[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "just%20in%20ireland%20bank%20of%20ireland%20I%20am%20getting%20a%20new%20debit%20card%20is%20there%20any%20marking%20for%20the%20blind%20even%20braille%20numbers%20in%202026%20this%20shouldbe%20as%20standard%20can%20it%20even%20be%20requested"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "In Ireland in 2026, Bank of Ireland *does* include some accessibility features on its debit (and credit) cards, but not braille or raised full numbers. Here\u2019s a breakdown of what is currently standard, what\u2019s missing, and whether you can request extra features.\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 What Bank of Ireland cards *do* provide\n\nFrom the Bank of Ireland\u2019s official Accessibility Statement and related materials:\n\n- **Notch for orientation:** All new debit and credit cards have a tactile notch. This helps people with sight difficulties insert the card the right way into ATMs and payment terminals. ([bankofireland.com](https://www.bankofireland.com/app/uploads/assets/Bank-of-Ireland-Accessibility-Statement-June-2025_5842447.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Different notch shapes for debit vs credit:** Debit cards have a **rounded notch**, credit cards have a **square notch**, so you can distinguish between the two by feel. ([personalbanking.bankofireland.com](https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/financial-wellbeing/extra-help/accessibility/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Larger font for card numbers:** Bank of Ireland\u2019s bio-sourced cards and newer designs use larger font sizes for the card numbers to help with visibility. ([bankofireland.com](https://www.bankofireland.com/about-bank-of-ireland/press-releases/2022/bank-of-ireland-introducing-bio-sourced-debit-and-credit-cards/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f What *isn't* currently included (as standard)\n\n- There is **no braille** on Bank of Ireland cards for the card number, name, or other information.  \n- The full set of numbers (e.g. the 16-digit card number, expiry, security code) are **not embossed/tactile** for blind users to feel.  \n- Only a notch helps with orientation and whether it's debit vs credit; other tactile or raised indicators beyond the notch aren\u2019t used.  \n\n---\n\n## \u2139\ufe0f Can these features be requested?\n\n- The Bank of Ireland\u2019s \u201cAccessibility Supports\u201d page says: \u201cIf there is something we can do to make banking easier for you, let us know.\u201d ([personalbanking.bankofireland.com](https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/financial-wellbeing/extra-help/support/?utm_source=openai))  \n- They also allow alternative formats for written communications \u2014 braille, large print, audio \u2014 but that currently applies mostly to statements, letters, brochures, etc. ([personalbanking.bankofireland.com](https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/financial-wellbeing/extra-help/accessibility/?utm_source=openai))  \n- As of now, there\u2019s no published option or service that allows customers to order a standard debit card with full braille or tactile numbers. There\u2019s no indication in their policy that this is available.  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd2c Context: legal and regulatory background\n\n- The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which Ireland implements, requires products & services in the EU to be accessible, especially banking services. Bank of Ireland has been updating cards, ATMs, PIN-pads, etc., to comply. ([bankofireland.com](https://www.bankofireland.com/legal/accessibility/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The requirement for accessibility does *not* explicitly mandate braille or raised numbers on payment cards under the current regulations (as far as public documentation shows).  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udc4d What you *can* do if you need more\n\nIf you need additional tactile features beyond the standard notch and larger font, here\u2019s what you can try:\n\n1. **Contact Bank of Ireland directly**, tell them your needs, and ask if they offer any \u201ccustom\u201d card services for people who are blind or visually impaired.  \n2. **Speak to your branch**, specifying your accessibility requirements. If there's no existing option, banks sometimes look at feedback/developments.  \n3. **Contact advocacy or support groups** like the National Council for the Blind of Ireland \u2014 they may know if there are special card services from other banks or providers.  \n4. **Monitor updates** \u2014 since Bank of Ireland is currently rolling out many accessibility improvements under the EAA (e.g. accessible ATMs, PIN-pads by 2030) there\u2019s a chance further improvements to cards might happen. ([bankofireland.com](https://www.bankofireland.com/app/uploads/assets/Bank-of-Ireland-Accessibility-Statement-June-2025_5842447.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can check whether *any* Irish bank currently offers braille\u2010number or tactile cards (in case another bank has more accessibility options), and whether that can be arranged. Would you prefer me to check that for you?"
    }
]