AMBA joined a coalition of major banking, credit union, and payments industry associations in a joint letter to Congress on January 22, 2026, urging lawmakers to oppose the proposed Credit Card Competition Act (the Durbin–Marshall bill) and any expansion of the Durbin amendment. The letter reiterates that increased federal intervention in the credit card market would reduce consumer choice, raise fraud and operational risks, and disproportionately harm small businesses and community-based financial institutions. The groups emphasize that community banks and credit unions, many of which are small businesses themselves, play a vital role in supporting local economies through lending and consumer services and warn that government-mandated routing and price controls could weaken their ability to provide affordable credit and invest in security. They also cite research suggesting that most potential savings would flow to the largest retailers, while consumers—particularly lower-income households—could face reduced access to credit cards, fewer rewards programs, and higher costs with little evidence that merchants would pass savings on. Overall, the letter once again stresses that the current payment card system is competitive, secure, and essential to the economy, and cautions that the proposed legislation could undermine these benefits. Please see the attached letter here, which will also be posted on social media.
