Mastercard and UniCredit Launch Touch Cards for Visually Impaired

Monday, 22/04/2024 | 12:39 GMT by Tareq Sikder

The Touch Cards with tactile side notches assist visually impaired individuals during transactions.

The new cards are available in Italy and will be distributed across twelve countries throughout 2024.

UniCredit, in collaboration with Mastercard, has announced the rollout of its upgraded debit, credit, and pre-paid cards to feature the Mastercard Touch Card technology. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

Card Design Supports Visually Impaired Customers

The Mastercard Touch Card introduces features tailored to assist visually impaired individuals in distinguishing between their payment cards. Notably, the design incorporates side notches, facilitating card identification through tactile feedback.

Mark Barnett, President, Mastercard Europe, Source: LinkedIn

"Inclusion lies at the core of Mastercard´s values, and Mastercard Touch Card exemplifies our commitment to standards in payment cards, promoting inclusivity. We are delighted to work with an esteemed partner like UniCredit to deliver consumer-centric solutions that enhance accessibility for all," said Mark Barnett, the President at Mastercard Europe.

Beginning in Italy, the new cards are now available and are scheduled for gradual distribution throughout 2024 to clients across the twelve countries where UniCredit operates, encompassing approximately 20 million cards.

New Touch Card Promotes Accessibility

The implementation of the Mastercard Touch Card aligns with UniCredit's focus on inclusivity. By providing tools that promote independence for people with visual impairments during both online and in-store transactions, the initiative aims to address the needs of an estimated 30 million blind and partially sighted individuals in Europe.

Furthermore, the environmental impact is considered, with the cards being constructed from recycled PVC. Each card bears the Mastercard Sustainable Card Badge, certifying its sustainability credentials.

Alberto Palombi, the Head of Group Payment Solutions, UniCredit, said: "Empowering our communities means ensuring that everyone has access to the financial tools they need. This is why we are pleased to announce the integration of notches into our cards for blind and partially sighted customers, which have also been made using certified sustainable materials. Banks have a key role to play in shaping a better world, and this is another way that we wish to show our customers that we are there to support them."