> The actual cost of handling card payments is very, very low these days, but merchants are stuck paying the higher price, because there's effectively no compet

> The actual cost of handling card payments is very, very low these days, but merchants are stuck paying the higher price, because there's effectively no competition in the space. In other words, the cost of processing credit cards is low enough that it successfully competes with every alternative form of payment. In which case I don't see what you're outraged about. Invent a more cost-effective payment mechanism if you think there's an opportunity for it.