Revolut and Visa take on the UK Payment Systems Regulator
over proposed caps on interchange fees, arguing that innovation and competition
are at stake.
Revolut and Visa Take a Swing at the UK Regulator
When it comes to shaking up the financial sector, Revolut has never
been one to shy away from a fight. Now, the digital banking giant has teamed up
with Visa to challenge the UK Payment Systems Regulator’s (PSR) plan to cap interchange fees on
cross-border payments. Their argument? The proposed cap would
stifle competition and hinder fintech innovation—two things Revolut holds
dear.
Revolut and Visa filed legal challenges against the UK payments regulator, PSR, arguing that it has overstepped its powers with a proposed cap on international transaction fees. They asked the court to review and ultimately overturn the PSR’s decision.https://t.co/1WaTpKWxTj
— Max Karpis (@maxkarpis) March 8, 2025
The legal challenge, filed separately by both companies, contends that
the PSR’s move is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences for
consumers and businesses alike. Given Revolut’s rapid rise and Visa’s global
dominance, this isn’t just another regulatory spat—it’s a battle for the future
of fintech .
As reported by the Financial times, Revolut released the following
statement: “We disagree with the PSR’s assessment and believe it has acted
beyond its statutory powers in imposing these caps. We have therefore requested
the court to review, and ultimately overturn the PSR’s decision,” says the
fintech giant.
In the same article, the FT quotes a statement from Visa saying, “We respect
the PSR’s role as an economic regulator. This narrow legal action is focused
only on the PSR’s legal authorisation and process related to price setting to
ensure a fair and thorough process, and give clarity to the industry. This is
critical to future growth and investment in the UK.”
What’s the Big Deal with Interchange Fees?
Interchange fees might not sound exciting, but they’re the lifeblood of
many card payment networks. Every time a customer makes a purchase using a
credit or debit card, the merchant’s bank (acquirer) pays a small fee to the
customer’s bank (issuer). These fees help fund rewards programs, fraud
prevention, and overall service improvements.
The UK PSR argues that these fees—especially on cross-border
transactions—are too high and unfairly burden businesses. Their proposed cap
aims to bring down costs for merchants, who would theoretically pass on the
savings to consumers.
When the PSR announced its proposal to cap interchange fees it
stated that both Visa and Mastercard raised interchange fees for
online transactions between the EU and the U.K. to 1.15% for debit cards and
1.5% for credit cards, the hike was justified as a means to cover fraud
prevention costs and the costs of increased competition.
“In this market review we have provisionally found that the fees
charged by Mastercard and Visa to U.K. businesses which accept payments from
within the EEA are likely too high,” Chris
Hemsley, the PSR’s managing director at the time, said in a press release.
“In short, at this stage, we do not think this market is working well.”
The PSR’s report on the matter can be found here.
Revolut’s Case: The Cost of “Fairness”
Revolut argues that capping interchange fees could have the opposite
effect of what the regulator intends. Lower fees might help merchants in the
short term, but they could also force banks and payment providers to scrap
rewards programs and introduce new fees elsewhere to compensate. In essence,
consumers might end up paying the price.
Visa, on the other hand, is defending its turf. The payments giant
warns that the proposed cap could distort the market, making it harder for new
players to compete. By limiting revenue from interchange fees, fintech firms
like Revolut may struggle to reinvest in innovation and expansion.
Revolut and Visa argue that the PSR’s decision is rushed, not backed by
sufficient evidence, and could ultimately hurt the very consumers it claims to
protect.
Revolut Targeting South Africa?
While Revolut is busy fighting the UK regulator, it seems to have its
eyes on new frontiers. According to recent reports, the fintech firm may be
setting up shop in South Africa. If true, this would mark a significant step in
Revolut’s global expansion strategy.
Revolut also hired Tom Morrison as Head of Strategy &
Operations in South Africa three months ago.
South Africa, with its growing digital banking ecosystem and increasing
demand for fintech solutions, presents a lucrative market. If Revolut does make
the move, it would be entering a competitive space dominated by both local
banks and emerging digital challengers. According
to South African consultancy firm KLA, 42.31% of South Africans use their phones
for digital banking and mobile phone penetration rates have reached 92%.
NEWS: Revolut is setting up operations in South Africa – applying for a full banking license, advisors include Standard Bank according to the source. pic.twitter.com/opzPNwqEUW
— Max Karpis (@maxkarpis) March 7, 2025
According to KLA, there is a significant move toward mobile payment
apps, as explimfied by offerings from FNB and Standard Bank and financial
insitutions are increasingly leveraging the blockchain and AI to drive decentralised
finance (DeFi) models and enhanced customer service.
So, while Revolut takes on regulators in one market, it’s quietly
plotting its next big move in another. The question is: will it be able to
fight battles on multiple fronts, or will regulatory pressure at home slow down
its global ambitions?
Fees and Fintech
Revolut’s legal challenge against the UK’s interchange fee cap is more
than just a financial dispute—it’s a showdown over the future of digital
banking. If Revolut and Visa succeed, they could preserve the current revenue
model for fintech firms and payment providers. If they fail, the PSR’s ruling
could reshape the payments landscape in the UK.
Either way, one thing is clear: Revolut isn’t backing down. Whether
it’s regulators or market expansion, the fintech powerhouse is determined to
keep pushing boundaries. And if its rumored South Africa move comes to
fruition, Revolut’s ambitions could extend far beyond the UK, no matter what
the regulators decide.
For more stories of fintech and innovation, visit our dedicated archives.
