Giving Tuesday is an annual event that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and it is a day dedicated to giving back to charitable organizations. It is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and support causes that are important to you. One of the great things about Giving Tuesday is that many charities have sponsors or donors who are willing to match donations, doubling the impact of your contribution. Additionally, some credit cards and points programs offer rewards for charitable donations, allowing you to earn cash back, points, or miles with each donation you make. In this article, we will explore some of the best credit cards and points programs to use when donating to charity this year.
One of the top credit cards for charitable donations is The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express. This card offers a welcome bonus of 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. It also earns 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year, and 1 point per dollar after that. The annual fee for this card is none. This card is especially beneficial for small-business owners as it has no annual fee and offers a high rewards rate on all purchases.
Another great option is the Citi Double Cash Card, which offers a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening. This card earns 2% cash back on all purchases, with 1% earned when you make a purchase and another 1% earned when you pay off that charge. The rewards from this card can also be transferred to a linked ThankYou account, increasing the return to 3.6%. The Citi Double Cash Card has no annual fee, making it a great choice for those looking to maximize their donations without any additional costs.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is another excellent option for charitable giving. This card offers unlimited double cash back on all purchases in the first 12 months from account opening. After the promotional period, it earns 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases. If you have a premium Ultimate Rewards card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can convert the rewards earned by your Chase Freedom Unlimited into Ultimate Rewards points. This card has no annual fee and offers additional benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who want to earn miles while making charitable donations. This card offers a generous welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. It earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, including donations. The miles earned with this card can be used to pay off recent travel purchases or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The annual fee for this card is $95.
If you are a Bank of America customer, the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is worth considering. This card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after making at least $4,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. It earns 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases, and 1.5 points for every dollar spent on other purchases. The card also offers additional benefits such as travel and purchase protections. The annual fee for this card is $95, but it can be waived if you have a qualifying Bank of America checking or savings account.
Lastly, The Business Platinum Card from American Express is an excellent choice for business owners who want to give back. This card offers a generous welcome bonus of 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. It earns 1 point per dollar on donations of less than $5,000. The card also offers a range of travel benefits and access to exclusive events. The annual fee for this card is $695.
In conclusion, Giving Tuesday is a fantastic opportunity to donate to your favorite charities, and with the right credit card or points program, you can maximize your donations and earn rewards in the process. The credit cards mentioned in this article offer various benefits and rewards rates, so be sure to choose the one that aligns with your spending habits and charitable goals. By using the right credit card, you can make a difference in the lives of others and earn rewards at the same time.