Sometimes the best intentions have unintended bad consequences.

That's the case with the Durbin Interchange Amendment. It started out as a good idea but the way it is written now threatens pretty much all credit unions and their ability to give you a debit card program that has no- or low- fees.

What are Interchange fees and why should I care?

Interchange fees are what store owners pay when you use a debit card from your credit union to pay for stuff at their store. The fee partially covers the credit union's cost of running your card program, processing your sale and covering losses like fraud. The fee also ensures the owners guaranteed payment for whatever you are buying. This Amendment limits the amount of Interchange fee income your credit union can get, and you will likely have to pay more to have a debit card.

This is where you can make a difference...

We need all credit union members to ask your Congress to Stop. Study and Start Over. Two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House & Senate that would delay the implementation of the Durbin Interchange Amendment and can save your debit card.

We need to act fast because the Federal Reserve issues its final rule on April 21.

So reach out to your family and friends and spread the word. This affects all of us and as a credit union member, your money is at stake.