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Facts about the Rotary International Credit Card Program
Since the program was launched in September of 2000, tens of thousands of Rotarians and their spouses have applied for the Rotary International credit card. Currently available in Canada, France, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the card builds public awareness of Rotary while allowing an everyday bill paying activity to raise money for The Rotary Foundation. To date, The Rotary Foundation has received US$7.0 million from the program including $1 million to support the polio eradication fundraising campaign (PEFC).
Currently, all royalties earned by the card program go to benefit the Rotary $200 million challenge
The Rotary credit card is offered as a MasterCard® brand in all countries, and an American Express® branded card is also offered in the United States. (Please call 1-800-932-2775 to apply for the American Express Card reference code UAAUMS or click on this link.)
Because of their enthusiasm for all things Rotary, the program has been particularly popular with new members. The growth of this program during the past year has been instrumental in creating an annuity for The Rotary Foundation that will continue to grow, as more members become cardholders. In addition to using the cards to pay for personal and family expenses, members are using their cards to pay for club meeting meals, district conferences, travel to the RI Convention, and other Rotary related expenses.
The following questions and answers will be helpful to Rotarians wishing to know more about the credit card program.
What are the benefits to Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation when members acquire and use the card?
Every time Rotarians use the card, a portion of the purchase amount will benefit The Rotary Foundation. The royalty percentage fluctuates from country to country and in some countries with annual fees, a significant portion of the annual fee is also paid to The Rotary Foundation. The royalty paid in the United States is up to of one percent.
Does Rotary benefit from each new card account?
The cards must be activated and used for purchases on a continual basis to benefit The Rotary Foundation. RI management works to obtain competitive rates and services and constantly reviews card programs. Points and mileage programs are available in certain markets. Members choosing these programs must understand that Rotary receives a lower royalty percentage because of the cost of these programs.
How can I learn more about or apply for the Rotary credit card?
If you are located in a country with a program, contact your local Club Rotary International Service Chair or your Club Foundation Chair.
* To receive a $50 check made payable to your Rotary club, you must be approved for a Rotary International MasterCard credit card and then use the account to make one or more retail purchase transactions totaling at least $75. All qualifying transactions must occur within 90 days of the account open date. Limit one check per new account. Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery after qualifying. This is a one time offer. The offer is sponsored by FIA Card Services, N.A. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, stolen, or undelivered checks.