It’s the digital era, and everything happens online, including banking. Most people use online banking services across the world, so these services must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities and background.
Having accessible banking services is more than a duty; it is a moral decision as more than a billion people worldwide are disabled, and they have equal needs and rights to access banking services digitally.
Thus, all online banking services and app functions should be in compliance with the digital accessibility guidelines, making sure people who use screen readers to use the banking services can do so effortlessly.
What is Online Banking Accessibility?
Online banking accessibility ensures that anyone anywhere can access banking services digitally through any medium, such as a computer, laptop, smartphone, etc. It requires the appropriate design and optimized functions of all online banking platforms, such as websites, applications, voice assistance, etc.
Even though banking has gone digital, many individuals still cannot use it to its full potential due to disability, low literacy, or any other reason. Website accessibility means making products, services, and the digital environment available to as many people as possible, irrespective of their abilities, preferences, or backgrounds.
More than a regulatory requirement, accessible banking services are a social responsibility to make the services and products available to a maximum number of individuals.
Why is Online Inclusion Important for Banks?
Banks that do not provide accessible digital services fail millions of their customers who have to rely on others or some assistance to access their banking information and services. Most customers now use and prefer digital banking over having to visit the banks physically, and this includes a large number of people with disabilities.
One in every five people who use online banking services has some disability, making it difficult for them to access online content.
People with disabilities make for one of the largest minority groups and so represent a larger number of any bank’s customers, who should be given equal access to and ease of use of technology.
Along with an important business strategy to ensure inclusivity, making banking services accessible is also the right moral and ethical decision to provide everyone equal digital accessibility and understanding of online banking services.
Steps to Improve Accessibility in Mobile Banking
Mobile banking accessibility is the usability of a bank’s mobile application for people with disabilities. This means anyone can access digital banking services and mobile apps, regardless of their ability or background.
It is an essential step for financial inclusion to have accessible mobile banking apps as they empower people with disabilities to individually manage their finances and access banking services.
To make mobile banking more accessible and available to everyone, the following factors should be considered:
- Screen Reader Compatibility
- Keyboard Accessibility
- Font Size and Readability
- Biometric Authentication
- Closed Captioning
- Customer Support
- Cognitive Accessibility
- Testing and Evaluation
- Color Contrast
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Conclusion
Digital banking accessibility is an integral part of digital accessibility. All banks should adopt it, making it possible for a maximum number of people to access their services regardless of their abilities.
By making accessible banking mobile apps and websites, many people with disabilities are empowered and given a chance to gain financial freedom and be a part of the digital economy.
So, mindful website and app designs and optimized usage of digital platforms will make banking services more accessible for everyone.
