Questions?
The Charity Charge World MasterCard is made possible through a partnership involving Charity Charge, Commerce Bank, and MasterCard.
About Charity Charge
What is Charity Charge?
Charity Charge is a Public Benefit Corporation based in Austin, Texas.
We created the Charity Charge World MasterCard that empowers our cardholders to earn 1% cash back in the form of a donation every time they make a purchase. Through our partnerships with GuideStar and Network for Good cardholder’s can choose any 501(c)(3) organization, K-12 school, or religious organization to automatically donate their cash back to. We also enable cardholders to select up to three nonprofits at a time, so that every cause they care about can benefit each time they swipe their Charity Charge World MasterCard. Cardholders can track their impact on their donation dashboard.
What is a Public Benefit Corporation?
Public-benefit corporations are a specific type of corporation that places public benefit as a chartered purpose in addition to the traditional corporate goal of maximizing profits for shareholders. Public-benefit corporations must uphold the standards of public benefit set forth in their charter and report on how they are achieving these goals to the government agencies, which approve them. Once incorporated as a Public Benefit Corporation a company is a PBC for life.
How does the Charity Charge World MasterCard work?
The Charity Charge World MasterCard works just like any other credit card you have and can be used everywhere MasterCard is accepted. Unlike other rewards credit cards, however, the rewards you earn with your Charity Charge World MasterCard go directly to the nonprofits you care about instead of going unused or unappreciated.
What is Charity Charge’s mission?
We strive to not line our own pockets, but those of nonprofits. Every year in the U.S., around $16b worth of credit card rewards points go unused. Our goal is to transform those wasted rewards into positive, real world change while encouraging millions of casual philanthropists to become passionate, active ones.
Are you a for-profit business?
Yes, we are a for-profit public benefit corporation. As a public benefit corporation, we have included a positive impact on society along with generating profits into our legally defined goals.
How do you make money?
We make money the same way other co-branded credit card programs do. When new customers sign up, our banking partner pays us a one time fee for bringing them a new customer. We also generate a small amount of revenue on each purchase cardholder’s make; however, with these profits, unlike other programs, we cover all the processing fees for your donations so that the full 1% of rewards you earn goes to the nonprofits you’re supporting.
This is a great idea! Has it really never been done before?
Most charitable credit cards to date have been co-branded directly with a very large nonprofit. Although these programs successfully generate funds for said nonprofit they are expensive to implement and are out of reach for most nonprofits, we wanted to broaden this field of opportunity so that anyone can support their favorite nonprofit and any nonprofit can gain a reliable fundraising source. We are proud to put the cardholder in control of which charity, and how many charities, they give to each month. This way the cardholder gets to see the impact they have on the causes closest to their hearts just by making everyday purchases.
About Our Partners
Network for Good
Who is Network For Good?
From NFG’s website:
“Network for Good is a hybrid organization—a nonprofit-owned for-profit. Network for Good’s nonprofit donor-advised fund uses the Internet and mobile technology to securely and efficiently distribute thousands of donations from donors to their favorite charities each year. Our donor-advised fund is accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and meets all 20 of its standards for charity accountability. Since 2001, NFG has processed over $1.4 billion in donations for over 125,000 nonprofits.”
Are my donations and information safe with Network for Good?
Definitely! Network for Good leads the industry when it comes to protecting your information. For more information about their privacy policies and security please visit their website.
Why did you decide to partner with Network for Good?
Network for Good is the leader in donation processing in the US. We wanted to partner with the best of the best to make sure our cardholder’s donations were processed safely, efficiently, and accurately to their chosen nonprofit.
GuideStar
What is the GuideStar database?
From GuideStar’s website:
“GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. They provide as much information as possible about each nonprofit’s mission, legitimacy, impact, reputation, finances, programs, transparency, governance, and so much more. GuideStar’s Nonprofit Profiles provide you with the information you need to make smart decisions, build connections,and learn from each other to achieve your missions.”
