Revolutionizing Payment Accessibility in Europe: UniCredit’s Mastercard Touch Cards Help the Visually Impaired

In Europe, over 30 million blind and partially sighted individuals struggle to distinguish between their payment cards, which can be a major inconvenience and even a safety risk. To address this issue, UniCredit has partnered with Mastercard to update its debit, credit, and prepaid cards with Mastercard Touch Card technology. These new cards feature lateral engravings that help users identify the right card by touch, making it easier for visually impaired customers to make payments safely and independently.

The Mastercard Touch Card design aims to provide greater sense of inclusiveness and safety for visually impaired individuals when making payments. With approximately 20 million cards in circulation by 2024, UniCredit’s commitment to providing an inclusive and sustainable payment experience for all customers in Europe is evident. The bank’s ESG principles are reflected in the use of recycled PVC for the cards, as well as the inclusion of a Mastercard sustainability badge on each card.

Alberto Palombi, Head of Group Payment Solutions at UniCredit, emphasized the importance of providing financial tools accessible to all individuals. In line with UniCredit’s commitment to accessibility and sustainability, the Mastercard Touch Card represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity in the financial sector. Mark Barnett, President of Mastercard Europe, highlighted the company’s core value of inclusion and its commitment to driving new payment card standards that promote inclusivity.

The collaboration between UniCredit and Mastercard demonstrates a powerful partnership that is committed to improving accessibility for all individuals. By offering innovative solutions like the Mastercard Touch Card, these two companies are leading the way in driving positive change in the financial sector.