US Department of Transportation Probing Rewards Programs of Major US Airlines

The US Department of Transportation is probing the rewards programs of major US airlines to understand their impact on consumers. The probe could lead to changes that disrupt the profit centers for airlines and credit-card issuers. Loyalty programs have come under fire for luring customers with rewards and then stripping perks. The Transportation Department has taken a hard line with airlines on practices harming consumers, and the probe is the latest in a series of government actions.

Proposed Credit Card Legislation Impacting Working-Class Americans

Senators Durbin and Marshall are proposing credit card legislation that would restrict card issuers' ability to fund rewards programs, disproportionately affecting working-class Americans who rely on these rewards to offset extra expenses during vulnerable financial periods.

Credit Card Bill Impact on Small Businesses and Consumers

The article discusses a new credit card bill in Congress that is said to benefit small businesses and consumers but, in reality, favors large corporate mega-stores. The bill could lead to small businesses bearing the burden while big retailers like Walmart and Target profit. Studies show that small businesses and consumers may not see the benefits promised by the bill, and there are concerns about increased costs and loss of rewards programs.