Mastercard partners with bpost to launch world-first card to include True Name™ and Touch Card solutions
November 14, 2022A new option for holders of the bpost prepaid card brings inclusivity and accessibility to blind and partially sighted LGBTQIA+ community in Belgium
Mastercard has today announced that bpost, Belgium’s postal operator, will become the first organisation to launch a prepaid card combining Mastercard's True Name™ functionality and Touch Card.
The combination of these two features is a global first of its kind, bringing inclusivity and accessibility to the Belgian banking sector.
Mastercard’s True Name™ feature enables everyone to use their chosen name on their bank card, reflecting who they really are. For many people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the legal name on their credit or debit card does not reflect their true identity and can be a daily source of sensitivity. According to a survey conducted by Mastercard, 4% of the Belgian LGBTQIA+ community have experienced this feeling.
The Touch Card has been developed to be accessible card for blind and partially sighted people. The unique notches on the Touch Card’s short side allow the person to distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card, providing a greater sense of security, inclusivity and independence to people with visual impairments.
Data from the World Health Organization suggests 1 person in 1000 is blind in Belgium and 1 person in 100 visually impaired. Launched in Belgium last year, Mastercard’s Touch Card solution uses unique notches on the side of a bank card to help blind or visually impaired people to identify their card easily, providing complete autonomy for contactless payments.
Jeannette Liendo, Senior Vice President Marketing Europe at Mastercard said: “Everyone - regardless of how they identify – deserves access to financial products which reflect their true identity. The launch of bpost’s prepaid card will provide Belgium’s transgender and non-binary community with the relief of being able to use their real name safely, simply and with pride when making purchases.
“This collaboration demonstrates both Mastercard’s and bpost’s commitment to making the banking and financial sector more inclusive for everyone. The combination of both True Name™ and Touch Card in one card is not only a first in Belgium, but the world. We call on other industry players to apply these standards for everyone”.
Nathalie Deck, Retail Business Development Program Manager at bpost said: “bpost is proud to launch the bpaid True Name™ and Touch Card with Mastercard. We believe that everyone should be able to use their chosen name which reflects their identity and to be able to be fully financially independent. We believe this new card will improve the daily lives of thousands of people in Belgium”.
About bpostgroup
bpost is Belgium’s leading postal operator and a growing parcel & omni-commerce logistics partner in Europe, North-America and Asia. Our 36,000 employees in Belgium and across the globe connect consumers, businesses and government, by delivering mail and parcels to millions of doorsteps and providing e-commerce logistics services. As a people- and planet-friendly company we create long-term sustainable value for our customers and shareholders. In 2021 bpost generated a turnover of EUR 4,333.7 million.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
