Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Kit Bond (R-MO) will offer an amendment when consumer credit card legislation is considered on the Senate floor this coming week. Please urge Senator McConnell and Senator Bunning to support the Durbin-Bond "Consumer Discount and Fee Transparency Amendment."

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to ask you to support an amendment Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) plan to offer when the Senate considers consumer credit card legislation early next week. The Durbin/Bond amendment will increase transparency of credit card fees, and will allow merchants to offer a wider array of discounts to consumers.

Although I am currently "technically" able to provide my customers a discount for cash and checks the sheer number of rules the credit card companies have in place make this all but impossible for businesses like mine. I currently do not have the ability to offer a discount on debit cards and low-fee credit cards which would greatly benefit both me and my customers. Visa and MasterCard collect credit card interchange fees of roughly 2% or more on high-end rewards cards used in my store, which hinders my ability to keep prices low for customers across the board.

Being able to discount for more affordable card products would be a win-win situation for everyone involved. I would have the freedom to make my own pricing decisions while at the same time being able to help out my customers who are looking for all opportunities to save money in this tough economy. Not to mention, my customers would still have complete freedom to choose what type of payment they want to use in my store.

Increased transparency surrounding these fees is also very important for both my business and my customers, most of whom don't even know they exist, and for policymakers who will hopefully continue to address these uncontrollable fees in a comprehensive fashion. Last year they generated $48 billion in revenue last year at the expense of merchants and unknowing consumers.

I strongly encourage you to support the Durbin/Bond amendment as it will provide critical relief to consumers and retailers struggling to stay afloat in these tough economic times.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 11, 2009