Michigan’s economy is taking hit after hit — and your credit card might be quietly making it worse.

Unemployment in the state jumped to 5.4% this year, tied for the second‑highest in the nation. Health care costs are climbing 40% faster than everyday prices. Hospitals are charging 250% more than they did two decades ago. Families are stretched to the breaking point, and every time a Michiganian swipes a card, Visa and Mastercard quietly make this situation even worse by charging businesses and consumers a hidden swipe fee.

These fees, which range between two and four percent of every purchase, are a massive cash cow for credit card companies and big banks. Last year alone, U.S. merchants paid $187 billion in swipe fees, nearly 40% more than just a few years ago. Retailers — especially sm

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