Inside the Swipe Fee Showdown: Dan Swanson on Credit Cards, Competition, and the Future of Reform

Joe Kefauver sits down with Dan Swanson—attorney, consultant, and former general counsel of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee—to unpack the complex world of credit card swipe fees and why they’ve become one of the biggest financial pressures facing Main Street businesses. Swanson explains how Visa and Mastercard’s market dominance, interchange structures, and recent court battles are shaping the national debate over competition, transparency, and consumer costs. Together, they explore what meaningful reform could look like at both the federal and state levels—and what it will mean for merchants, consumers, and policymakers in the years ahead. The American Modcast with Joe Kefauver is sponsored by Americans for a Modern Economy. We ensure policies reflect the 21st-century technologies reshaping our businesses and communities. Our episodes focus on the emerging issues of tomorrow rather than just today’s news.We explore the changing workforce, technological impacts, and evolving commerce trends. These shifts will inevitably alter both consumer behavior and voter attitudes. Expect meaty topics, expert guests, and a touch of cynical humor along the way.