The Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference and the Chinese Bank (
The credit card, which is dubbed the "True Happiness Affinity Card," can be used to make donations directly to charities, but in addition, 0.25 percent of each customer's total expenditure will be given to the conference for charity work.
The bank plans to issue 100,000 of the cards in two colors -- blue and pearl-white -- each with a maximum credit limit of up to NT$10 million (US$297,000).
Cardinal Paul Shan (單國璽) said that he hoped that the new card would create a "true happiness movement" in society, and that those who are marginalized by society can be helped through the charity donations.
"The angels on the card represent the angels we have around us in our lives, which give us much to be thankful for," Shan said.
"This credit card is not only for Catholics or those who believe in Jesus," said Chen Kun-chen (陳琨鎮), secretary-general of the bishops' conference, "Everybody can help to spread love regardless of their religion."
Liu Wei-sang (劉衛桑), president of the bank, said that the credit card was carefully designed and that the bank hoped to bring warmth to society and to help those who are in need.
VISA managing director Ma Shao-hua (麻少華) said that in a materialistic society, people should be encouraged to economize and live a simpler life. Ma added that the credit card serves this purpose, promoting careful spending and bringing love and charity at the same time.
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