While lawmakers debate a proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap, credit unions are asking what this could mean for access to credit, profitability and member relationships.

In this episode, credit card expert David Shipper of Datos Insights takes a deep dive into the potential impact of legislative rate caps, what could happen to credit card programs, and what credit union leaders should be doing now.

Key Takeaways

02:11: David explains that the bill is extremely blunt: a flat 10% APR cap on all credit card interest, with no distinctions for cash advances, default rates, or risk tiers.

04:50: David outlines how a cap would reduce approvals, shrink credit lines, and push consumers toward worse alternatives like payday loans or BNPL.

09:38: David agrees that credit union leaders are right to be concerned: many programs could become unprofitable, leading to fewer approvals and higher fees.

11:46: Despite the risks, David argues credit unions could gain market share because their rates already average around 12–13%.

16:21: David warns that state-by-state caps would create a patchwork of rules, disadvantaging local credit unions while national banks export higher rates.

20:31: David outlines practical steps that credit unions can do now: speed up digital applications, enable instant approvals, offer digital card issuance, and reevaluate fees to ensure sustainability.

Resources Mentioned:

https://datos-insights.com/

https://www.americascreditunions.org/

While many credit unions look to expand their field of membership or enter new markets, Merck Employees' FCU is bucking the trend—and reaping the rewards.

In this episode the $1.8 billion credit union's president and CEO, Paul Gentile, discusses the unique relationship the credit union maintains with one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, and how doubling-down on Merck employees continues to deliver long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

00.48: Paul's career journey from publisher of the Credit Union Times, to leading a League, and finally running a credit union.

03.06: Why fraud is the number one issue facing credit unions in 2026.

06.29: How Merck has maintained strong relationships with its SEG and continues to grow and thrive within its closed field of membership.

10.00: Ways Paul and the Merck leadership team have positioned student lending as a market differentiator.

14.21: An overview of Merck's growth strategy, and how it's maintaining relevance with a SEG membership.

20.21: Paul shares his vision for credit unions in the next decade, particularly as it relates to Stablecoin and broader crypto technology.

Resources Mentioned:

www.merckcu.com

www.cutimes.com

In the second part of our conversation with Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) president and CEO, Tony Hernandez, we explore what the future holds for credit unions in an ecosystem dominated by crypto, governed by unpredictable legislators, and disrupted by increasingly savvy innovators.

Highlights:

‎00.30: Tony discusses the Genius Act, Stablecoin, and his concerns that modern financial innovations could simply bypass the credit union system.

03.36: The liquidity risks presented by the $84T generational wealth transfer if it happens within crypto or more modernized financial systems that credit unions haven't yet adopted.

05.33: Lessons learned from the latest (and longest) government shutdown, and how credit unions and any federally-employed members should prepare for the next one.

13.19: How DCUC is working to support smaller credit unions and ensure their survival, growth, and integration into the legislative conversation.

15.04: What the future holds for the credit union system and where DCUC can play a role in shaping it.

Links:

https://www.dcuc.org/