How Changes in Credit Card Rewards Programs in 2025 Affect Your Debt Relief Options

What Every American Should Know About Credit Card Policy Shifts, Rewards, and the Future of Debt Solutions

In 2025, the conversation around credit card rewards programs has taken center stage, prompting important questions about consumer benefits, regulatory changes, and how all of it ties into debt relief.

As the federal government considers new legislation that could reshape how credit card rewards function, it’s essential to understand what’s happening, how it affects you, and what it means for your long-term debt solution strategy.

A Nation That Loves Its Credit Cards

A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult for the American Bankers Association (ABA) revealed that 94% of U.S. consumers value the convenience of their credit cards. Even more telling, 91% say they specifically value their card’s rewards programs.

These perks, whether in the form of cashback, airline miles, or points, are not just bonuses—they are financial tools that many rely on to ease their cost of living or save money.

With 80% of consumers having at least one rewards card, it’s no surprise that two-thirds would be disappointed to lose these benefits due to regulatory changes.

Why the Rewards May Be at Risk

Proposed legislation like the Durbin-Marshall bill has raised alarm bells in the financial world. Critics argue it could limit consumer choice, increase fraud risk, and reduce rewards value by changing how credit card processing fees (interchange fees) work.

The goal is to shift more cost responsibility onto credit card issuers and networks, but it may backfire. If these changes are implemented, card issuers might be forced to reduce or eliminate rewards programs to offset costs.

This could remove one of the few financial incentives consumers currently enjoy—especially those looking to strategically use rewards to pay down debt or manage their expenses.

Debt Relief and Credit Card Policy: The Connection

For Americans struggling with debt, rewards cards are often part of a broader financial strategy. Savvy consumers use cashback to pay down balances, consolidate points for necessary expenses, or transfer balances to new cards with better terms.

Here’s where the connection to debt relief becomes crucial: if rewards diminish or disappear, so do many of the consumer-friendly features that support debt management.

Debt relief solutions, such as debt settlement, debt consolidation, or credit counseling, may become more relevant as consumers lose financial tools that helped them stay afloat.

Without rewards programs softening the financial blow, more people could find themselves slipping into unmanageable debt.

Retailers vs. Consumers: Who Should Pay?

Another key insight from the survey is that 66% of consumers believe retailers should cover the cost of credit and debit card infrastructure, not consumers. And nearly 70% of Americans say they would stop shopping at businesses that surcharge for card use.

If legislation shifts more payment responsibility to consumers, it may increase costs at the checkout, push more people toward debt, and increase reliance on professional debt relief services.

The Rising Demand for Debt Solutions in 2025

These proposed changes are happening at a time when inflation, housing costs, and student loans continue to strain household budgets. As a result, more Americans are turning to structured debt relief plans.

These services offer customized strategies to reduce or eliminate unsecured debt, renegotiate interest rates, and regain financial control.

Organizations like Mitigately are at the forefront of this shift, helping individuals take charge of their financial lives amid policy uncertainty.

What Can You Do Now?

1. Stay Informed: Understand any upcoming legislation that could impact your financial tools.
2. Reevaluate Your Credit Strategy: If you rely on rewards cards, consider how a reduction in benefits might affect your budgeting.
3. Explore Debt Relief Options: Services like debt settlement, consolidation, or management may become more beneficial if rewards disappear.
4. Monitor Retail Surcharges: Be aware of any changes in how businesses treat card payments and how that affects your spending.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Credit card rewards programs have long been a helpful financial cushion for American consumers. As 2025 unfolds, potential regulatory shifts could alter the landscape, making debt relief strategies more important than ever. If you're feeling uncertain, now is the time to get proactive.

Whether you need help understanding your options or developing a custom debt solution, Mitigately is here to help.

‍