Kiva credit card

[Guest]

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[Spartan]

Aloha!

I was thinking about the fund raising efforts that many people are doing and I thought how nice it would be to be able to get a Kiva credit card. After all they have them for TV shows and bands so why not something worthwhile.

Instead of getting millage, cash back or reward points the bonuses could be a direct percentage added to your Kiva account and or simply a commission paid directly to Kiva from the bank for total volume of transactions each month.

With Paypal as a primary partner I would think this idea would be a no brainer. What do people think? 

[Ramón]

I'd get one and use it instead of my current card...

--Ramón

[Spartan]

I hope the Gods of the truly benevolent USAA organization dont strike me down, but I would do the same. 

Speaking of which I contacted USAA again and spoke to a manager class person about Kiva yesterday regarding this very thing. He said he would investigate Kiva for himself. Lets hope things pan out. Maybe USAA could work something out with Kiva.

On a side note: if Kiva does something like this I hope they do not get involved with MBNA in any way shape or forum. It has to be the most predatory financial institution I know about in the country and would tarnish Kiva in my opinion. 

[stubear1012]

I agree with the idea of a Kiva affinity credit card.  Almost every group that I belong to seems to have one. 

[tarzan113]

Great idea!

What about getting in touch with American Express and allowing an individual to purchase Kiva gift certificates?  I'm currently just using my Amex points to purchase Barnes and Noble gift cards but would certainly want the option of purchasing Kiva gift certificates!

Update: I called AMEX and filed the suggestion; hopefully they'll get to it someday.

[vickyelse]

What about partnering with Working Assets on this?  I believe they have a credit card and perhaps they'd be willing to do a Kiva "flavor".  They have a reasonably large marketing organization and co-marketing with them could help reach out to new prospects (not just the Kiva faithful).

[creativemms]

I just read about this in another post - http://www.kivafriends.org/index.php?topic=1954.new;topicseen#new. It looks like Advanta has done what you guys are talking about. As a small business owner, I would much rather have my spending benefit someone else, rather than give me miles or additional change at the end of the year. Good job!

[charity]

It looks like that Advanta card is only for business owners, although it looks like a very cool program!  I can't believe they are matching dollars lent up to $200 per month per card! (my only questions is whether they recirculate the funds or withdraw - if they withdraw it would be incentive for users to also withdraw their money each time, and make new loans on the card - just more expense for Kiva/Paypal)   I REALLY wish something like that was available for individual users as well!

[Ulli]

I contacted First National Bank about a week ago and pitched the idea to them. They said they'll think about it.

Ulli

[creativemms]

I found the link to sign up. After some research it seems like you can sign up as long as you are a business professional.
http://www.kivab4b.org/ADV/Kiva/KivaCard.page? I am going to give it a try and I will keep you posted. It would be such a waste to give any more if I can get it matched.