What methods can I use to donate to charity?

With Children in Need just around the corner, many people will soon be dipping into their pockets as a host of stars and celebs put on hours worth of entertainment to raise huge amounts of cash to fight poverty.

Giving money over the phone is the most common way of donating, and with Children in Need the telephone number for donations is always flashed across the screen. When it comes to donating to other charities, however, many Brits are unaware of how they can do it.

Just as there are a myriad of charitable organisations seeking your spare cash, there are an increasing number of ways you can to donate.

A lot of registerred charities now have hotlines and websites dedicated to helping you donate cash, either through direct debit or postal cheque. This is typical of Children in Need, who have a wide range of methods for donations, making it easy for anyone who is willing to donate to part with their cash for a great cause.

Owning a credit card can also be a way of donating to charity - many banks offer special charity cards which, when used for donation, the bank will add a little extra towards the charity's funds.

The benefits work three ways – firms who offer these types of cards gain your business, you get to make a difference and the charity's coffers receive an all-important regular boost.

However, the ways giving can vary between providers – some will send a donation to a specific charity once you sign up.

Keep your custom with them and they can often make further deposits throughout the year.

Other organisations can be charitable depending on the actual use of a card, for example giving one per cent of a monthly spend to a nominated charity.

There is also the argument that it is not the best way to be generous in the first place – some financial experts point to the fact it may be better to donate without the restraints of a credit card.

Using current accounts, savings or simply trying to be more generous in your day to day activities are the most common and widely accepted way of donating.

BBC Children in Need airs this November.