The new metal Green card launched by European challenger bank bunq.
Marking Green Thursday, bunq today launches a limited-edition range of metal Green Cards and announces it
s partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects that will ensure that a mangrove tree is planted in Madagascar for every €100 spent.
I spoke to serial entrepreneur and bunq Founder Ali Niknam about the European challenger bank, the Mastercard card launch and how to “build a greener world, without any effort.”
With a “if I don’t do it, who will” sensibility, Niknam tells me that his aim is to “leave the world in a better state than he found it in.”
He explains that "trees planted through Eden Reforestation Projects capture 308 kg of carbon dioxide over their average life span of 25 years, which means that if a bunq customer spends €1,000 a month, in five years the customer will begin to offset their carbon footprint.
"Planting trees is one of the easiest ways to positively affect the environment. A tree produces clean air, reduces carbon, and provides shelter to wildlife."
A favorite among fintech experts, bunq is tapping into the sustainable finance trend, but one of the few challenger banks making a tangible difference for the environment.
Research shows that 88 percent of consumers want to use brands that help them make a difference and Niknam reveals that “building products that people love to use and make a positive contribution to society is important.
“The beauty of the Green Card is that our customers still get an efficient and simple banking service, but they can now make a positive impact on the environment, without changing anything about their behavior.”
Another trend that bunq is embracing is the metal card, which Niknam explains lasts twice as long as a plastic card.
Customers of any European bank are welcome to use the card for online and offline payments in any country and free global ATM withdrawals.
There are only 1,000 Founders Edition Green Cards available. After these have been claimed, bunq will officially release the card to the market.
