It is with regret that the RNLI is required to close all Lifeboats MasterCard accounts after more than 20 successful years.

Since its introduction, the Lifeboats MasterCard has generated over £1M in charitable donations and the RNLI and RBS will be working closely to keep cardholders informed over the coming months.

RBS requires that all cardholders stop spending on their Lifeboats MasterCards from 29 January 2010. After that date the cards will no longer be valid and RBS will invite you to apply for an alternative credit card.

The RNLI continues to seek a new card provider. If you would like to be kept informed of any new card available in the future, please register your details at rnli. org.uk/lifeboatsmastercard or call the RNLI Supporter Care team on 0845 121 4999.

The RNLI and RBS both apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to loyal supporters.