DENVER — A group that claims to represent major U.S. airlines has launched a campaign urging Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to veto legislation it says could threaten credit card rewards programs and create new burdens for businesses across the state.
That legislation targets interchange fees on certain card transactions.
Airlines for America said its new “Protect Our Points, Colorado” campaign opposes the Payment Card Networks’ Fees Bill, SB26-134, arguing the measure could jeopardize travel rewards programs tied to airline credit cards and hurt Colorado’s tourism economy.
The campaign includes a full-page advertisement in The Denver Post, along with television commercials, radio spots and a social media push using the hashtag #ProtectOurPoints, according to A4A.
The organization said the campaign is targeting consumers at airports, shopping centers, resorts, college campuses, sporting events and entertainment venues. A4A said the effort has generated hundreds of letters from Colorado residents urging Polis to veto the legislation.
As the CU Daily has reported, the credit union trade groups have also been working in opposition to the Colorado legislation, which is similar to that in Illinois and which is the subject of litigation in which CUs are the plaintiffs.
What Polling Revealed
According to polling commissioned by A4A and conducted by AlphaROC Inc., Colorado consumers place a high value on credit card rewards programs, especially travel-related benefits. The survey found:
- 80.8% of Coloradans said earning bonus rewards, especially for travel, is an important benefit of using credit cards.
- 78.5% said they would likely switch cards if rewards were significantly reduced or eliminated.
- 79.1% said they have a credit card that allows them to earn rewards.
- 85% said they had redeemed rewards within the last two years.
One Point of Agreement
“There isn’t much that 80% of people can agree on these days, so it’s significant that most Coloradans agree when it comes to their credit card rewards,” A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu said in a statement. “That’s exactly why Governor Polis should veto the terrible legislation making its way through the state legislature.”
Sununu added that 31 million airline credit cardholders nationwide rely on co-branded cards for purchases such as groceries and gasoline while earning travel rewards.
A4A said airline credit cards generated more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for Colorado in 2024, with more than 740,000 travelers visiting the state using travel rewards earned through credit card programs.
‘Additional Complications’
The group also argued the legislation would create additional complications for small businesses by requiring merchants to negotiate separate agreements with hundreds of financial institutions worldwide, replacing the current system under which merchants operate through a single agreement to accept payment cards.
