The MBNA factor
Working Assets credit card customers who think they're helping progressive causes are also helping to fund Republicans and the rollback of consumer rights
By Matthew Hirsch

Here's something Working Assets credit cardholders might want to know. With each transaction you are helping to generate revenue for one of the top contributors to the Republican Party.

This fact left Berkeley computer consultant Joe Caldarola, who's held a Working Assets credit card since 1986, in utter disbelief. He characterized Working Assets' relationship with MBNA America Bank, which manages its credit card business, as "a deal with the devil."

Working Assets, according to its Web site, is "one of the most powerful progressive citizen-action groups in the nation." Every time a customer uses its telephone or credit card services, Working Assets donates a portion of the charges to progressive nonprofits. Over 20 years, the company has handed out more than $47 million, and helped keep its customers informed.