This newsletter is brought to you by... the keen interest in my latest Linkedin post, (don't click just yet!), continue reading here, because here I go into more depth on the subject of the future of our credit cards and which models seem to stand out from the crowd.

Speaking of a crowded space, I combed through more than twenty Big 6 credit card benefits, and here are my take aways on the benefits offered; they cover the majority of the time:

The plane & the airport: flights, lounge, seats, luggage, etc. ✈️

OR

Buying new: appliances, gadgets, items to order online from a catalog like TD Rewards or BMO store 🛍

In this edition, I wanted to explore alternatives to typical (and carbon-heavy) rewards.

Enjoy!

🧠 Imagining new rewards

After all this analysis, we realize that the use of points remains largely in the same ballpark. It's the accumulation of points that can be tripled by more sustainable purchasing behavior. Some interesting examples:

🏡 Mesa — Homeowners Card

A card that incentivizes home-related spending: 3x the points on maintenance, decor, utilities, and daycare. Monthly mortgage payments also earn points.

The rewards? Credits applied directly to your statement or mortgage, and tangible benefits like $120 at Lowe's, $200 at Thumbtack, $100 for a home warranty, or even credits for pet care and sustainable bedding.

🌿 FutureCard Visa®

A card that prioritizes spending with a low environmental impact: public transit, thrift store purchases, electric vehicle charging, plant-based meals, home energy, bike-sharing services, and more.

The rewards? 5% instant cashback on these sustainable purchases. Simple, straightforward, and designed to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle—debt-free, because it's a debit card.

📍 Vancity enviro™ Visa

A card that rewards local spending: restaurants, cafes, hair salons, museums, thrift stores, and local businesses in Canada.

The rewards? 5% back in points on purchases made at participating businesses (up to $1,000 in purchases). This card provides direct support for the local economy, coupled with an environmental commitment.

🦜 The narrative is slowly changing

You may have noticed Canadian fellows: some financial institutions are starting to evolve their messaging.

For example, BMO launched a campaign around its Eclipse Rise Visa card, encouraging good financial habits. Cardholders receive points not only for their purchases, but also when they pay their balance on time each month. A colorful campaign, with... a parrot as its spokesperson!

Mélanie Miron, Managing Director, Brand, BMO Financial Group

On the watch list 🔎

​Doconomy 🇸🇪 A card that calculates the carbon footprint of each purchase.
​Green Got 🇫🇷 An ethical and responsible bank account, mentioned several times by online contributors.
​Commons 🇺🇸 An app to understand the ecological impact of consumption. A podcast, a committed blog, a mix of sensible purchases and awareness as a model.

Do you know someone in finance who deserves to read this?

In case you missed it

I spoke about (ultra) fast fashion a lot lately on different media platform.

🎙Why do clothing prices remain (too) low even in the midst of inflation? on the show $AUVE QUI PEUT hosted by Pierre-Yves McSween on Radio-Canada (FR)

👗 Anti-textile waste law in France analyzed on L’Actuel, ​ICIICI Radio-Canada Première​

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Speak soon,

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