Draft rules lower card fees and enforce terminal interoperability
Banco de México and the CNBV opened a public consultation on August 27, 2026, on draft rules designed to lower card processing costs and enforce point-of-sale interoperability across all payment networks. Comments are accepted until September 24, 2026.
Two pillars for card payments
The draft provisions published by Banco de México and the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) focus on two regulatory pillars to modernize payment card networks.
First, the framework establishes a gradual reduction in interchange fees to decrease processing expenses for merchants and encourage broader card acceptance.
Second, the regulation tightens interoperability requirements to ensure that every point-of-sale terminal processes all payment cards, regardless of the card issuer, merchant acquirer, or underlying network.
The joint initiative aims to stimulate market competition, incentivize fintech innovation, and accelerate the transition away from cash payments across Mexico.
Consolidating feedback since 2025
This regulatory proposal consolidates feedback collected during an earlier public consultation held in October 2025.
Banxico and the CNBV extended their analysis period after receiving extensive and detailed input from industry participants to better align the final rules with market requirements.
Market participants can submit comments exclusively via the online portal of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency until 18:00 Mexico City time on September 24, 2026.
Breaking terminal monopolies
Universal terminal interoperability directly tackles persistent fragmentation in Mexico's card acquiring market.
Lowering interchange fees will squeeze established network margins and face resistance during consultation.
The decisive factor remains whether acquirers genuinely pass fee savings on to small merchants.