[NJTechDiv] Mastercard makes its cards more accessible, press release

Tue May 10 14:56:14 UTC 2022

I have credit and debit cards with Chase, and the last time they sent me a debit card, it came with a cardboard case with the card number brailled on it.  I was very pleased. I also get braille bank statements, so Chase has me registered somewhere as a braille user.

Tracy

From: NJTechDiv [mailto:njtechdiv-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mary Jo Partyka via NJTechDiv
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 10:39 AM
To: Andy via NJTechDiv
Cc: Mary Jo Partyka
Subject: Re: [NJTechDiv] Mastercard makes its cards more accessible, press release

Great to know.

I braille my credit cards on the opposite side with the Dymo labeler.  That’s the only way I can keep track of them.  I can read them with the Optacon but sometimes this is tricky.

On May 10, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Tracy Carcione via NJTechDiv <njtechdiv at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Not sure this is on-topic, but it is interesting, so here it is.

Tracy

OCTOBER 25, 2021 | PURCHASE, NY

2.2 billion people around the world have visual impairments

Unique notches on the Touch Card’s short side allow the person to distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card

Mastercard extends its commitment to inclusivity by introducing a new accessible card standard for blind and partially sighted people, called the Touch

Card. There are few effective ways for the visually impaired to quickly determine whether they're holding a credit, debit or prepaid card, particularly

as more cards move to flat designs without embossed name and numbers. Mastercard is addressing this challenge with a simple yet effective innovation.

“The Touch Card will provide a greater sense of security, inclusivity and independence to the 

2.2 billion people

around the world with visual impairments,“ says Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer. “For the visually impaired, identifying their

payment cards is a real struggle. This tactile solution allows consumers to correctly orient the card and know which payment card they are using.”

Image: New Touch Card debit card with a round notch, credit card with a squarish notch and prepaid card with a triangular notch.

Cyi6S5VBp7I

With the new Touch Card, Mastercard has improved upon a current design standard by introducing a system of notches on the side of the card to help consumers

use the right card, the right way, by touch alone. The new Touch Card credit cards have a squarish notch; debit cards have a rounded notch; and prepaid

cards have a triangular notch. The standard has been designed to work with point-of-sale terminals and ATMs, ensuring it can be deployed at scale.

Mastercard’s concept has been vetted and endorsed by The 

Royal National Institute of Blind People

(RNIB) in the U.K. and 

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

in the U.S. The card was co-designed by 

IDEMIA,

the global leader in Augmented Identity, providing trusted solutions in the physical as well as digital space.

“As the banking industry responds to new trends and developments, it’s critical that any innovation brings progress for everyone, including those with

a visual impairment,” says David Clarke, RNIB’s director of services. “We’re very pleased that Mastercard understands how important it is that blind and

partially sighted people have equal and independent access to their own finances.“  

“Innovation should always be driven by the impulse to include,” adds Rajamannar, who is also the company’s Healthcare president. “With one in seven people

experiencing some form of disability, designing these products with accessibility in mind gives them equal opportunity to benefit from the ease and security

of a digital world. No one should be left behind.” 

Mastercard has been embedding its 

signature melody

at checkout counters worldwide, a signal to everyone – the sight impaired in particular – that their card transaction has gone through successfully.

Mastercard’s launch of the Touch Card underscores its commitment to inclusivity. It follows the introduction of True Name™, designed in support of the

transgender and non-binary communities. The company’s commitment as a brand is to not only stand against inequity but to be an agent for change.

Note: Since launch of the Touch Card, the shape of the notches were changed to reflect further refinement of the card.

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