JP Morgan Warns Credit Card Interest Cap May Negatively Impact Consumers

JP Morgan Chase has issued a warning that President Trump’s proposal to implement a ten per cent cap on credit card interest rates could significantly disrupt the business model of the United States’ largest bank, ultimately harming consumers. The proposal seeks to address rising cost-of-living pressures ahead of the midterm elections.

Currently, the average credit card interest rate in the United States stands at 19.7 per cent, while store credit cards often charge as much as 30.1 per cent. The suggested cap has drawn both criticism and support within the financial community, including comments from Jeremy Barnum, JP Morgan’s chief financial officer, who emphasized that the measure could lead to unintended consequences that contradict the government’s intentions.

Barnum expressed concerns that such drastic changes could apply pressure to JP Morgan’s longstanding business practices. He stated that the bank is prepared to challenge any directive that lacks proper justification. The bank has not disclosed specific figures indicating the financial impact the proposed cap may entail.

Despite a challenging economic landscape, Barnum reported that US consumers continue to exhibit robust spending behaviours, while businesses largely maintain stable positions. JP Morgan’s recent financial performance reflects this resilience, having recorded fourth-quarter revenues of £45.8 billion, a 7 per cent increase year-on-year, although net income showed a decline from analyst expectations.

The proposed interest rate cap is viewed by some as a potential measure to cultivate a more competitive environment by reducing banks’ excessive profits linked to credit card debt. This perspective is echoed by Sebastian Siemiatkowksi, the chief executive of Klarna, who supports the idea as beneficial for consumers.

As the discussion around the credit card interest rate cap unfolds, the banking sector remains vigilant in anticipating regulatory changes that could reshape the financial landscape in the United States.