Colorado Bill Threatens Credit Card Rewards, Sparking Public Backlash
A new bill in Colorado could put an end to credit card rewards, sparking concern among residents. The legislation, known as SB 26-134, has already cleared the state House of Representatives and now awaits a final vote before reaching Governor Jared Polis’ desk. Many Coloradans rely on these rewards, particularly for travel, and opposition to the bill is growing. The proposed law would ban businesses from charging credit card fees, typically ranging from 1.5% to 3.5%. These fees help fund rewards programmes, which are widely used across the state. A recent poll found that four out of five Coloradans want to keep their credit card perks, especially for travel benefits.
Over 740,000 travellers visited Colorado in the past two years using rewards earned through airline credit cards. These cards also generated more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for the state in 2024 alone. Additionally, 85% of residents have redeemed rewards within the last two years, showing how deeply embedded these programmes are in daily life. Opposition to the bill is mounting. The American Parents Coalition Action, a parents’ rights group, has called on Coloradans to contact Governor Polis and urge him to reject the legislation. Alleigh Marré, the group’s executive director, warned that ending credit card fees would hurt families who depend on rewards for essential expenses. Another survey revealed that 78.5% of residents would likely switch cards if their rewards were cut or removed.
The bill now faces a final vote before moving to Governor Polis for approval or veto. If passed, it could reshape how credit card rewards operate in Colorado. With strong public opposition and economic concerns at stake, the decision will have a direct impact on travellers, businesses, and families across the state.
