The Scariest Halloween Cost: $320 Million in Credit Card Swipe Fees

Broadcast Retirement Network · Oct 28, 2026 · 13m

Doug Kantor of the National Association of Convenience Stores examines how credit card swipe fees add nearly $320 million to Americans’ Halloween spending, increasing the cost of candy, costumes and decorations. He explains how interchange fees work, why retailers have limited alternatives to dominant payment networks, and how these expenses ultimately affect consumers regardless of how they pay.