Visa Says Justice Department Weighing Antitrust Suit

Visa Inc., the world’s biggest payments network, fell as much as 5 percent after saying the U.S. Department of Justice may sue the company over a policy that bars merchants from charging extra to customers who pay with credit cards.

“The department has indicated that it is considering filing a civil lawsuit,” Chief Executive Officer Joseph W. Saunders said yesterday in a conference call with analysts after San Francisco-based Visa reported fiscal third-quarter results. “We are currently engaged in constructive negotiations with the department to resolve its concerns as it relates to Visa without litigation or payment of monetary damages.”