I am writing as a constituent to ask you to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act (S.1838 / H.R. 3881). This bill would force big credit card companies to lower prices for grocers, convenience stores, restaurants, consumers, and other small businesses, which all overwhelmingly support the Credit Card Competition Act.
Credit card “swipe” fees are often the highest cost for any business after labor costs. And, often these costs are passed onto the consumer. These massive fees cost the average family more than $1,000 per year.
At the heart of this out-of-control cost is monopoly power. Right now, Visa and Mastercard control 83% of the payment card network, forcing businesses to use their payment systems. Small businesses are left without a choice, while these corporations are freely price-gouging merchants and consumers.
Please take action against the Wall Street giants taking advantage of consumers and small businesses. We need competition, we need choice, and we need to bring costs down for small businesses and working people to be able to thrive.
It is past time for Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act. Do so now! Thanks!
