Competitive Effects of Basel II on U . S . Bank Credit Card Lending

We analyze the potential competitive effects of the proposed Basel II capital regulations on U.S. bank credit card lending. We find that Basel II is not likely to have a competitive effect on community banks and most regional banks. Bank issuers that operate under Basel II will face higher regulatory capital minimums than Basel I banks. During periods of normal economic conditions, this is not likely to have a competitive effect; however, during periods of substantial stress in credit card portfolios, Basel II banks could face a significant competitive disadvantage relative to Basel I banks and nonbank issuers. JEL classification: G210, G280, D430