FTC Chairman Warns Payment Firms Against Denying Service Based on Ideology

Letters to PayPal, Stripe, Visa, and Mastercard cite concerns over denial of service based on political or religious beliefs.

President Donald Trump (L) and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson (R) listen as Vice President JD Vance (C) speaks to reporters after Trump signed paperwork during a White House signing ceremony on March 16, 2026. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson sent letters on March 26 to Visa, Mastercard, and other financial infrastructure firms reminding them of their obligation to serve customers regardless of ideology.

Ferguson reached out to the companies’ CEOs, voicing concerns about financial service companies denying service to customers because of political or religious views.