Electronic Payments Coalition Executive Chairman Richard Hunt expressed concerns following a court hearing regarding an injunction lawsuit against a new Illinois state law. The lawsuit, brought by the Illinois Bankers Association and Illinois Credit Union League, was heard by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Hunt warned of potential "credit card chaos" in Illinois if the injunction is not granted. He stated that the new law would affect credit and debit card processing in the state, potentially making Illinois an outlier in global payment systems. According to Hunt, "the OCC said this law is ‘ill-conceived, highly unusual and largely unworkable’ and would lead to ‘higher fees, reduced services, and weakened fraud protection.’"
Hunt criticized the law for adding costs through equipment upgrades or increased bookkeeping without benefiting consumers or small businesses. He argued that corporate mega-stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot would be the primary beneficiaries, potentially gaining $2.5 million annually each. He noted past instances where promises to pass savings onto consumers were not fulfilled after Congress capped debit card processing costs.
A study on the cost implications of this law indicates that 40 large retailers will absorb nearly 40 percent of a projected $118 million reduction in interchange fees. The top 10 retailers alone are expected to receive 21.4 percent of these savings. Small businesses in Illinois might find any remaining savings offset by operational costs required to implement the new system.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has supported the financial trades' lawsuit with an amicus brief opposing the new legislation.
Hunt emphasized investing in technology and national data security standards as ways to strengthen payment systems.