Media Communications Kit: Interchange Price Controls

Government price controls do not work, and the Federal Reserve's proposal to cap debit-card interchange rates would be no exception. Help raise awareness about the problems with the proposal by talking to your local reporters. The materials on this page will help you make your point. 

(Additional resources to help bankers make their case with members of Congress are available on ABA's Interchange Resources page.)

Background

• ABA Summary -- Familiarize yourself or reporters with the proposed rule using this ABA-prepared summary.
• Interchange Fact Sheet -- Key facts and stats about debit card usage, costs and benefits

Talking Points

• Key Points -- These are the most important points to emphasize in conversations about the proposal.

Sample Opinion Piece

• New Interchange Provisions: A Good Deal for Merchants, a Bad Deal for Everyone Else  -- Submit this sample op-ed to your local paper.

Myths & Facts

• Myths & Facts  -- Dispel myths perpetuated by big-box retailers about interchange fees.

Q&A

• Community Bank Perspective  -- Many reporters may not understand why smaller institutions, which are exempt from the Federal Reserve's proposed price caps, object to the proposal. Use this Q&A to explain community banks' opposition.