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Bill

B 26-0138

Fair Swipe Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

DC bill regulates credit card swipe fees to reduce merchant costs and prevent excessive payment processing charges passed to consumers.

Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0138 Published in the District of Columbia Register
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Bill Summary · B 26-0138

Legislative bill overview

The Fair Swipe Act of 2025 regulates credit card processing fees and merchant practices in the District of Columbia. The bill aims to prevent excessive swipe fees charged by payment processors and card networks, which merchants pass on to consumers through higher prices. It establishes transparency requirements and potentially caps or limits the fees that merchants must pay when accepting card payments.

Why is this important

Swipe fees—typically 2-3% of transaction value—represent a significant cost for small retailers and service providers, ultimately affecting consumer prices and business profitability. Merchants have limited negotiating power with major card networks (Visa, Mastercard), making regulation a consumer protection and small business issue. This bill addresses a structural imbalance in payment processing markets that affects local businesses and pricing across DC's economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation complexity: Defining fair fee structures without disrupting payment processing infrastructure or reducing card company investment in security and fraud prevention
  • Pass-through effects: Whether fee reductions actually lower consumer prices or simply increase merchant profits, and whether reduced processor revenue impacts service quality
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Potential conflicts with federal banking regulations and interstate commerce if DC's rules differ significantly from surrounding jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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