New credit card to assist Holocaust survivors

By Seamus McAfee

For those who survived the atrocities of World War II, a new credit card is offering a lifeline.

The new Blue Card Visa affinity credit card, which debuted Feb. 20, can be used by consumers not only to build credit but to provide care for Holocaust survivors, too. Through buying and using the card, Blue Card credit cardholders will help buy PERSYS units -- portable transmitters that can summon emergency help for survivors, many of whom live alone and in poverty.

The card takes its name and mission from The Blue Card, the nonprofit organization that distributes it. The nonprofit provides a range of financial assistance for Holocaust survivors living in America. Originally founded by a Jewish community in 1930s Germany, The Blue Card organization moved to the United States in 1939 and is now based in New York.

For each new Blue Card Visa account, The Blue Card organization receives $50. The nonprofit also takes in a percentage of each of its cardholders' purchases. This is accomplished through an agreement with CardPartner, a company that assists nonprofits of all sizes. CardPartner's cards are issued by UMB, a large independent banking company headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.

Published: February 26, 2009

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