Scheduled April 1 Visa and Mastercard Fee Changes Now Postponed

According to Digital Transactions, the major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, are planning to postpone their new interchange rates that were originally scheduled to take effect in April. The delays come on the heels of the impact that the coronavirus is having on merchants who have been forced to reduce, suspend or close their operations. These changes will now go into effect in July instead of April.

Some independent sales organizations and other groups have called on the networks to cancel the April interchange updates, saying merchants do not need an increase in the price of accepting cards in such a distressed environment.

Earlier this month, the card networks were proposing a large change to their interchange rates – fees charged every time a consumer uses a card. These fees, also known as swipe fees, could go up or down depending on the merchant setting and the way a consumer pays for their purchase.

Major Payment Networks’ Announcements

Some of the card networks have not publicly confirmed a delay, but a few ISOs have told Digital Transactions that they have received “official notice” that Visa Inc., Mastercard Inc., and American Express Co. are delaying planned April changes in their pricing schedules.

Discover’s spokesperson stated, “Discover recognizes that many organizations are facing operational challenges, with the majority of business operating remotely. Therefore, we have made the decision to postpone our spring release, 20.1, from April 17, 2020 to July 17, 2020 in order to support our clients and their customers.”

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