Stop Unfair Credit Card Swipe Fees from Driving Up Colorado’s Living Costs.
Support SB26-134.
In 2024, Coloradans paid $217 million in swipe fees on sales tax, with no market competition to drive down costs. By changing the way these swipe fees are applied to local taxes, this new legislation will bring local businesses like restaurants and other small retailers immediate price relief. Take action now! Use the form below to automatically send a letter to your State Senators in support of Main Street over Wall Street.
What We Stand For
Every time a purchase is made via credit card, big banks and payment networks like Visa and Mastercard take a cut through interchange (or swipe) fees, burdening small businesses throughout the state.
U.S. credit and debit card processing fees average more than 2% per transaction and can hit as high as 4%, meaning for every $100 consumers spend, an extra $2 to $4 is siphoned off.
That’s money that could be reinvested in local businesses, better wages, and community growth, but instead, it’s funneled into the coffers of a few giant banks and credit card networks.
Here’s the breakdown:
The payments market is a duopoly dominated by Visa and Mastercard. Lack of competitive pricing = artificially inflated fees, preventing market forces from driving them down.
The rules of the credit card industry force businesses to charge everyone the same price, meaning even if you pay cash, you don’t see the benefit of avoiding these hidden charges.
We believe that the solution to the issue at hand starts with legislation that eliminates fees to provide relief for small businesses. It’s time for change. Demand transparency, accountability, and fairness in how your money is handled.
Contact your state legislators today and demand an end to these unfair, hidden card fees. Our wallets, our businesses, and our communities deserve better. our communities deserve better.
How Colorado’s SB26-134
Restores Sanity to The Marketplace:
Empowers Small Merchants:
With the duopoly of Visa and Mastercard, there is no competitive pressure on fees rates. Short of government action, there is no relief from the surging costs of swipe fees.
Eliminate Swipe Fees on Sales Tax:
Banks should not be unfairly profiting from Main Street merchants collecting and remitting taxes to the state.
Why This Issue Matters:
Every Dollar Counts
Hidden fees add an extra 2–4% to every bill, forcing Coloradans to pay more and reducing the money available for everyday needs.
Support Local Businesses
These fees siphon crucial funds from small businesses that could otherwise invest in better wages, hiring, and community growth.
Market Monopolization
With Visa and Mastercard dominating the payments market, there’s no competitive pressure to lower fees—leaving merchants and consumers to bear the brunt of inflated costs.
Unreasonable Burden
The industry’s rigid rules mean even cash-paying customers don’t escape the added cost, making it a universal hit on our local economy.
Our Wallets, Our Businesses, and Our Communities Deserve Better.
Don’t wait—make your voice heard. Together, we can get relief from these unfair tax-related interchange fees and keep Colorado’s cash local!