Here's How to Make a Social Impact With Your Credit Cards

When you think of impacting society in a positive way, using a credit card is probably the last thing that comes to mind.

But for those who are already working to better society in some capacity -- whether through activism, nonprofit work, or just being a kind person -- using rewards cards and cash back cards conscientiously can add one more tactic to your overall strategy.

Let's look at three ways you can make an impact with a cash back or rewards credit card.

1. Get a charity-sponsored credit card

Perhaps the best way to make an impact is to get a credit card that donates money to charities on everyday purchases you make.

For example, the Susan G. Komen Customized Rewards Visa by Bank of America is a credit card that gives money to the Susan G. Komen® organization to fund breast cancer research. For every new credit card account that's opened and stays in good standing for 90 days, Susan G. Komen® receives $3 and 0.08% of that card's retail spending.

Bank of America also gives cardholders a $200 welcome bonus if you spend at least $1,000 within 90 days of opening your account -- and it will match your bonus and give Susan G. Komen® $200. The card has decent earn rates, too: 3% cash back in your category of choice, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on everyday purchases.

2. Donate to charities through your credit card

Most credit card companies have partnerships with charities and nonprofits that allow you to donate rewards through your online portal -- sometimes with a match.

For example, if you have a Chase credit card -- like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Freedom Flex℠ -- you have options. You can redeem rewards through Pay Yourself Back. Then, you can donate them to one of 17 charities, including American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and National Urban League. Chase will even give you more value for your points if you choose to donate them. For instance, you'll get $0.0125 cents for every point you donate on your Chase Freedom Flex℠, versus $0.01 cent if you redeem them for cash.

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply for the Chase Freedom Flex℠

Often you'll find donation programs with not just major credit card companies but also hotel and airline rewards programs. Here are some major credit card providers and companies that let you donate to charities on their credit cards:

3. Deposit cash and donate it manually

Finally, for more control over your donations, you can deposit cash back into your bank account, then donate the cash to your preferred charity.

Most credit card companies will offer you this option for cash back cards. Just pay close attention to rewards cards with points or miles -- often redeeming your points for cold hard cash will give you the least value.

Which credit card is best for donations?

Chase's credit cards -- like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Freedom Flex℠ -- are great because Chase will give you more value for your points when you donate them. Other companies, such as Amex and Discover, will occasionally match the cash you donate on special occasions, such as on Giving Tuesday.