated with the program.
7. Some charity credit cards may also help raise awareness for specific causes by featuring the charity’s logo or mission on the card.
8. Charity credit cards are available from a variety of issuers, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
9. While charity credit cards may have some potential benefits, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card carefully and compare them to other credit cards to determine which one best suits your needs and goals.

Charity Credit Cards FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about charity credit cards:

1. How do charity credit cards work? Charity credit cards work by donating a percentage of your purchases to a designated charity or cause. When you use the card to make a purchase, the issuer donates a portion of the transaction amount to the chosen charity.
2. Can I choose the charity I want to support with a charity credit card? Some charity credit cards allow you to choose the charity or cause that you want to support, while others may have a specific charity or group of charities that they work with.
3. Can I still earn rewards with a charity credit card? Yes, many charity credit cards offer rewards programs, such as cashback or points, which can be used to support charitable causes or redeemed for other benefits.
4. Are charity credit cards tax-deductible? Donations made through a charity credit card may be tax-deductible depending on the charity and your country’s tax laws. You should consult with a tax professional for advice on tax-deductibility.
5. How do I apply for a charity credit card? You can apply for a charity credit card through the issuer’s website or by visiting a branch or customer service center. You may need to provide personal and financial information, as well as information about the charity or cause you wish to support.
6. Are charity credit cards a good way to donate to charity? Charity credit cards can be a convenient way to donate to charity, but they may not be the most effective way to make a difference. Direct donations to a charity may ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the cause, while charity credit cards may have fees and other costs associated with the program.
7. Do charity credit cards have higher interest rates? Some charity credit cards may have higher interest rates than other credit cards, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card carefully before applying.
8. What should I consider when choosing a charity credit card? When choosing a charity credit card, you should consider the interest rates, fees, donation options, rewards programs, and other features of each card to determine which one best suits your needs and goals.
9. Are there any fees associated with charity credit cards? Some charity credit cards may come with annual fees or other fees, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card to determine any associated costs.
10. How much of my purchase will go to the charity with a charity credit card? The amount donated per purchase can vary depending on the card issuer and the charity program. Some cards may donate a fixed percentage of each purchase, while others may cap the amount that can be donated per year.
11. Can I use a charity credit card for any type of purchase? Yes, you can use a charity credit card for any type of purchase, as long as the merchant accepts the card.
12. Can I cancel my charity credit card at any time? Yes, you can cancel your charity credit card at any time. However, you should review the terms and conditions of the card to determine if there are any associated fees or penalties for canceling.
13. Can I donate my rewards to a charity of my choice with a charity credit card? It depends on the card issuer and the rewards program. Some charity credit cards allow you to donate your rewards to a charity of your choice, while others may only offer a select group of charities to choose from.
14. Can I donate more than the specified donation amount with a charity credit card? Yes, you can always make an additional donation directly to the charity if you wish to donate more than the specified donation amount for each purchase made with the charity credit card.
15. Do charity credit cards have any impact on my credit score? Using a charity credit card should not have a negative impact on your credit score, as long as you make your payments on time and do not carry a balance.
16. What happens if I miss a payment on my charity credit card? Missing a payment on your charity credit card can result in late fees, interest charges, and damage to your credit score. It’s important to make your payments on time and in full to avoid these consequences.
17. Can I get a charity credit card with bad credit? It may be more difficult to get approved for a charity credit card with bad credit, as the issuer may consider you to be a higher risk borrower. However, there are some charity credit cards that are designed for individuals with lower credit scores.
18. Can I use my charity credit card outside of Canada? It depends on the card issuer and the specific card. Some charity credit cards may be accepted internationally, while others may only be accepted within Canada. Be sure to check with the issuer before using your charity credit card outside of Canada.
19. Can I change the charity I support with my charity credit card? It depends on the card issuer and the specific program. Some charity credit cards allow you to change the charity you support at any time, while others may have restrictions or limitations on changing charities.
20. How can I track my donations with a charity credit card? Most charity credit cards will provide you with a statement or other record of your donations, either online or by mail. You can use this information to track your donations and ensure that they are going to the charity or cause of your choice.