The MA Special Legislative Commission to Study the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card has scheduled a hearing next week to receive testimony and hear stories specifically from MA business owners and consumers. 

• Do you pay too much in swipe fees to the credit card companies? 
• Do you have any leverage in dealing with credit card companies when disputes arise?
• Can your business afford to keep operating under the status quo?  

   
As a RAM member, a retailer, restauranteur, auto service shop or any other type of seller, you know this story.  You know well the challenges that small businesses face every day and the compounding effect that the ever-increasing interchange and swipe fees have on your ability to run your business and stay competitive.  The Commission was established, by law, in response to RAM and others’ continued legislative push to eliminate the statutory prohibition on surcharging a customer that elects to pay by credit card, and to expose the overall swipe fee crisis.  RAM was named to a seat on the Commission.  And now to help make the case for solutions, we need to set the stage. 

 
The fight for Swipe Fee Reform has been ongoing in Washington, DC, for many years and RAM supports passage of the Credit Card Competition Act, but the battle is increasingly moving to the states.  There are solutions that the Commonwealth can explore and act on, such as:

• Repeal the prohibition on surcharging/convenience fees – allow merchants to pass on the processing costs to the credit card purchaser (just like the state does at the DOR, RMV, etc.)
• Eliminate interchange fees on sales taxes and tips – follow Illinois’ lead in eliminating the swipe fee penalty on merchants who collect taxes on behalf of the state or tips on behalf of their employees – both revenues that the merchant does not retain. 
• Establish a Chargeback Bill of Rights – both merchants and consumers deserve rights when facing or disputing a credit card chargeback.

 
And you might have other ideas!  This first step in the Commission’s process is to hear from consumers and businesses just like you, about your experiences, history, interactions and challenges in this space. 
 
We need you to tell your story.

   
When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:00 am – 4:00pm 
Where: Gardner Auditorium at the State House, and Virtual via Microsoft Teams 
 
Registration is required to provide oral testimony, either in person or online.  Those wishing to register must complete this form. Individuals who have registered to testify will receive further instructions on how to participate. The deadline to register is Monday, April 6th at 11:00am. 
 
Written testimony is encouraged and will continue to be accepted until July 31, 2026. Written testimony may be submitted electronically via e-mail to the following:  [email protected]. Please include “Credit Card Commission Testimony” in the subject line of the email, as well as your name, address, phone number, and organization, if any, on the submitted testimony.   
 
You may contact Commission staff with any questions by email at [email protected] or [email protected] or by calling 617-722-2220. 

 
In addition to participating in the Commission, we ask that you also share your story with your elected officials (Members of the House and Senate as well as Governor Healey). For your convenience, RAM has prepared a voter voice campaign which you can use to facilitate your communication. Please join us in this effort by contacting your elected officials today.