Visa / Mastercard Settlement Thoughts

Saw news today, from CNN, that "Two of the world’s largest credit card networks, Visa and Mastercard, as well as the banks that issue cards with them, have agreed to settle a decadeslong antitrust case brought upon by merchants.  The settlement is set to lower swipe fees merchants pay when customers make purchases using their Visa or Mastercard by $30 billion over five years, according to a press release announcing the settlement Tuesday morning."

$30B sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but for reference will only lower interchange (the word for swipe fees) but 0.04% over a three (3) year period of time. Given that the lawsuit started in 2005 from the National Retail Federation, it does not sound like much of a win to me. The litigation cost over an 19 year lawsuit would have been substantial. 

I think the bigger long-term disrupter will be the Capital One / Discover pending merger where Capital One conceivably could drive customers away from Visa / Mastercard to the Discover network as long as they can generate merchant acceptance of Discover cards.

The other hope would be for federal government action to regulate credit card interchange rates like they do for debit card interchange rates (Durbin amendment).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Value of Fractional HR-Thanking Neil Katz of Exceptional HR Solutions

The landscape of small business is constantly evolving, and with it, the challenges of managing people, compliance, and organizational growth. At Monday’s Dallas SCORE mentors meeting, we had the privilege of welcoming Neil Katz, CEO and founder of Exceptional HR Solutions, as our guest speaker. Neil’s extensive background-over 25 years leading and advising C-Suite executives across industries-brought a wealth of knowledge to our discussion on Human Resources trends and the growing value of fractional HR services for entrepreneurs. Understanding Fractional HR Fractional HR is a flexible, scalable solution that allows businesses to access high-level HR expertise without the expense or commitment of hiring a full-time HR executive. Instead of onboarding a permanent HR manager, companies can contract experienced professionals like Neil and his team for specific projects, ongoing support, or during periods of change and growth. This model is particularly beneficial for small and medium-siz...
Read more

Navigating the Opportunities and Pitfalls of Initial Discussions with Custom Software Vendors

Selecting a custom software provider is one of the most strategic decisions a small business can make. The right partner can help you streamline operations, unlock new revenue streams, and future-proof your business. However, the process-especially those first crucial discussions-can be fraught with both opportunity and risk. Here’s how to make the most of your initial conversations with vendors like Innovature and what to watch out for as you begin your journey. 1. Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs Custom software vendors specialize in building solutions that fit your business processes, rather than forcing you to adapt to off-the-shelf products. In your first discussions, you’ll have the chance to articulate your specific challenges and goals. A reputable provider like Innovature will listen closely, ask detailed questions, and begin to map out how technology can address your pain points . 2. Expert Guidance and Industry Insight Initial meetings are an opportunity to tap into the v...
Read more

The Benefits of Using a Service Like FranNet to Explore, Evaluate, and Purchase a Franchise

  The dream of small business ownership is alive and well in America, but for many aspiring entrepreneurs, the path to success can be daunting and uncertain. Franchising offers a unique opportunity: the chance to own your own business while leveraging the proven systems, support, and brand recognition of an established company. However, navigating the world of franchising-choosing the right concept, understanding the investment, and ensuring a good fit-can be overwhelming. This is where a service like FranNet becomes invaluable. At a recent SCORE Dallas mentors meeting at First United Bank in Plano, Texas, franchise consultant Sara Waskow shared her expertise on the pros and cons of franchise ownership and how FranNet supports individuals through the decision-making process. Drawing on her insights and FranNet’s extensive experience, this post explores the many benefits of using a franchise consulting service like FranNet to guide your journey into small business ownership. 1....
Read more