Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski Praises Trump As 'Super Wise' For Taking On Banks Over 10% Credit Card Interest Rates
Credit card interest rates are drawing renewed scrutiny.
They've become an "extraction machine," Klarna Group PLC (NYSE:KLAR) CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski told Fox Business last month.
He praised President Donald Trump for pushing a 10% cap on interest rates and taking on banks over what he called excessive costs for consumers. "President Trump is super wise and willing to take on the banks on behalf of U.S. consumers," Siemiatkowski said.
The proposal faces resistance from much of the banking industry, and credit card companies have not yet complied with Trump's call for a 10% cap. Legislation to enforce it has not moved forward in Congress.
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Consumers Are Fed Up with Credit Card Practices
"They are tired of these tricks that the credit cards have been pulling on them, and they are looking for healthier alternatives," Siemiatkowski told Fox Business. He said U.S. consumers are increasingly frustrated with traditional credit card practices.
He said many consumers feel burdened by a system he described as favoring banks over consumers.
Claman pointed out that a nationwide cap would likely need congressional approval to be enforced. However, Siemiatkowski remained firm in his belief that the proposal was necessary. He added that the system has become unbalanced and reform is crucial to restore fairness.
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Bank Opposition and Market Reactions
Siemiatkowski addressed the opposition from banks and credit card issuers on Fox Business. They argue that capping interest rates would limit access to credit, particularly for lower-income borrowers.
He disagreed, pointing to international examples where similar policies have been successfully implemented without negative outcomes.
"In some European markets, there are interest rate caps," Siemiatkowski told Fox Business. "It has not led to these consequences that the banks are now trying to scaremonger with."
Shares of major card networks traded lower as investors weighed the potential impact of a proposed credit card interest-rate cap, with Visa (NYSE:V) and Mastercard (NYSE:MA) declining alongside broader losses across bank stocks.
High Fees Affect Everyone, Not Just Credit Card Holders
Siemiatkowski said that high merchant and credit card fees drive up prices across the board.
"Because merchant fees and credit card fees are so high, grocers and retailers have to charge higher fees on average, even for people paying cash," he told Fox Business, calling it an unfair system that shifts costs onto consumers who don't use credit cards.
Siemiatkowski said reform is necessary to restore balance to the system. "Reining things in with requirements like this can be healthy for an industry that's lost its direction," he said.
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