A bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Credit Card Competition Act of 2025 following President Donald Trump’s endorsement, targeting the high credit card swipe fees that affect small businesses, including private campgrounds and RV parks.
The legislation, backed by OHI, aims to inject competition into the payments market and give merchants more processing options, potentially lowering operational costs for outdoor hospitality operators.
The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and in the House by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), would require the two largest credit card networks—Visa and Mastercard—to offer merchants a choice of at least two unaffiliated processing networks. The measure seeks to restore competition in a market currently dominated by a small number of companies.
OHI has been advocating for the legislation for the past two years through its Merchants Payments Coalition, which has brought more than 75 outdoor hospitality businesses to Washington, D.C., to lobby for reform.
“We are glad to see Congress taking action on this important legislation that is vital to the success of small businesses in every industry—including ours,” David Basler, OHI’s Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Government Affairs,” said in a press release.
Basler emphasized that high swipe fees challenge campgrounds’ ability to offer affordable experiences.
“Our members are focused on the camper experience and part of that is making camping affordable, which is made difficult as credit card swipe fees continue to rise every year. The Credit Card Competition Act offers a common-sense solution that promotes free-market competition that will be good for small businesses and the camping consumer,” he said.
Swipe fees, charged on each consumer credit card transaction, cost U.S. businesses tens of billions annually. These costs are often passed to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Unlike other sectors, the credit card processing market lacks meaningful competition, allowing fees “to rise unchecked.”
Sen. Marshall criticized the current system, stating, “The average American family is being ripped off by Big Banks, who profit billions from swipe fees while hardworking Americans pay the price. It’s time to bring real competition to a credit card network market dominated by Visa and Mastercard—and drive down the cost of everyday goods.”
He added that bipartisan support could help move the legislation through Congress. “The American Dream doesn’t work when the system is rigged, and this bill helps level the playing field. I’m grateful to have President Trump’s support, and I look forward to working with Senator Durbin to get this across the finish line,” Marshall said.
Rep. Lofgren also highlighted the consumer impact, noting that American households pay more than $1,000 annually on swipe fees, the highest globally.
“Just two major credit card companies are setting swipe fees for the nation’s largest banks, crushing consumers and small businesses. Our bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act will provide needed relief by fostering competition, lowering prices for everyone. I’m proud to re-introduce this bill with my House and Senate colleagues,” she said.
OHI encourages its members to support the legislation by sending letters to Congress through its Advocacy Action Center. The association also recommends sharing the advocacy link with customers to amplify support.
The bill reflects a broader push by OHI to protect small businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector from rising operational costs and to create a more competitive and transparent financial landscape for campgrounds and RV parks.
OHI, formerly National ARVC, represents more than 3,000 private RV parks and campgrounds across North America. The association provides members with continuing education, business and marketing tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy at local, state, and federal levels.