Sustainable shopping startup Helpful releases Mastercard debit card

The HELPFUL debit Mastercard aims to challenge the banking world by offering a financial solution that puts the Planet First and appeals to a new breed of conscious consumer who wants their purchases to reflect their values, principles and lifestyles.

With over 150 sustainable brands on board, the partnership establishes one of the UK’s largest sustainable retail directories. Consumers who shop with brands from the directory will receive a reward of up to 10% cashback.

The HELPFUL mission to give back has pledged to plant a tree for every purchase made on their cards. By using the HELPFUL app, users can see the positive impact they are having on the environment from the trees planted in return for their shopping choices. In the HELPFUL app, users can see the positive impact they are having on the environment with their tree planting actions, as a result of their shopping choices.

Evan Michaels, co-founder and CEO of HELPFUL said: “We are excited to launch our card in advance of World Environment Day, when people will be pausing to consider their own impact on the planet. Our vision with HELPFUL is to create a new way of digital banking that offers sustainable spending, and in future, savings and investments for people who actively put the Planet First. If we all shop more thoughtfully, we can each make a difference.”

Today, values are as important as value. A McKinsey & Company survey found that consumers became more engaged in sustainability topics during Covid-19, with 88% of respondents believing that they should shop for products that reduce environmental impact.

Scott Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mastercard UK & Ireland added “We are thrilled that HELPFUL has joined the Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition, offering environmentally-conscious consumers an easy way to help the planet as they go about their daily lives.”