Charitable donations turn plastic

The UK Card Association has published figures showing that charitable organisations on plastic cards reached £1.19 billion in 2008 – up from £1.01 billion in 2007 – an increase of 18%.

In terms of value, there was an overall increase of 13% from 2007 to 2008. Donations on debit cards increased by 16% (up from 13 million in 2007 to 15.1 million last year); whilst credit card transactions rose 9% (9.6 million in 2007 to 10.5 million last year).

Interestingly, whilst most payments to charities were put on debit cards (£546.9), million the total amount donated by credit and charge cards was higher (£639.2). The report authors believe this is partly attributable to the fact that many people donate online and this is one environment where more people prefer to use their credit card instead of a debit card

Sandra Quinn, director of communications for The UK Card Association said:

“These card figures, showing an 18% increase in charitable giving, tell us an interesting story. Despite the economic downturn it seems there was no let up last year in people’s commitments to charities.”

“Over the last few years we have seen more charities offer donors additional ways to pay, particularly with cards, and particularly online – all of which makes donating extremely easy, and unquestionably plays a part in the increase in charity spending on plastic cards.”