United States of America: Payments Access and Consumer Efficiency (PACE) Act including non-discrimination requirements was introduced to House of Representatives

On 21 April 2026, the Payments Access and Consumer Efficiency (PACE) Act, including provisions on non-discrimination requirements, was introduced in the House of Representatives. The Act establishes a framework under which certain payment service providers may obtain direct access to federal payment systems, in place of arrangements involving intermediary institutions. The Act provides that registered covered providers are subject to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in the same manner as creditors under that Act, extending its non-discrimination provisions, covering race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and receipt of public assistance, to the provision of payment services. In addition, the Act sets out specific requirements applicable to payment service providers, including provisions that restrict the denial of access to payment services or the termination of existing accounts on the basis of an individual’s constitutionally or statutorily protected beliefs, affiliations, or political views. It further requires that decisions related to the provision of payment services be based on individualised, objective, and risk-based assessments.