PAYMENTS

or most consumers , the shape , look and feel of credit cards are often taken for granted . They sit in wallets and purses and are used to fulfil a basic function : making payments .

However , credit card innovations , both physically and digitally , have made the act of paying for good and services all the more interesting , while driving accessibility and inclusivity forward .

While traditional efforts were centred on expanding access to credit and charge cards to a broader customer base , now , the emphasis has shifted somewhat to the usability of cards for diverse groups .

Credit cards : Taking inclusivity seriously Eoghan Sheehy , Associate Managing Director of Strategy at Publicis Sapient , says : “ New credit card designs feature vertically-oriented layouts , which can be easier to use for individuals with cognitive issues .

“ Additionally , cards now often include large format text to aid those with impaired vision , and strong , contrasting colours to assist individuals with colour blindness . These changes ensure more people can use credit cards independently and with ease .”

At Money20 / 20 Europe 2024 , Gabrielle Bugat , CEO of G + D ’ s ePayments division , discussed the latest innovations that the currencies and financial platform leader is undertaking to make credit cards more inclusive .

“ Over the past year , we ’ ve been leading our accessibility project ,” she says . “ It was about putting ourselves in the shoes of people with disabilities – including blindfolding exercises – to really understand that convenience is for everyone .”

From this came the development of G + D ’ s credit cards in braille .

“ Now our cards in Braille are designed specifically with those who are blind in mind ,” Gabrielle adds . “ Through touch , cardholders can easily navigate the location of a chip , card number and other key features thanks to a unique layout .”

Instead of customising existing products , G + D is making its cards inclusive by design for those with disabilities .

The market leader has held numerous co-creation workshops to help deliver products designed for the specific purposes of those who need them , alongside bank representatives to help meet the bespoke needs of banking clients .

The evolution of premium credit cards Indeed , credit cards have also evolved with luxury in mind .

Once exclusive to high-end customers in North America , premium credit card options are now widely available to all thanks to neobanks such as Revolut , N26 and Monzo . fintechmagazine . com 111