(MENAFN- The Arabian Post) Arabian Post Staff -Dubai

Visa and Mastercard are reportedly nearing a resolution in a two-decade-long legal dispute with a group of merchants over the fees associated with their payment systems. Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations indicate that both companies, along with the merchants involved, are working towards an agreement that could put an end to the protracted legal battle, which has caused significant tension in the payments industry.

The legal issue dates back to the early 2000s when merchants accused the payment giants of anti-competitive practices, specifically their practice of setting high interchange fees for card transactions. These fees, paid by merchants to card issuers, have been a point of contention for years, with many arguing that the pricing structures imposed by Visa and Mastercard were unfairly high and limited competition within the payments market.

This dispute first gained public attention when large retailers and other business associations banded together, alleging that the card networks were using their market dominance to maintain inflated fees. Over time, the case expanded to include a wide range of merchants, from small businesses to multinational corporations, who collectively argued that the financial burden of interchange fees was ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Throughout the years, both Visa and Mastercard have faced legal challenges, and a series of class-action lawsuits have been filed. These lawsuits have not only focused on the fees themselves but also on the lack of transparency in how they were determined and enforced. Merchants claimed that the payment networks' practices amounted to price-fixing, a violation of antitrust laws. The legal battle escalated over time, with both sides digging in their heels.

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The talks have reportedly intensified in recent months, with both Visa and Mastercard keen to resolve the matter without further litigation. According to the sources, the settlement under discussion would likely result in a significant financial payout to merchants, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. The agreement could also include changes to the way interchange fees are structured, potentially leading to lower costs for businesses that accept card payments.

For Visa and Mastercard, the prospect of a settlement would bring an end to a costly and divisive legal fight. Both companies have defended their practices throughout the proceedings, maintaining that the fees they charge are justified by the value they provide in terms of security, convenience, and innovation in the payments ecosystem. However, they also face growing pressure from lawmakers, regulators, and consumers to address the issue of interchange fees, which have been a sticking point in the broader debate on financial services.

For merchants, the settlement represents a significant potential win. Many business owners, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality, have long argued that interchange fees represent a hidden tax on their operations, undermining their ability to compete. Lowering these fees could provide financial relief, particularly for smaller businesses that often face the highest costs in the payment system.

If the settlement is reached, it could have a ripple effect across the payments industry, influencing how other payment processors and financial institutions structure their fees. Moreover, it could pave the way for further regulatory scrutiny of the broader payments ecosystem, with calls for greater transparency and fairness in the way card networks operate.

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In addition to the financial terms, the settlement is also expected to address broader issues within the payments sector. Changes to the way interchange fees are communicated to merchants, improvements in fee structures, and possible new regulations could be part of any final agreement. These changes could not only benefit merchants but also lead to a more competitive environment in the payment processing industry.

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