Visa, Mastercard Agree to Lower Swipe Fees in Latest Proposed Settlement

It is the third offer in the 20-year legal battle over fees charged for customer transactions, and must now be approved by the court.
Visa, Mastercard Agree to Lower Swipe Fees in Latest Proposed Settlement
Several Visa and Mastercard credit cards are shown in Buffalo Grove, Ill., on Feb. 8, 2024. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File
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Visa and Mastercard announced an agreement on Monday with merchants that would end a 20-year legal battle over swipe fees in which businesses claimed the credit card giants violated U.S. antitrust laws.

The settlement calls for Visa and Mastercard to lower swipe fees, which are added to each transaction, by 0.1 percent for the next five years. The fees are between 2 percent and 2.5 percent currently.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.