BIG spenders can help fight world poverty thanks to the Comic Relief Credit Card launched by Nationwide Building Society.

The Swindon-based company will donate £5.25 to the charity for every card opened and 50p for every £100 spent on the card.

Customers will be inadvertently supporting Comic Relief just by clocking up their credit card bill.

The card is the same colour as Comic Relief's trademark red nose.

Philip Williamson, Nation-wide's chief executive, said: "Fairness is important to Nationwide, both in financial services, and in the way we deal with people in our wider communities.

"Through this new partnership, we're able to help Comic Relief work towards ensuring some of the most disadvantaged people are given a fairer deal.

"This is one red card which we hope everyone will be pleased to see."

Comic Relief has raised more than £230 million since comedians such as Lenny Henry came up with the idea for a Red Nose Day to help tackle poverty and social inequality in Britain and Africa.

One third of money raised is allocated to projects in this country and the rest goes to Africa.

Kevin Cahill, chief executive of the charity, said: "The Nation-wide Comic Relief Card is a fantastic way for people who use their card for everyday purchases to give a little to Comic Relief as well.

"It's a simple way to make a big difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people here at home in the UK and in the poorest countries of the world."

The next Red Nose Day will be on March 14, 2003.

People can apply for the Comic Relief card via a branch, by post, or online if they are existing Internet Banking Customers. The card is subject to the same features as Nationwide's Classic card except its interest rate, which is 15.9 per cent APR.

www.comicrelief.com