frequently asked questions

What is Interra?
What are the objectives of the Interra Project?
How does Interra generate benefits?
What are the measurable results of Interra?
What kind of card is the Interra card?
Do I need to obtain a credit card to join Interra?
Do I need to use a credit/debit card to pay when I use my Interra community card?
Does the merchant have to obtain any more hardware or software to participate?
When can I get my Interra card?
Who started Interra?
Are gifts to Interra tax-deductable?
How do I contact Interra?

What is Interra?

Interra bridges social networks with financial networks, helping to empower individuals who are concerned about their local communities and the sustainability of their economy. Interra members use a free community card that can be swiped in conjunction with any form of payment including cash, credit or debit cards. When used at a participating merchant, the Interra card provides a transaction-based cash rebate, a pre-designated portion of which is donated to local nonprofit groups.

What are the objectives of the Interra Project?

Interra's overall objective is to empower consumers through understanding the greater consequences of their purchase decisions. We believe that through this empowerment consumers will adjust their purchase decisions to contribute to a sustainable economy and revitalize our communities by increasing local purchases.

How does Interra generate benefits?

Interra is a cooperative effort between accountable businesses, empowered consumers, and community organizations. In exchange for increased traffic by our citizen consumers, participating Interra merchants provide a rebate. The rebate is allocated to both individual card member accounts and local non-profit beneficiaries.

What are the measurable results of Interra?

Interra measures success in terms of: total dollars that we retain within local economies; total donations that we generate for our beneficiaries annually; and, the number of citizen consumers that we have empowered to change their spending habits.

What kind of card is the Interra card?

The Interra card is a community loyalty card that is always cobranded with a community partner.

Do I need to obtain a credit card to join Interra?

No. Interra offers a free community card that works in conjunction with any form of payment at the point of sale.

Do I need to use a credit/debit card to pay when I use my Interra community card?

No. You can use any form of payment in conjunction with your Interra card.

Does the merchant have to obtain any more hardware or software to participate?

No. Interra cards work on existing credit card transaction terminals.

When can I get my Interra card?

The November launch of the Boston Community Change program created a template for implementation of future programs across North America. Interra has identified 100+ cities as probable markets over the next 3-5 years. The order of subsequent roll out will be determined on the basis of factors such as the commitment of local partner organizations and support, as well as concentration of LOHAS (lifestyles of health and sustainability) consumers, Interra community cardholders and regenerative businesses. If you are located in the greater Boston area, please visit www.bostoncommunitychange.org to sign up for an Interra card and to learn more about the Boston Community Change program. Interra will launch in Washington state's Puget Sound region this October!

Who started Interra?

The founding of Interra is the result of a 5 year work process involving over 100 leading social thinkers including the primary participation of Visa Founder Dee Hock and the leadership of active social entrepreneurs, Greg Steltenpohl, the founder of the Odwalla Juice Company, and Jon Ramer, founder of ELF Technologies and SmartChannels.

Are gifts to Interra tax-deductable?

Yes. Interra is a tax-exempt project, with the Natural Capital Institute as its fiscal sponsor.

How do I contact Interra?

You can contact us at:
info (at) interraproject (dot) org

The Answer to How is Yes!