Mastercard has partnered with bpost to launch the world’s first card to include True Name and Touch Card solution, to bring inclusivity to LGBTQIA+ and blind communities .
The aim of the card is to bring inclusivity and accessibility to blind and partially sighted LGBTQIA+ community in Belgium
Bpost is Belgium’s postal operator and will launch a new version of its prepaid card that combines Mastercard’s True Name™ functionality and Touch Card.
True Name enables everyone to use their chosen name on their bank card to reflect who they really are. Mastercard stated that for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the legal name on their credit or debit card does not reflect their true identity and can be a daily source of sensitivity.
It pointed to a survey that it conducted, which found that 4% of the Belgian LGBTQIA+ community have experienced this feeling.
The other feature included in this new prepaid card, Touch Card, was developed to be accessible for blind and partially sighted people. It has unique notches on its short side that allow the person to distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card, providing a greater sense of security, inclusivity and independence to people with visual impairments.
Data from the World Health Organisation suggests that one in 1,000 people in Belgium are blind and one in 100 are visually impaired.
Speaking on the launch, Jeannette Liendo, senior vice president marketing europe at Mastercard, said, “Everyone – regardless of how they identify – deserves access to financial products which reflect their true identity. The launch of bpost’s prepaid card will provide Belgium’s transgender and non-binary community with the relief of being able to use their real name safely, simply and with pride when making purchases.
“This collaboration demonstrates both Mastercard’s and bpost’s commitment to making the banking and financial sector more inclusive for everyone. The combination of both True Name™ and Touch Card in one card is not only a first in Belgium, but the world. We call on other industry players to apply these standards for everyone”.
Earlier in the year, FinTech Global spoke to several FinTech companies about how the sector can improve its inclusivity. Read the article here.
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