United CEO: 10% Credit Card Cap Would Hit Rivals Harder

Key Points

• United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes a proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap would impact United less than other airlines due to its high-credit-score customer base.
• President Trump has renewed calls for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates, a move supported by some lawmakers but opposed by banks and some industry leaders.
• Delta CEO Ed Bastian warned that such a cap could restrict credit access for lower-income consumers and significantly disrupt the credit card industry.

Summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated that a proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap would affect United less than its competitors, as its cardholders generally have higher credit scores and lower default rates. While President Trump and some lawmakers advocate for the cap to help consumers, airline executives and bank leaders have raised concerns about unintended consequences, such as restricted credit access for budget-conscious consumers. Co-branded credit cards remain a major revenue source for airlines, but the proposal has sparked debate over its potential industry-wide impact.