Banking on access to your money

Of all the developments of the online age, few have had as much impact on the everyday lives of disabled people as internet banking, says Paul Carter. But now some banks are introducing a gremlin that may reverse the progress

Technological advances have removed many of banking’s physical access problems, bringing much of the business of regular high-street banking into the home.

Despite this, Disability Now has learnt that some high-street banks are undoing the good work that has helped disabled people run their bank accounts online.

NatWest, Barclays, Co-op and Ulster, for example, now require their online customers to use a portable card reader to complete many internet banking tasks.

These readers are usually small, pocket-sized devices into which users insert their cash card, followed by their usual PIN. The machine then generates a different number that has to be entered online to complete the transaction.

This reintroduces a physical element into the process, which can cause problems for people with visual impairments or with coordination or motor problems.

To get round this problem, Barclays offers an alternative reader called PINsentry. PINsentry was designed in conjunction with a wheelchair user with high-level dexterity issues, and the device is very accessible. Customers have to ask for it.

A spokesman for Barclays said: “The standard version of PINsentry is larger and squarer than most other designs for those customers with dexterity issues. It has rubber feet to stop it slipping around the desk, and larger buttons. The screen is also larger and clearer than other readers and if you press the ‘zero’ button, the screen goes to double height and you can keep repeating the unique code.

“We also have a slightly deeper version for those customers who are visually impaired, and this has a speaker, volume control and jack plug for headphones, if these are needed. There’s also a user guide which we distribute in Braille or larger print.”

NatWest also has an accessible alternative, designed in conjunction with the RNIB. Custom­ers need to contact the bank if they require one.

Has the introduction of card readers caused you difficulties with online banking? If so, what did your bank do to try and help you? Email us at editor@disabilitynow.org.uk or write to us and let us know your experience.