Commercial Credit Cards Power Growth – Getting the Balance Right Matters
06/04/2026
Visa welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Commerce Commission’s draft decision on proposed limits for interchange fees for commercial credit cards in New Zealand.
Commercial credit cards play a distinct role in the economy. Unlike consumer cards, they are purpose-built tools that help businesses manage cash flow, control employee spend and digitise procurement and payments.
At a time when many New Zealand businesses are already navigating cost pressures, uncertainty and cash flow challenges, access to appropriate credit is critical. Visa research shows that nearly one in three New Zealand small-medium sized businesses (SMBs) are already using personal credit cards to fund business expenses – a sign that access to fit-for-purpose business credit remains constrained and needs addressing.
International experience shows that distinct treatment of commercial credit cards reflects their important role in supporting productivity and competition. In Australia and the UK, policymakers have recognised the importance of maintaining access to commercial credit and avoiding unintended consequences. Thoughtful policy design at this point can ensure businesses have access to credit, manage costs, and have space to innovate and scale.
Visa will engage constructively with the Commerce Commission and continue to advocate for evidence-based settings that support New Zealand businesses to grow, invest and operate with confidence.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.