The Linux Foundation hopes to raise cash by branding a Visa card with its cutesy Tux mascot.

Executive director of the org, Jim Zemlin, said people can carry "Tux in their pocket" to show their support for Linux.

The foundation has buddied up with CardPartner to offer the Platinum credit card through UMB Bank. It is only available in the US for now.

The Linux Foundation will suck up $50 for every activated card, and the group will be handed an additional undisclosed percentage of every purchase made with the credit card.

"Funds raised from our new Visa card program will go directly toward providing community technical events and travel grants for open source community members in order to accelerate Linux innovation," said the group.

As for the small print, the card comes with zero per cent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months only.

Thereafter, APR charges will apply no matter how adorable Tux looks on your bit of plastic.

Not everything in life is free you know. ®