JPMorgan Warns Trump’s 10% Credit Card Interest Cap Could Backfire on Consumers

Lower interest rates sound like a win, but they might lock you out of credit entirely. According to Reuters, JPMorgan Chase isn't buying Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, warning it could devastate consumer finance and the broader economy.

The Hidden Costs of a 10% Interest Cap

With many credit card rates currently hovering between 20% and 30%, Trump's plan to slash them to 10% aims to win over voters struggling with debt. However, JPMorgan argues this move would force banks to drastically tighten lending standards. If profit margins can't cover the risk of default, banks will simply stop issuing cards to those with lower credit scores.

Why JPMorgan Fears Economic Contraction

It's not just about losing access to cards. The banking giant suggests that to offset losses, financial institutions might hike annual fees or eliminate rewards programs. This creates a "balloon effect" where costs saved on interest are simply shifted elsewhere, leaving consumers no better off while reducing overall liquidity in the market.