Poor people pay a price for the affluent’s travel points.
Vox Story Spotlight Logo
 

There’s a hidden tax to the cashless economy, Vox’s Eric Levitz writes, and it comes from credit card swipe fees. Stores feel compelled to accept credit cards, but they also can pass some of the fees onto customers as an invisible tax — with the money going to fund card reward plans that benefit higher-income customers. Europe caps those fees for this reason — and pending legislation in Congress, backed by the Trump administration, might give vendors at least a little more leverage to find lower ones.

Stories like these are made possible by our Vox Members. Want to support independent journalism like this? Try Vox free for 30 days and join as a Member today.

—Benjy Sarlin, editorial director

 

Trump is coming for your credit card rewards. That’s good.

Poor people pay a price for the affluent’s travel points.

by Eric Levitz

President Donald Trump points after addressing attendees on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 9, 2026 in Dallas. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
 

More on Vox

Cold weather and high prices could flip the Senate

by Eric Levitz

Bad news for the GOP in Maine and Alaska.

Can thrift shops save us from Shein?

by Jonquilyn Hill

Ultra-fast fashion is everywhere. Thrift shops offer a way out.

I give to charity — but never to people on the street. Is that wrong?

by Sigal Samuel

The quest to give effectively feels like it’s turning me into an cold-hearted jerk.

Read more >>>

 
Vox logo

This email was sent to cashub10.politicz@blogger.com. Unsubscribe from this email and manage your email preferences.

View our Privacy Notice and our Terms of Service. View this email in your browser. 

 

Vox Media, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Floor 12, Washington, DC 20036.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.

https://link.vox.com/oc/608adc7591954c3cef04c669sklsg.7r/c92206fa

Facebook TwitterYouTube