MBNA says customers earn points for each "eligible" retail purchase they make with their Eco-Logique MasterCard loyalty credit card. The funds generated through these points will be used by MBNA to purchase carbon offsets that support environmental projects.

"MBNA's Eco-Logique credit card makes it easier for Canadians to contribute to a more environmentally sustainable economy," says Will Curley, Business Development Executive, MBNA Canada Bank. "Customers will feel good knowing that using their Eco-Logique card for purchases today may help to reduce greenhouse emissions tomorrow."

Earlier this month the UK's Co-operative Bank also launched a green credit card that offers a lower rate of interest on purchases made from selected ethical partners. In addition, the first time the card is used, the bank will arrange for half an acre of Brazilian rainforest to be purchased and protected in the customer's name. For every £100 spent on the card a further 25 pence will be donated to protecting the rainforest.

Furthermore, Barclaycard has released its new 'carbon-offset' corporate charge card which enables its business customers to offset emissions created by business air travel. The Barclaycard Business Sustain card follows the launch in April this year of Barclays' 'Breathe' credit card which offers customers incentives - including discounts on home insulation, green energy and holidays in the UK - to encourage greener spending. The bank also donates 50% of Breathe profits to environmental projects dedicated to reducing carbon emissions around the world.

Last year Dutch banking group Rabobank launched its 'climate credit card' which contributes funds to environmentally-friendly projects every time the card is used to pay for energy-consuming goods and services.