Low-carbon product solutions

Barclaycard has developed a number of credit cards that are designed to help consumers make more environmentally responsible choices.

Barclaycard Breathe

Barclaycard Breathe, launched in 2007, was the first UK credit card that encouraged customers to change their buying behaviour by offering them discounts on low-carbon products. It also donated a proportion of their spending on clean energy projects which helped lower carbon emissions in developing countries as well as in the UK.

Gconomy

A Barclaycard US credit card for environmentally conscious consumers was launched in 2009. The Gconomy card was named Top New Product of 2009 by CardTrak – an agency which produces monthly credit card comparison tables for the Wall Street Journal.

Barclaycard US developed the Gconomy card in partnership with RecycleBank, an organisation which rewards consumers for recycling and making environmentally aware purchases.

Customers earn 1.5 RecycleBank points for every dollar they spend with RecycleBank reward partners – a network of retailers and suppliers across the US selected on the basis of their sustainability credentials. Partners include national brands ranging from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to Bed Bath & Beyond beauty products.

A fraction from every purchase made is also donated to the Green Schools Programme, which provides environmental education in schools. RecycleBank pledges to donate a minimum of $1m to the scheme by 2014.