A PYMNTS Company

US: AmEx antitrust suit heads to trial

 |  May 7, 2014

The US Department of Justice scored a win in court Wednesday when a federal judge ruled its lawsuit against credit card giant American Express can head to trial.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    According to reports, US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis decided Wednesday that the antitrust lawsuit can proceed. The DOJ first filed the suit in 2010 over allegations American Express forces unfair rules on merchants.

    Specifically, according to reports, American Express is accused of barring retailers of offering discounts or other incentives to use methods of payment other than an American Express card. Retailers are charged every time a credit card is swiped at the register, a charge known as an interchange fee; American Express is known as having a higher fee than rivals.

    In his decision, Judge Garaufis gave the case the go-ahead for trial, writing “genuine issues of material fact remain in dispute,” according to reports.

    Full content: Reuters

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.