WASHINGTON, DC (June 8, 2026) |
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) today commended the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for issuing an interim final rule clarifying federal credit unions' authority to assess and collect non-interest charges and fees, including interchange fees associated with debit and credit card operations:
“The NCUA Board is adopting an interim final rule to clarify federal credit unions’ (FCUs) power to charge non-interest charges and fees includes the power to assess, collect, impose, levy, receive, reserve, take, or otherwise obtain non-interest charges and fees, including interchange fees from credit and debit card operations. Further, the interim final rule explains that FCUs may charge non-interest charges or fees, even when such charges and fees are set by or in consultation with third parties. NCUA invites public comments on this interim final rule.”
"DCUC commends the NCUA for taking proactive action to provide regulatory clarity regarding federal credit unions' authority to assess non-interest charges and fees, including interchange fees," said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. “This rule helps ensure credit unions can continue delivering critical services to their members, including servicemembers, veterans, military families, and Department of War personnel."
“Today’s action by NCUA is a meaningful win for regulatory certainty, payment-system stability, and the military communities served by defense credit unions,” adds Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “DCUC has consistently urged the agency to prevent a patchwork of state interchange mandates from disrupting federally chartered credit unions and their members. By clarifying that federal credit unions may charge and receive non-interest charges and fees, including interchange fees, NCUA has provided the clarity our members need to keep investing in fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and reliable digital payments. We appreciate NCUA’s timely action and look forward to supporting a strong final rule that preserves parity, uniformity, and safe, sound service for military and veteran communities.”
The interim final rule becomes effective June 30, 2026, and NCUA is inviting public comment following publication in the Federal Register. Read more here.
DCUC looks forward to working with NCUA throughout the comment process to ensure federal credit unions retain the flexibility necessary to serve their members and communities effectively.