When I founded Assured Flooring & Countertops in Louisiana two decades ago, I never imagined how vital credit card rewards would become to our operations. Today, they’re a critical tool for managing our expenses and staying competitive.
Every month, we spend thousands on materials, tools, and transportation. By using business credit cards that offer rewards, we earn points that help us reinvest in the company—whether it’s covering unexpected costs, offering more competitive pricing, or keeping cash flow steady during tough times. These rewards aren’t just perks—they’re part of a strategic financial plan that helps us compete with big-box stores.
That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the Durbin-Marshall credit card bill in Congress, which would require banks to issue credit cards on several payment networks in an effort to force competition, known as a routing mandate. On paper, this sounds harmless. But the reality is that this bill would lead to a major drop in interchange revenue—the very revenue stream that funds rewards programs small businesses like mine need.
According to a University of Miami study, small businesses could lose $1 billion in rewards if this passes.That’s money that can be used to pay down balances, offset rising costs, and keep cash flowing where it’s needed most.
Worse, it could weaken the fraud protections we rely on every time we make a purchase. Big retailers like Walmart and Home Depot might have the leverage to weather these changes—but small businesses don’t. We can’t afford the added risk or the lost financial support.
Small businesses already face enough challenges. Congress shouldn’t dismantle a system that helps us thrive. Please stand with small businesses and reject the Durbin-Marshall bill. The last thing we need is more regulations to stand in our way.
Philip Ruiz
Assured Flooring & Countertops
4396 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 291-4800
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