Revolut and Visa take on the UK Payment Systems Regulator
over proposed caps on interchange fees, arguing that innovation and competition
are at stake.
Revolut and Visa Take a Swing at the UK Regulator
When it comes to shaking up the financial sector, Revolut has never
been one to shy away from a fight. Now, the digital banking giant has teamed up
with Visa to challenge the UK Payment Systems Regulator’s (PSR) plan to cap interchange fees on
cross-border payments. Their argument? The proposed cap would
stifle competition and hinder fintech innovation—two things Revolut holds
dear.
Revolut and Visa filed legal challenges against the UK payments regulator, PSR, arguing that it has overstepped its powers with a proposed cap on international transaction fees. They asked the court to review and ultimately overturn the PSR’s decision.https://t.co/1WaTpKWxTj
— Max Karpis (@maxkarpis) March 8, 2025
The legal challenge, filed separately by both companies, contends that
the PSR’s move is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences for
consumers and businesses alike. Given Revolut’s rapid rise and Visa’s global
dominance, this isn’t just another regulatory spat—it’s a battle for the future
of fintech .
As reported by the Financial times, Revolut released the following
statement: “We disagree with the PSR’s assessment and believe it has acted
beyond its statutory powers in imposing these caps. We have therefore requested
the court to review, and ultimately overturn the PSR’s decision,” says the
fintech giant.
In the same article, the FT quotes a statement from Visa saying, “We respect
the PSR’s role as an economic regulator. This narrow legal action is focused
only on the PSR’s legal authorisation and process related to price setting to
ensure a fair and thorough process, and give clarity to the industry. This is
critical to future growth and investment in the UK.”
What’s the Big Deal with Interchange Fees?
Interchange fees might not sound exciting, but they’re the lifeblood of
many card payment networks. Every time a customer makes a purchase using a
credit or debit card, the merchant’s bank (acquirer) pays a small fee to the
customer’s bank (issuer). These fees help fund rewards programs, fraud
prevention, and overall service improvements.
The UK PSR argues that these fees—especially on cross-border
transactions—are too high and unfairly burden businesses. Their proposed cap
aims to bring down costs for merchants, who would theoretically pass on the
savings to consumers.
When the PSR announced its proposal to cap interchange fees it
stated that both Visa and Mastercard raised interchange fees for
online transactions between the EU and the U.K. to 1.15% for debit cards and
1.5% for credit cards, the hike was justified as a means to cover fraud
prevention costs and the costs of increased competition.
“In this market review we have provisionally found that the fees
charged by Mastercard and Visa to U.K. businesses which accept payments from
within the EEA are likely too high,” Chris
Hemsley, the PSR’s managing director at the time, said in a press release.
“In short, at this stage, we do not think this market is working well.”
The PSR’s report on the matter can be found here.
Revolut’s Case: The Cost of “Fairness”
Revolut argues that capping interchange fees could have the opposite
effect of what the regulator intends. Lower fees might help merchants in the
short term, but they could also force banks and payment providers to scrap
rewards programs and introduce new fees elsewhere to compensate. In essence,
consumers might end up paying the price.
Visa, on the other hand, is defending its turf. The payments giant
warns that the proposed cap could distort the market, making it harder for new
players to compete. By limiting revenue from interchange fees, fintech firms
like Revolut may struggle to reinvest in innovation and expansion.
Revolut and Visa argue that the PSR’s decision is rushed, not backed by
sufficient evidence, and could ultimately hurt the very consumers it claims to
protect.
Revolut Targeting South Africa?
While Revolut is busy fighting the UK regulator, it seems to have its
eyes on new frontiers. According to recent reports, the fintech firm may be
setting up shop in South Africa. If true, this would mark a significant step in
Revolut’s global expansion strategy.
Revolut also hired Tom Morrison as Head of Strategy &
Operations in South Africa three months ago.
South Africa, with its growing digital banking ecosystem and increasing
demand for fintech solutions, presents a lucrative market. If Revolut does make
the move, it would be entering a competitive space dominated by both local
banks and emerging digital challengers. According
to South African consultancy firm KLA, 42.31% of South Africans use their phones
for digital banking and mobile phone penetration rates have reached 92%.
NEWS: Revolut is setting up operations in South Africa – applying for a full banking license, advisors include Standard Bank according to the source. pic.twitter.com/opzPNwqEUW
— Max Karpis (@maxkarpis) March 7, 2025
According to KLA, there is a significant move toward mobile payment
apps, as explimfied by offerings from FNB and Standard Bank and financial
insitutions are increasingly leveraging the blockchain and AI to drive decentralised
finance (DeFi) models and enhanced customer service.
So, while Revolut takes on regulators in one market, it’s quietly
plotting its next big move in another. The question is: will it be able to
fight battles on multiple fronts, or will regulatory pressure at home slow down
its global ambitions?
Fees and Fintech
Revolut’s legal challenge against the UK’s interchange fee cap is more
than just a financial dispute—it’s a showdown over the future of digital
banking. If Revolut and Visa succeed, they could preserve the current revenue
model for fintech firms and payment providers. If they fail, the PSR’s ruling
could reshape the payments landscape in the UK.
Either way, one thing is clear: Revolut isn’t backing down. Whether
it’s regulators or market expansion, the fintech powerhouse is determined to
keep pushing boundaries. And if its rumored South Africa move comes to
fruition, Revolut’s ambitions could extend far beyond the UK, no matter what
the regulators decide.
For more stories of fintech and innovation, visit our dedicated archives.
This post is originally published on FINANCEMAGNATES.
