Banking: What You Need to Know About Accessibility

There are a range of steps that banks can take to make their services accessible for you.

Make sure you have a good understanding of your own needs before shopping for a bank as not all banks offer the same accessibility options.

Products change very quickly, it’s always worth doing your own research, work out what’s important to you, and consider what you need from a bank.

Here are some of the adaptations and modifications banks may offer, you will need to contact your bank directly to find out how they can support your needs. Some banks like Halifax,Lloyds, or Barclayshave helpful guides on their websites, with the ways they can make your banking experience accessible.

Modified Bank Cards

• You can get bank cards which have a notch cut out to identify which way you put it in the chip and pin or ATM.
• Coloured cards to be able to identify which bank card is which.
• Cards with photos of your choice printed on them to help you identify them.
• Large Print cards.
• Cards with braille on them.
• Contactless, there may also be an option to switch off contactless.
• ‘Chip and Signature’, you can sign a receipt instead of using a PIN number when making a purchase.

Modified Bank Statements

• Online/paperless statements.
• Large print bank statements.
• Large print black font on white paper.
• Large print black font on yellow paper.
• Braille (remember to request a standard statement in addition to the braille version so that you can present it to bank staff in the case of an issue).
• Audio CD.

Online Banking

You might choose to do a large portion of your student banking online, using your devices and built-in accessibility features. Many banks like Lloyds or Barclays come with a Mobile Banking App, which often have accessibility features. For example, with Barclays, you can adjust the size of text and screen contrast when you’re logged in, as well as change your computer settings to give you a better experience. With Lloyds, you can select accessibility options within their app, which include how they send letters to you, and their app also works well with features such as large font or colour inversion. Or you might decide to choose a challenger bank, which are online based banks that often come with accessible apps that work with inbuilt device accessibility software.

What Else is Available?

• Cheque templates – a plastic overlay which tells you where and what to write in each section of your cheque, so you can write your cheques independently.
• Card signing template – ensures your signature is within the designated box on your debit and credit cards.
• Talking ATMs – cash machines that give you audible instructions on how to use them by plugging in headphones to the headphone jack/socket on the machine.

Sunflower Lanyards

Many banks accept that not all disabilities are visible, including being blind or partially sighted. Many banks are part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme in their branches. This can help make banking more accessible when you visit branches in person, as it helps staff know that you might need a little more support or time to complete processes.

Keep Security in Mind

Not every product a bank offers will be suitable! A signature stamp may seem like a good idea but unless you have somewhere safe to keep it, you could be at risk from having your signature stolen, leaving yourself open to being the victim of fraud.

Start Organising Your Spending Now!

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