Stephen Garten

I created Charity Charge to provide people with an easy way to give every day. Our credit card lets people earn cash back to any nonprofit of their choice with every purchase. I was inspired to start the company when I learned that $16 billion in credit card reward points goes expired each year. My dad always told me to "do the right thing" and starting the company was a way for me to create something beyond myself.

A lot of companies talk about "making the world a better place". I'm proud that Charity Charge actually does. We underwrite all cardholder donation processing fees, so that 100% of what our cardholders earn actually goes automatically to the nonprofits of their choice.

To launch Charity Charge, I had to form partnerships with MasterCard, Commerce Bank, Network for Good, and Guidestar. There was no "how-to" guide for starting a credit card focused on creating social good. It has been quite a journey :)

Career wise, I'm passionate about ideation, branding, and digital marketing. I have expertise within consumer financial services, co-branded credit cards, donation processing, philanthropy, branding, and cause marketing. I believe entrepreneurship is the pathway to create prosperity for individuals, companies, and nonprofit.

I am grateful to all of the wonderful mentors, role models, and organizations that have played a role in shaping who I am today.