Advocacy Action Center

• Do you pay too much in swipe fees to the credit card companies?
• Do you have any leverage in dealing with credit card companies when disputes arise?
• Can your business afford to keep operating under the status quo?

Credit and Debit Card ‘Swipe’ Fees Cost a Record $198.25 Billion in 2025

As a RAM member, a retailer, restauranteur, auto service shop or any other type of seller, you know this story.  You know well the challenges that small businesses face every day and the compounding effect that the ever-increasing interchange and swipe fees have on your ability to run your business and stay competitive. The Commission was established, by law, in response to RAM and others’ continued legislative push to eliminate the statutory prohibition on surcharging a customer that elects to pay by credit card, and to expose the overall swipe fee crisis.  RAM was named to a seat on the Commission.  And now to help make the case for solutions, we need to set the stage. 

While the Commission needs to hear from YOU; your local elected officials also need to hear from YOU.

The fight for Swipe Fee Reform has been ongoing in Washington, DC, for many years and RAM supports passage of the Credit Card Competition Act, but the battle is increasingly moving to the states.  There are solutions that the Commonwealth can explore and act on, such as:

• Repeal the prohibition on surcharging/convenience fees – allow merchants to pass on the processing costs to the credit card purchaser (just like the state does at the DOR, RMV, etc.)
• Eliminate interchange fees on sales taxes and tips – follow Illinois’ lead in eliminating the swipe fee penalty on merchants who collect taxes on behalf of the state or tips on behalf of their employees – both revenues that the merchant does not retain.
• Establish a Chargeback Bill of Rights – both merchants and consumers deserve rights when facing or disputing a credit card chargeback.

And you might have other ideas!  While the Commission does their work we also want RAM members to contact their local Legislators and the Governor so they are also  hearing from consumers and businesses just like you, about your experiences, history, interactions and challenges in this space. 

We need you to tell your story; please you the form below to send your messages NOW.