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Accessibility shapes how millions of people participate in the global economy. With more than 1.3 billion people worldwide living with some form of disability, creating inclusive payment experiences is both an ethical imperative and a business necessity.

For merchants, accessible commerce delivers measurable value: expanded customer reach, enhanced brand reputation, reduced legal risk, and improved customer loyalty. Prioritizing accessibility is about building a business that welcomes everyone.

Expanding market reach through inclusive design

Designing payment solutions with accessibility at the core removes unnecessary barriers while expanding market reach. In the European Union alone, 101 million adults (one in four) identify as part of the disability community.

When merchants offer systems that work seamlessly for all customers, whether they’re blind, hard of hearing, neurodivergent, or experiencing age-related mobility or cognitive decline, they remove barriers but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusive commerce. That commitment translates into new opportunities for customer acquisition and market differentiation.

Accessible design also improves experiences for everyone through the "curb-cut effect." Originally created for wheelchair access, curb cuts are now widely used by parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and delivery workers. Similarly, features like high-contrast screens, voice prompts, and simplified navigation enhance usability for everyone, especially in fast-paced or high-stress retail environments.

Enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty

Companies that prioritize inclusive design gain competitive advantages in an increasingly values-driven marketplace. Research consistently shows that consumers prefer brands whose values align with their own, with up to 82% of shoppers seeking this alignment.

Accessibility is a powerful way to demonstrate those values. When brands invest in inclusive design, they send a clear message: Everyone is welcome here. That message resonates beyond the disability community — it reaches their families, friends, and advocates, who often make purchasing decisions with inclusion in mind.

Accessible payment systems also promote independence and dignity. When people with disabilities can navigate a payment process without assistance, it builds trust, and trust fuels loyalty. These customers are not only more likely to return, but also to recommend accessible businesses to others.

Reducing legal risk and compliance costs

With the EU Accessibility Act in effect, accessible payments are now a business requirement for continued operations in European markets. Noncompliance after June 28, 2025 risks financial penalties and market exclusion. By incorporating accessibility early in product development, merchants can avoid these risks while preventing the higher costs of retrofitting older systems.

Proactive accessibility measures also help reduce legal exposure. As more jurisdictions recognize accessibility as a fundamental right, businesses that fail to provide inclusive payment options face increased litigation risk. By adopting accessible solutions, merchants can mitigate this risk while demonstrating their commitment to equal access.

Verifone's leadership in accessible payments

Verifone has long prioritized accessibility, recognizing it as a core element of our mission to create boundless payments. Our commitment began with seeking guidance from disability advocacy organizations to better understand the needs of visually impaired users. This collaboration led to the development of Verifone Navigator, the first fully integrated, PCI-compliant touchscreen payment solution designed specifically for users with visual impairments.

Navigator's breakthrough accessibility features, including audio feedback, high-contrast modes, and haptic cues, earned certification from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which is a testament to its effectiveness and usability. This achievement demonstrates Verifone's dedication to developing solutions with direct input from the communities they serve.

Partnering for an accessible future

Creating truly inclusive commerce requires collaboration across the payments ecosystem. While Verifone provides solutions deisgned on our accessibility commitment, successful implementation depends on proper deployment, training, and ongoing support from merchants and other stakeholders.
 

We invite merchants and payment providers to join us in advancing accessible payment solutions. By working together to prioritize accessibility, we can create a more inclusive world where the ability to pay independently and securely is extended to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Learn more about Verifone's commitment to accessible payments and how our solutions can drive growth for your business.