# Protean Ethical How socially conscious credit cards align with ethical consumer virtues. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 18, 2008, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protean-ethical-how-socially-conscious-credit-cards-align-with-ethical-cons ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Protean Ethical trend? **Protean Ethical:** Consumers are actively seeking to be more socially conscious, from making charitable donations to taking eco initiatives. Credit cards offering these types of rewards programs align with these virtues. Coordinating product features with client conscience entices consumers to spend more freely. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 29 to May 31, 2008 - Published: Sep 18, 2008 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Protean Ethical trend ### Socially Conscious Credit Cards Credit cards offering rewards programs that align with consumer social and environmental values, thereby enticing consumers to spend more freely. ### Microlending Credit Cards Credit cards that promote microlending or give back towards environmental protection projects, thus offering opportunities for socially conscious consumption. ### Green Credit Cards Credit cards made of environmentally friendly materials and offering rewards or the option to make donations towards environmentally friendly charities or initiatives. ## What the Protean Ethical trend means for industry ### For Finance Finance professionals can benefit from partnering with socially conscious organizations in order to provide rewards programs that satisfy consumers' desire for socially responsible consumption. ### For Charity Charity organizations can benefit from partnering with credit card companies and banks to develop programs that allow consumers to make donations towards causes they believe in. ### For Technology Technology companies can develop applications that allow users to easily make microlending grants or donations towards environmental protection projects using their credit card as a tool for social good. ## Trend signals for Protean Ethical Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Protean Ethical trend 4 featured examples from Feb 29 to May 31, 2008. - [High-Tech Savings & Donation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/credit-card-pig-bank): Credit Card Pig Bank (Category: Unique) Implication: The credit card pig bank presents an opportunity for banks and credit card companies to develop and promote contactless payment solutions. - [7 Green Credit Cards + HSBC ecosmart MasterCard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-credit-cards-hsbc-ecosmart-mastercard) (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce eco-incentives on credit cards with unique and attractive rewards for customers, setting a new standard in sustainable banking. - [Green Credit Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dicaprio-green-credit-card): Leonardo DiCaprio & HSBC (Category: Eco) Implication: The banking industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by developing eco-friendly credit cards. - [Microlending Credit Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kivab4bcom): KivaB4B Doubles Grants (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring innovative ways to provide microfinance services to underserved individuals and communities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Polarized Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/polarized-marketing) (Marketing) - [Seasonal Storytelling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/seasonal-storytelling) (Fashion) - [Ritual Sampling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-discovery-boxes) (Business) - [Palatable Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/toothpaste-ingredient-innovation) (Fashion) ## Trending in Eco - [Off-Road Electric E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-road-electric-e-bikes) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Roomier Budget Electric Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomier-budget-electric-hatchbacks) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)