By Charlotte Beugge

State-supported bank Lloyds Banking Group is pulling the plug on two of Britain's most popular charity credit cards.

The cards, issued through Halifax and Bank of Scotland, support Cancer Research UK, NSPCC and the Scottish SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Lloyds Banking Group told the BBC Moneybox programme that the card schemes were no longer a cost-effective way of giving money to charity. The programme says that in 2009 the cards raised about £1.1 million for the charities.

The Cancer Research card was first issued 23 years ago and the NSPCC was launched 17 years ago. The Cancer Research card has raised £14.5 million for the charity over its lifespan.

Charity credit cards pay a one-off donation to the nominated concern when the card is taken out - usually about £20 - followed by a small payment - around 0.25% to 0.5% - of the total amount spent.

Lloyds Banking Group told the programme: "Following a recent review, which noted the limited demand for charity cards in recent years, we have decided that we will no longer offer a charity credit card. It was no longer proving to be a cost-effective method of donating to charity."

A spokesman for the Scottish SPCA said it was "disappointed" the card had been withdrawn, adding: "Our card was widely used by our supporters and the partnership raised more than £50,000 in 2011 and has raised over £500,000 over the past 15 years."

Instead of a charitable credit card, you could take out a cashback credit card and give the cashback payment to the charity, with the donation attracting gift aid if you declare you are a UK taxpayer.

Santander 1-2-3 pays up to 3% cashback on its card depending on where the money is spent.