They are a 501(c)(3) public charity that collects, organizes, and presents the information you want in an easy-to-understand format while remaining neutral. Providing nonprofit information to a broad audience at no cost to those users is an important part of their public service.
How reliable is the GuideStar database?
The GuideStar database is based on IRS records therefore it is very accurate. If your organization has recently received 501(c)(3) status you may not appear in the GuideStar database, but can easily be added here.
MasterCard
What benefits do I get from having a World MasterCard?
World MasterCard benefits include:
- Extended warranty
- Liability coverage
- ID theft protection
- Price protection
- MasterCard Global Service
- MasterCard luxury hotels & resorts portfolio
- Concierge services
- MasterCard airport concierge
- Personal travel advisor
- World travel and vacation programs
- Special offers
For more information visit MasterCard’s website here.
Commerce Bank
Tell me more about Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is a Kansas City, Missouri based U.S. bank holding company with branches in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Oklahoma.
Commerce Bank’s mission statement:
Commerce Bank will be the preferred provider of targeted financial service in our communities based on strong customer relationships. We will strengthen these relationships by providing the right solutions that combine our technology, experience, and financial strength. Our goal is to create customer loyalty, shareholder value, and employee satisfaction.
Cardholder
What bank and network does Charity Charge partnered with?
We are partnered with Commerce Bank and MasterCard.
I live outside of the US. Can I get a Charity Charge credit card?
Currently, the Charity Charge World MasterCard is only available for US residents.
Does the Charity Charge World MasterCard have an annual fee?
There is no annual fee for the Charity Charge World MasterCard. For more information about the pricing of the Charity Charge World MasterCard view this file.
What benefits do I get from having a World MasterCard?
World MasterCard benefits include:
- Extended warranty
- Liability coverage
- ID theft protection
- Price protection
- MasterCard Global Service
- MasterCard luxury hotels & resorts portfolio
- Concierge services
- MasterCard airport concierge
- Personal travel advisor
- World travel and vacation programs
- Special offers
For more information visit MasterCard’s website here.
Can I choose to support multiple charities?
Yes, you can support up to 3 nonprofits, K-12 schools, universities, or religious organizations at a time. Your donation will be split equally between the nonprofits you choose, for example:
- 1 nonprofit = 100% of the 1% cash back you earn on each purchase
- 2 nonprofits = each nonprofit gets 50% of the 1% cash back you earn on each purchase
- 3 nonprofits = each nonprofit gets 33% of the 1% cash back you earn on each purchase
Will I be able to donate to my favorite charity?
Yes! Our system pulls from the GuideStar database that contains all 501(c)(3) organizations, K-12 schools, universities, and religious organizations in the US, therefore, your favorite charity will be available for you to donate to. If for some reason you are having difficulty finding a nonprofit in our system just email us at info@charitycharge.com.
Will my donations be tax deductible?
Rewards earned with your Charity Charge World MasterCard are tax deductible. Cardholders can find their tax receipts in their donation dashboard. However, it is always wise to consult your personal tax advisor.
How are my donations processed?
Donations are processed by Network for Good. Donations are sent to nonprofits quarterly, to make the accounting process easier and more efficient for them. Nonprofits will receive donations by either check or money order depending on their preference with Network for Good.
What happens to my donations if I decide to cancel my card?
Whatever you earn up to the point when you cancel your card will be donated to your charities.
How will I be notified about my donations and spending?
All the information about your monthly contributions can be found on the homepage of your donation dashboard when you’re logged in. This is also where you can change or add nonprofits and view your tax receipts.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
The minimum donation amount is $10 in order for us to have Network for Good send a check to the nonprofit. No donations go wasted, though. Each nonprofit will be sent a check after the first quarter that they receive $10 total donations in. For example, if a nonprofit earns $5 in Q1 from cardholders they will not receive a check for that quarter; however, if they then earn an additional $6 from cardholders in Q2 they will receive a check for $11 after that quarter. Therefore, all donations are processed once they reach $10 or over so no donations are forfeited.
What can be found on my donation dashboard?
