Westpac Introduces Accessible Cards for Visually Impaired Customers

Westpac, a leading financial institution, is taking a significant step towards inclusivity by launching a new series of card designs aimed at improving accessibility for blind or low vision customers, according to Finextra. These new credit, debit, and pre-paid cards incorporate innovative elements that enable visually impaired individuals to make payments with greater ease.

One of the key features of these cards is the incorporation of different notches along the short edge, allowing customers to distinguish between their various payment cards using touch alone. By utilizing Mastercard’s Touch Card feature, the notches have specific shapes representing different card types: a square notch for credit cards, a round notch for debit cards, and a triangular notch for pre-paid cards. This design element helps customers identify and orient their cards correctly when making payments or using ATMs.

To provide an additional layer of tactile distinction, the cards will also include a braille marker. This feature allows blind or low vision customers to easily differentiate between credit, debit, and prepaid cards by touch. By combining the notches and braille markers, Westpac aims to enhance the day-to-day lives of many visually impaired Australians.

Annabel Fribence, Westpac’s chief brand and marketing officer, expressed enthusiasm about the new card features, stating, «The features of the new cards are a simple but innovative step forward that will make a big difference in the day-to-day lives of many blind or low vision Australians.» She further emphasized Westpac’s commitment to accessibility, noting their ongoing efforts to develop inclusive products and services.

This initiative aligns with Westpac’s overarching strategy to ensure accessibility for all its customers. The introduction of these accessible cards builds upon the bank’s existing measures, including the accessibility mode on all EFTPOS Now terminals, online applications meeting accessibility requirements, and the availability of accessible digital card functionality through voice-over and talk back options.

By embracing these inclusive practices, Westpac demonstrates its dedication to fostering financial inclusivity and ensuring equal access to its services for individuals with visual impairments. The introduction of accessible cards is a noteworthy advancement that reflects Westpac’s commitment to serving diverse customer needs.