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Tred review: The pre-paid card that helps improve the environment

Discover how the Tred debit card works and whether it's worth getting one.

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By

Matthew Boyle

Updated

Fact checked

Tred is the pre-paid debit card that helps you improve the environment. Its card is made of ocean-recovered plastic. Its mobile app helps you track your carbon footprint. Plus, Tred donates a portion of its profits from interchange fees towards reforestation projects.

How Tred works

All debit card providers make profits through interchange fees, charged to the retailers every time a purchase is made. Where the Tred Card differs is that a portion of these fees are donated towards the planting of new trees.

The Tred debit card works the same as any other pre-paid card. You’ll be sent your card in the post and you manage it through the app. Then, as you spend, it helps you to track both your spending and your carbon footprint. You’ll be informed about the carbon footprint of your coffee, weekly shop, and pretty much anything.

For every card that is made, around 25 plastic straws are saved from going into the ocean. If you want to make an even bigger difference, you can go cardless and opt for a virtual card account instead.

How the app works

The Tred app helps you to track, reduce and offset your carbon footprint. It also includes budgeting features.

You simply connect all your cards or accounts via the app and every time you buy something, you’ll be informed about the impact it has on the planet. Each transaction is categorised so you’ll be able to keep track of your spending. You’ll be able to see which parts of your lifestyle are contributing most to your footprint so you can take appropriate action.

There’s also a personalised offsetting plan. For £12 a month you can ask Tred to automatically offset every transaction for you by planting trees.

Tred is currently partnered with UK-tree planting company ForestCarbon to restore native woodland in Perthshire, Scotland. However, customers have the opportunity to decide which offsetting scheme Tred will support next by voting on the website.

How to sign up

At the time of writing, the Tred card isn’t yet available. However, you can sign up to the waiting list by registering your email address on the Tred website.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Help the environment every time you spend using your card.
  • No fees apply.
  • Use the Tred card for budgeting and to track your carbon footprint.

Cons

  • There are no rewards or bonuses, other than the opportunity to track your carbon footprint and help the environment.

Our verdict

Although there are no financial incentives to use this card, it does provide an opportunity to help protect the environment and track your spending at the same time. You’ll be able to see which of your transactions have the biggest impact on the environment so you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, providing you are happy to pay £12 a month, you’ll also have the option to offset your carbon footprint as you spend.

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