TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) has launched a statewide media campaign opposing federal legislation championed by Senator Roger Marshall that would cap credit card interest rates and alter credit card transaction routing, warning the measures could cut off credit access for over a million Kansans.
The KBA’s campaign, which began Monday, February 16, focuses on two key proposals supported by Senator Marshall: a 10% cap on credit card interest rates and changes to how credit card transactions are routed, known as the Credit Card Competition Act. According to industry data cited by the KBA, a 10% interest rate cap could lead to the closure or reduction of credit lines for 73% to 85% of Kansas credit card accounts, impacting between 1.1 million and 1.3 million cardholders.
“A government-imposed interest rate cap of 10 percent would eliminate or significantly reduce credit card access for more than 1 million Kansans who rely on their cards,” said Doug Wareham, President and CEO of the KBA. “While it may sound appealing to some, the fact is that price controls like this would ultimately devastate families and slight businesses. We urge Senator Marshall to reconsider.”
The KBA similarly voiced concerns about the Credit Card Competition Act, which would shift control of transaction routing from banks to major merchants. Wareham characterized the proposal, also known as the Durbin-Marshall amendment, as “a big government mandate pushed by large corporate retailers that would weaken security and devastate rewards programs,” leaving consumers with “fewer choices and fewer benefits.” The association argues the routing changes could increase fraud risks and limit consumer control over transaction processing.
Senator Marshall defended his position, stating that every bank in Kansas is exempt from the proposed legislation. “Every single bank in Kansas is exempt — So one has to inquire, why are Kansas Bankers doing Wall Street’s dirty work, attacking Trump and Marshall’s efforts to lower credit card fees for everyone?” he told KCTV5. Marshall has consistently argued the proposals are necessary to alleviate financial burdens on families, claiming that large banks profit from excessive swipe fees.
“The average American family is being ripped off by Big Banks, who profit billions from swipe fees while hardworking Americans pay the price,” Marshall said following the bill’s introduction. “It’s time to bring real competition to a credit card network market dominated by Visa and Mastercard — and drive down the cost of everyday goods.” He also expressed gratitude for former President Trump’s support and his commitment to working with Senator Richard Durbin to advance the legislation.
The KBA is partnering with the Electronic Payments Coalition in the roughly $1 million advertising campaign, contributing approximately $250,000 to highlight what they describe as the “harmful effects” of the federal proposals on community banks and consumers. The KBA initially voiced its opposition to the 10% interest rate cap on January 13, 2026, and continues to actively lobby against both measures.