A type of credit card issued jointly by a lending institution and a non-financial organization, such as a retail store or not-for-profit group (also known as a co-branded card because it bears each partner’s name). As an affinity card-holder, you usually are entitled to discounts or other special deals from the non-financial partner. In some cases, for example when the non-financial partner is an environmental group, using the card means that the group receives a donation in your name in the amount of a percentage of the purchase. Usually an affinity card will cost more to use than a credit card directly from a credit union or other lender.