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Trump Floats Credit Card Interest Rate Cap: Could Your Rewards Be Toast?
Published on January 13, 2026, 2:11 AM

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Hold on to your hats, folks, because things could be getting shaken up in the world of credit cards! Former President Trump has publicly called for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates starting in 2026. This is a big deal because it could drastically change the credit card landscape as we know it.

Why should you, a savvy awards traveler, care? Well, credit card companies make a ton of money from interest charges. If that revenue stream gets slashed, they'll need to find other ways to make up the difference. And guess what's often on the chopping block when profits are threatened? That's right – rewards programs! We could see less generous points earning, devalued redemptions, or even higher annual fees.

The American Bankers Association is already pushing back, arguing that such a cap would reduce credit availability and hurt consumers. They suggest card issuers might compensate by cutting rewards or hiking fees elsewhere. While it's unclear if this cap will actually happen, it's definitely something to keep an eye on. It could impact how you maximize your rewards and travel perks in the future!

Why This Matters for Your Strategy

News in the points-and-miles world moves fast, and promotional changes often have a short window. If this announcement affects a card or program you hold, log into your awardtrail dashboard to check your current benefit usage, bonus progress, and whether a transfer or redemption makes sense right now — before terms change.

As a general rule: transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind — transfers are almost always one-way and non-reversible. If you're unsure of the value, check our redemption guides before acting.

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