UniCredit switches to Mastercard Touch Card

UniCredit has stated that this comes as part of its partnership with Mastercard and looking to make its cards more accessible for people. 

Cards with this new feature are now available in Italy and will be gradually introduced over the course of 2024 to all clients in the twelve countries where the bank operates, covering some 20 million cards. 

The Mastercard Touch Card design is based on a system of side notches to help consumers identify the right card by touch alone. The distinct notch helps visually impaired customers differentiate between their payment cards. 

Moreover, the official announcement continues to state that the card is designed to increase independence for people with visual impairments while making online or in-store payments with their cards. Inclusion is an integral part of UniCredit's culture and social strategy, and this initiative seeks to underscores the bank´s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, barrier-free society. 

Additonally, in line with the bank’s ESG principles, the card is also made from recycled PVC, with each product imprinted with a Mastercard Sustainable Card Badge, certifying its sustainability credentials. 

In October 2023, UniCredit and Alpha Services and Holdings announced the signing of a merger in Romania and a partnership in Greece. The two parties agreed on the key economic terms for the merger of UniCredit Bank with Alpha Bank Romania, to create the third largest bank in the local market with a combined 12% market share by total assets. The merger combines two complementary franchises in the country, with UniCredit Romania and Alpha Bank Romania having footholds in the corporate and retail segments.