At Kindred Credit Union, we believe a debit card is more than just a way to pay or access your cash—it helps provide people financial independence and security. This belief inspired the thoughtful design of our new vertical debit card, created with empathy, simplicity, and a focus on user experience. For members across Ontario, including those with visual impairments, this card is a step toward greater inclusion.
The design of a debit card may seem straightforward, yet the smallest details can make a meaningful difference, especially for those with visual impairments. Our new card reflects a deep commitment to meeting the needs of all our members. By adopting a vertical orientation, we’ve designed it to reflect the natural way people hold their cards when tapping or inserting them at point-of-sale terminals. This simple change reduces confusion for those who may find traditional horizontal cards less intuitive to use.
Tap-to-pay technology is part of everyday life and our vertical card is designed to work naturally with the way members make payments. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or checking out at the grocery store, this card is designed to feel intuitive and natural in your hands.
Our commitment to accessibility goes further than the orientation of the card. Embossed numbers, which once served a purpose in older payment systems, can now create barriers for some users. By removing these features, we’ve made the card easier to read and given it a clean, minimal design. Key details like account information are now on the back of the card, making it simpler to use while keeping personal information more private—an important step in preventing fraud. These thoughtful changes mean you won’t have to wrestle with hard-to-read numbers or unnecessary clutter during transactions.
At the heart of our debit card redesign is user experience. Members with visual impairments will appreciate its clean, modern design that reduces ambiguity. Inspired by accessibility innovations, we’ve introduced features like tactile elements to make the card easier to use. Similar designs in the industry, for instance, have added notch shapes or raised dots to help users identify the correct orientation of their card and which card they’re using. A rounded edge could be used for a debit card, while a notched, square edge could be their Mastercard. These small but meaningful details ensure that every member can approach their financial transactions with confidence and ease.
This redesign isn’t just about creating something new—it’s about showing care and empathy. As a cooperative credit union, we’re deeply connected to the communities we serve. We are committed to breaking down barriers wherever we can as we seek to inspire peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.
Every element of our new debit card has been designed with thoughtfulness and care. By putting the user experience first, we’ve created a tool that helps make life a little easier for everyone. This card is just one example of how we’re working to make banking better for our members.
Speak with a member of our team today to set up your Kindred Credit Union account. We’ll help you Make Peace with Your Money®.