JPMorgan Chase’s chief financial officer on Tuesday warned that a forced reduction in credit card interest rates could undermine the economics of the bank’s card business and ultimately hurt both lenders and consumers.
“It’s a very competitive business, but we wouldn’t be in it if it weren’t a good business for us. And in a world where price controls make it no longer a good business, that would present a significant challenge,” CFO Jeremy Barnum said on the bank’s fourth-quarter earnings call with analysts and shareholders.
Barnum said the bank’s response would depend heavily on the specifics of any policy changes, but stressed that there was currently not enough information to assess the full impact.
“Clearly beyond that, the way we actually respond would have a lot to do with the details. And I just don’t think we have enough information at this point,” he said.
He cautioned that a sharp and externally imposed drop in card interest rates could have unintended consequences for consumers, particularly those most dependent on credit.
“A dramatic shift in lenders’ card interest rates could lead to negative outcomes for consumers — especially the people who need it the most,” Barnum said.
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