ecause of increasing competition in debit transactions, Visa U.S.A. announced plans to modify interchange rates applying to Visa Check Card, Interlink and ATM transactions, the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) reported. Some highlights are listed below.

The card Association will:

• Increase fees up to 45% for Visa Interlink (PIN-based or online) debit transactions.
• Decrease fees by about 13% for Visa Check Card (signature-based or offline) transactions.

These rate changes will take effect April 1, 2005. Coming in October 2005, Visa will also create a new fee structure for Visa/Plus ATM transactions based on who operates the ATM and the complexity of the ATM network. Both the complex ATM networks and ATM operators with low transaction volume will be charged higher fees. Stay tuned for more information about Visa and MasterCard interchange rates.