January 27, 2010
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News: Rewards for Haiti
Americans have always been hailed as having a generous heart. The recent tragedy in Haiti has brought a tremendous outpouring from a variety of organizations as well as individuals. Credit card companies announced shortly after the earthquake in Haiti that they would be waiving transactions fee on all donations. Now those same companies are providing another generous option for credit card customers; the option of donating their reward points for Haiti relief. Most major lenders are participating; however, the procedure in doing so varies. To make it easier for cardholders to donate their points, the following details the procedures for the largest credit card companies.
American Express: Membership Rewards credit cardholders can visit http://www.justgive.org/ to donate points. Each 1,000 equals $10. Donations can be made in increments of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 points.
Bank of America: Credit cardholders can donate WorldPoints Rewards and Power Rewards to the Red Cross for Haiti relief along with a number of other charities by logging into their account and click on credit card account rewards tab. Cardholders can also call the customer service number on their card to redeem by phone.
Capital One: Although the bank doesn't provide the option to donate directly to Haiti, customers can donate credit card rewards to organizations that support Haiti relief efforts. They can do so online at their No Hassle Giving Site website. Capital One donations are tax deductible.
JPMorgan Chase: Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Ink credit cardholders can donate their rewards to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund by visiting www.ultimaterewards.com. Cardholders can donate a minimum of 2,500 points for $25 in $25 increments, with no limit, up to their points balance.
Citibank: Credit cardholders that are members of the ThankYou Network loyalty points program can donate their rewards to a Haiti specific donation option. Customers can visit ThankYou.com and click on Response Fund option under "Charitable Gifts." They can also call the ThankYou at 1-800-THANKYOU (800-842-6596) to redeem points for donations over the phone.