Your Dinner Out in Colorado Probably Just Got Cheaper

Since 2013, merchants in Colorado and across the U.S. have been able to pass credit card transaction fees onto consumers. The Colorado legislature in Denver passed a bill to eliminate that fee; not only does it help businesses it helps their customers.

What Law Did the Colorado Legislature Pass in May of 2026?

Senate Bill 26-134 says that credit card companies that are worth over $60 billion cannot charge a transaction fee on the sales tax portion of a purchase/service. ColoradoNewsline.com broke it down: Merchants collect sales tax on behalf of the state; when we (consumers) use a card, that card company takes a percentage of the entire transaction with the fee, where they should be excluding the tax.

How Will Diners in Colorado Be Seeing Cheaper Nights Out?

I'm sure I'm not the only person in the state that has been to a bar/restaurant where they add 3% to your bill if you use a card. I understand, they're in businesses to make money, not to give credit card companies money; but once this bill becomes law, I highly expect to not be charged that 3%.

READ MORE: Check These Four Things Off Your List Before a Colorado Hike

Credit Cad Companies Have Been Raking in Millions and Millions With 'Swipe Fees'

According to ColoadoNewsLine.com, in 2023 alone, the swipe fees brought in an incredible $11 million. That's just for one year. If you go back to 2013, when the swipe fees became "OK" again, that's upwards of $100 million. What ever will those $60 billion credit card companies do?