SWIPE-FEE SETTLEMENT: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18.
on appeal. The card brand networks also asked the court to reject Walmart ' s request to divide the plaintiff ' s class or to allow merchants to opt out, stating that " Walmart ' s interests were adequately represented by class counsel, and, to the extent it disagrees with the outcome, it will be fully heard by this Court through the settlement approval process."
Congress is also considering the Credit Card Competition Act, which could introduce even more profound structural changes. According to experts, there ' s a moderate chance the current deal will be approved, but revisions are likely.
THE BOTTOM LINE
For Visa and Mastercard, this settlement is a good deal. They avoid a drawn-out trial and cap some interchange costs without admitting liability. However, keep in mind that they also own the networks and may still adjust other network-related fees over time. This settlement pertains to swipe / interchange fees, not a blanket cap on all transaction fees. The proposed settlement represents progress; however, the payments landscape will continue to evolve across the courts, Congress, and network pricing models.
For marketers, this settlement provides meaningful choice in which cards they accept and greater predictability in the costs of those cards. But the industry should be cautious; rolling out these new programs will require thoughtful execution. Customers won ' t simply adapt, and it is ultimately their reactions that will shape how effective these changes are.
Qualpay will follow the settlement closely, and as more information becomes available, we will provide the details and be able to answer specific questions about how they may impact the delivered fuel space. l FON
Marci Gagnon is the Senior VP, Sales for Qualpay and has been in the payments industry for over 15 years with a concentration on recurring billing and the Energy space. Qualpay provides processing solutions to fuel delivery and service businesses with tools designed to provide real-time reconciliation and cost reduction. For additional information contact Marci Gagnon at marci @ qualpay. com or visit https:// www. qualpay. com / industry / utility-and-energy. www. fueloilnews. com | FUEL OIL NEWS | FEBRUARY 2026 25