American retailer Kroger has lifted its ban on the acceptance of Visa credit cards in its stores.

The company did not reveal details regarding the decision change.

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“As of today, Kroger now accepts Visa credit cards at all our family of stores, including Smith’s and Foods Co.,” a Kroger spokeswoman stated.

The ban on Visa credit cards was first implemented at Kroger subsidiary Foods Co last year, due to high interchange rates and network fees. However, the retailer continued accepting Visa debit cards.

The move affected 21 grocery stores along with Foods Co’s five gas stations across central and north California.

Kroger extended the ban to Smith’s Food & Drug Stores division this year. The decision affected 142 supermarket as well as 108 fuel centre locations of Smith’s across seven states in the US.

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Elaborating the reason for the ban, Kroger CFO Mike Schlotman said at that time: “Visa has been misusing its position and charging retailers excessive fees for a long time. They conceal from customers what Visa and its banks charge retailers to accept Visa credit cards.”

“At Smith’s, Visa’s credit card fees are higher than any other credit card brand that we accept. Visa’s excessive fees and unfairness cannot continue to go unchecked.”