As part of the partnership with Mastercard, UniCredit is updating all its cards – debit, credit and prepaid – with Mastercard Touch Card, which includes specific features for blind and visually impaired people, promoting accessibility in use. The cards with these new features are now available in Italy and, during 2024, will be gradually introduced in the 12 countries in which the Group is present, for a total of approximately 20 million cards.
The design of the Mastercard Touch Card is based on a system of lateral engravings that help users identify the right card by touch. This makes it much easier for blind and partially sighted customers to distinguish between the various payment cards. The card has been designed to offer a greater sense of safety, inclusiveness and independence for people with visual impairments when making payments online or in shops. In Europe it is estimated there are over 30 million blind and partially sighted people. On average, 1 in 30 Europeans suffers from vision problems. In line with the Group’s ESG principles, the paper is made from recycled PVC and each individual piece comes with a Mastercard sustainability badge, certifying its sustainability credentials.
Alberto Palombi, Head of Group Payment Solutions at UniCredit, commented: “UniCredit and Mastercard are both strongly oriented towards the future. Our partnership, which combines the network of European banks and the innovative capacity of UniCredit with Mastercard’s experience in the sector of card payments, allows us to offer all our customers in Europe a simple and linear experience, inclusive and sustainable at the same time. Giving our communities leverage and resources means ensuring that everyone has access to the financial tools they need For this reason we are pleased to announce the integration of this innovation in our cards, made with certified sustainable materials, for the benefit of blind and visually impaired customers. Banks have a fundamental role in building a better world and this is another way where we want to demonstrate to our customers that we are always at their side.”
Mark Barnett, President, Mastercard Europe added: “Inclusion is one of Mastercard’s core values and the Mastercard Touch Card is evidence of our commitment to driving new payment card standards that promote inclusivity. We are enthusiastic to work with a partner like UniCredit in creating solutions designed around customer needs that improve accessibility for all.”