Fed Weighs Changes to Debit Rules as Swipe-Fee Battle Rages On May 08 2021, 3:49 AM May 08 2021, 1:37 AM May 08 2021, 3:49 AM (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserve is weighing changes to its rules governing debit cards as the battle over the fees merchants pay each time a consumer makes a purchase intensifies. (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserve is weighing changes to its rules governing debit cards as the battle over the fees merchants pay each time a consumer makes a purchase intensifies. The central bank on Friday asked for public comment on an amendment that would require banks to make sure two payment networks are available on their debit cards for online purchases.