Commerzbank Forces Visa Switch Amid Record Profits and Takeover Bid
Commerzbank is forcing its Mastercard-branded credit card holders to switch to Visa by September 15, 2026. The bank's decision has sparked criticism from customers who feel they have no choice in the matter.
The move comes as Commerzbank basks in record profitability and navigates the final stages of its takeover bid by UniCredit. Despite regulatory approval for the deal, Commerzbank's management team is defending the customer-relations decision that has generated reputational weight rather than balance-sheet heft.
Commerzbank shares have climbed about 10 percent since the start of the year and sit comfortably above their 200-day moving average. The bank's record operating profit of €1.367 billion and net income more than doubling to €898 million in the second quarter have contributed to this momentum.