The cardholder donation dashboard shows:
- Your lifetime impact
- Your total impact towards each cause you support
- Your weekly history of impact towards the nonprofits you support
- The ability to change or add up to 3 nonprofits
- Your tax receipt
- FAQ’s about your card and Charity Charge
- Account management: change your password and email preferences
- The latest news from Charity Charge
Questions in regards to Commerce Bank account:
| Application status or decision inquiry | For inquiries regarding the status of your application, please contact Commerce Bank at 800-645-2103. Their call center representatives will be happy to answer your questions. |
| Viewing your account balance
Paying your bill Configuring automatic payments Online banking Updating your name Adding an Authorized User Travel Notifications |
In order to maintain your Charity Charge World MasterCard® account please sign in to the Commerce Bank Online Banking, www.comercebank.com/cardaccess, system to view and manage your account. They also have a Commerce Bank mobile banking app so you can access your account on the go. If this is your first time logging in, please select ‘Activate Online Banking’ and follow the prompts. Through the online banking system you can check your balance, make a payment, access paperless statements, and request other account maintenance functions. For other account inquires, please call Commerce Bank at 800-645-2103. |
| Fee or transaction questions | Contact Commerce Bank at 800-617-7480 and an agent will assist you. |
| Lost or stolen card, fraud | Call Commerce Bank immediately at 800-617-7480. |
| Other inquiries | Call Commerce Bank at 800-617-7480 or send us an email at info@charitycharge.com. |
Nonprofit
Is there a Charity Charge credit card that our nonprofit can use for our organization’s purchases?
We are currently working on this product, we will update you once it is available.
How does our organization get in your database?
Our platform pulls from the GuideStar database of every registered 501(c)(3) in the US; therefore, there is nothing you need to do to sign up. To get started educating your donors, staff, and board about Charity Charge please fill out our intake form. You will then receive a unique landing page for your nonprofit where donors can apply for a Charity Charge World MasterCard that will automatically donate 1% of every purchase they make to your nonprofit. You will also gain access to marketing resources and other documents that will help educate your staff, board, and donors about the benefits of Charity Charge.
I can’t find my organization in your system
The most reliable way to find your nonprofit in our system is to fill out our intake form. This will require you to know or look-up your organization’s EIN, you can do this within the form. If your EIN does not pull up your nonprofit you can search for it in the GuideStar database, this is what our system pulls from. If your organization is in the GuideStar database but not on our system please email info@charitycharge.com. If your organization is not in the GuideStar database but you have received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS please refer to GuideStar’s directions on how to be added to their system. For further questions or help please email info@charitycharge.com.
How do we update our logo on your platform?
Since our platform pulls information from the GuideStar database, if you would like to update your organization’s logo or other information please go to GuideStar’s website. Updating your information in their system will update it in every platform that pulls from GuideStar, including ours.
How are donations processed?
Donations are processed by Network for Good. Donations are sent to nonprofits quarterly, to make the accounting process easier and more efficient. Nonprofits will receive donations by either check or wire transfer depending on your organization’s preference with Network for Good.
Will we actually receive a full 1%?
Yes! It’s important to us that 100% of donations that cardholders earn go directly to their favorite nonprofit. Therefore, we underwrite all donation processing fees so that there is no cost to any nonprofit to fundraise with Charity Charge.
How can we tell our donors about Charity Charge?
All you need to do to get started with Charity Charge is fill out our form here. You will then receive a unique landing page for your nonprofit where donors can apply for a Charity Charge World MasterCard that will automatically donate 1% of every purchase they make to your nonprofit. You will also gain access to marketing resources and other documents that will help educate your staff, board, and donors about the benefits of Charity Charge.
Can we get our logo on the card?
This is not a feature that we offer at this time.
Can we get the donor contact data?
In the future, this will be available, keep an eye on your dashboard for when this feature is unlocked.
Business
Is there a Charity Charge credit card that I can use for my business purchases?
We are currently working on this product, please stay tuned for when it becomes available.
If you have any further questions please email us at info@charitycharge.com.
For press inquiries please visit our press page or email us at press@charitycharge.com.