Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser Says Rate Cap Would Restrict Access to Credit
CitiCiti(US:C) PYMNTS.com·2026-01-20 21:03

Core Viewpoint - Citigroup Chair and CEO Jane Fraser does not anticipate Congressional support for President Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates, arguing it would negatively impact credit access and the economy [1][3]. Group 1: Impact of Proposed Interest Rate Cap - Fraser emphasized that a cap on credit card interest rates would restrict access to credit, potentially benefiting only the wealthy while denying credit to those in need [3]. - The macroeconomic effects of such a cap would be concerning, as it could lead to reduced consumer spending, adversely affecting sectors reliant on credit card transactions, including airlines, retailers, hotels, and restaurants [4]. - Fraser advocates for extending access to credit rather than restricting it, highlighting the importance of credit in consumer spending and economic health [4]. Group 2: Industry Response - Trump has expressed a commitment to addressing high credit card interest rates, stating that the public should not be "ripped off" by companies charging excessive rates [5]. - JPMorgan Chase's CFO Jeremy Barnum indicated that the banking industry might oppose the proposed credit card price caps, suggesting that any unsupported directives could lead to significant changes in business practices [6].