The global technology company in the payment industry Mastercard and Banesco Panama and Mastercard, bring to the Panamanian market the first Touch Card debit card, for people with low vision.

This financial solution is designed to help cardholders with low vision, to identify that they are using the right card only with the touch, by having a slit in the side of the card.

In addition, the strategic location of the slit allows them to recognize the correct address in which they must enter their cards in electronic ATMs or point of sale terminals that require it.

For Kristine Matheson, Country Manager for Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua at Mastercard, Touch Cards are an example of the commitment to building an inclusive digital economy, in which no one is excluded from the technological advances and benefits of the digital revolution.

“We are very excited to launch our first Touch Card in the country, offering more and more Panamanians the possibility of enjoying safe, simple and accessible digital payment experiences,” Matheson added.

For his part, Jaime Martínez, Executive Vice President of Payment Media of Banesco Panama, indicated that in Banesco they have the responsibility to ensure that the digital economy is enabled for all, as part of their commitment to financial inclusion without distinctions.

“With this card, we are expanding our range of products in a responsible and inclusive way, constantly thinking of making life easier for our customers,” Martínez said.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2021, about 2.2 billion people in the world suffered from vision loss. In addition, it is estimated that only 1 in 10 blind people in the world can read Braille, which makes the existing solutions in the financial system less effective.

This new debit card has the traditional benefits of Banesco cards, including the possibility of registering recurring payments, making online purchases and subscribing to online platforms.

In addition, it offers seasonal promotions and the possibility of making free cash withdrawals at all Banesco ATMs, with up to 3 free withdrawals at ATMs from other banks.

It also provides assistance from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, as well as lost or stolen card reporting services, emergency card replacement, emergency cash advance and a Concierge service with personal assistance.