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Walmart wants out of card class
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-16 10:27
Core Viewpoint - Walmart is seeking to decertify a class of plaintiffs in card fee litigation against Visa and Mastercard, arguing that large merchants have distinct interests that are not being represented adequately in the proposed settlement [2]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Class Representation - Walmart has requested U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan to either decertify the class of plaintiffs or allow large national merchants to opt out of the mandatory class [2]. - The company claims that the interests of large national merchants are being compromised by the plaintiffs and their lawyers, who are accused of prioritizing their own relief over those interests [2][5]. - Walmart describes the proposed settlement as "nakedly inequitable to large national merchants," highlighting a fundamental conflict of interest that disqualifies the current class representatives [2]. Group 2: Interchange Fees and Payment Methods - Walmart has been proactive in seeking ways to reduce interchange fees associated with credit and debit card transactions [3]. - The retailer is exploring alternative payment methods, including pay-by-bank options and instant payments, to mitigate these fees [3]. - The proposed settlement's modification of the "honor all cards" rule is deemed ineffective for large merchants, as they must accept customers' preferred payment types [4]. Group 3: Negotiation and Market Competition - Walmart argues that allowing large merchants to reject certain card types without enabling competition among issuers does not comply with antitrust laws [5]. - The company insists that it should be able to negotiate interchange rates directly with issuing banks to secure lower rates in exchange for its business [5]. - Walmart criticizes the class lawyers for their treatment of the company during negotiations, indicating a disregard for the interests of large national merchants [5].