WASHINGTON, DC (January 22, 2026) |
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) joined a broad coalition of financial services organizations urging Congress to reject the Credit Card Competition Act, also known as the Durbin-Marshall bill, and any expansion of the Durbin amendment.
In a joint letter to lawmakers, the groups warned that increased government intervention in the U.S. credit card market would harm consumers, small businesses, and community-based financial institutions.
The coalition cautioned that the proposal would disproportionately benefit the nation’s largest retailers while placing small businesses, consumers, and community lenders at a disadvantage. Research cited in the letter shows most projected savings would flow to merchants with more than $500 million in annual sales, while small businesses could lose access to billions in rewards and revolving credit.
The letter also warned that community banks and credit unions would face higher costs, reduced revenue for lending and fraud prevention, and increased operational burdens. Consumers, particularly lower-income households, could lose access to affordable credit, popular rewards programs, and secure payment options.
“The payment card system is convenient, secure, and essential to the American economy,” the groups wrote. “The Durbin-Marshall bill jeopardizes consumer protections, rewards programs, and access to credit—all to benefit a handful of the largest merchants.”
“For years, DCUC has consistently warned Congress that the Durbin-Marshall proposal poses serious risks to the credit union mission and to the military communities we are proud to serve,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “This legislation would undermine community-based financial institutions that prioritize responsible lending and consumer protection, while increasing the likelihood that servicemembers and their families are pushed toward predatory, unregulated lenders. We remain deeply concerned that, rather than improving competition or affordability, this bill would weaken financial readiness and harm the very consumers it claims to protect.”
DCUC remains committed to working with Congress on policies that protect consumers while preserving access to fair, secure, and affordable financial services.