JPMorgan, Bank of America and peers consider acquiring card network to boost debit‑card fees

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are among banks looking at a card network acquisition. The move is intended to raise fees earned from debit‑card transactions. Industry sources say the deal could reshape payment‑processing dynamics. Participating banks see fee growth as a new revenue stream. The potential purchase would involve a network that currently serves merchants. Regulators may scrutinize the transaction for competition concerns. Bank executives cite rising costs of traditional banking services. If completed, the acquisition could affect merchant pricing structures. Analysts predict a shift in how debit‑card fees are negotiated. The banks have not disclosed a timeline for final decisions.