IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) has partnered with arab national bank to launch the first card with braille printing technology in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, the firms said the card is being deployed as part of a more inclusive payment strategy, distinguished by the unique feature of having all essential details printed in braille including the card number, expiry date and CVV.
The addition of braille text to cards helps to remove common obstacles often faced by partially sighted and blind cardholders during the payments process, particularly in online transactions. It also further builds on IDEMIA’s Touch Cards concept which helps partially sighted and blind individuals identify their payment cards in their wallets.
Payment cards used to have raised numbers as a necessary way to approve transactions by making a physical impression of the numbers via carbon packets and a “zip zap” machine. Over time, cards lost these tactile features creating challenges for the 2.2 billion people around the world with visual impairments of varying degrees. This is a key issue IDEMIA is aiming to address.
“This partnership with arab national bank on an inclusive payment solution is a genuine source of pride for IDEMIA Secure Transactions. It underscores our ambition to pursue our development in the country, following our implementation with a card personalisation centre in Riyadh,” said Hennie DUPLESSIS, Senior Vice-President for Payment Services in MEA at IDEMIA Secure Transactions.
“anb’s launch of the braille card represents a step forward in its commitment to make its services accessible to all segments of society. It also encompasses boosting social well-being and improving the overall customer experience by leveraging all resources and capabilities to stimulate meaningful change,” Khaled Al Rashed, Head of Retail Banking Group at arab national bank added.
