Over £1 million has been raised for charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer through the use of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer credit card, supplied by MBNA Europe.

MBNA Europe Bank Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, launched the Breakthrough Breast Cancer credit card in 1998, and there are now currently more than 60,000 Breakthrough credit cards in circulation.

MBNA make a contribution of £5 for every credit card taken out online, as long as the card is used to make a card purchase within 90 days.

In addition, MBNA donate £2 for each year the card is used and will make further contributions each time a purchase is made with the card (0.25% of the value of the purchase).

The money raised provides essential funds for dedicated research and education work into the number one health concern for women in the UK with over 41,000 people diagnosed each year.

Peter Reynolds, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "We are absolutely thrilled that the credit card has reached the magic £1 million mark. MBNA's support has been invaluable in helping Breakthrough fund our essential research and education work.

Vanessa O'Brien, Director of Partnership Marketing at MBNA Europe, said: "The money raised on the credit card shows the true value of charity credit cards to both charity supporters and charities alike.

"Cardholders can use their card for everyday spending, and each time they use it the charity benefits. It is a convenient and trouble free way to raise money for a charity of your choice."

In addition to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the company helps raise funds for other charities through affinity credit cards including British Heart Foundation, ChildLine, PDSA, The National Trust, UNICEF and WWF.