Accessible Payment Terminals

Every day, Canadians with sight loss are forced to rely on others to help them make a purchase when using a payment terminal, surrendering their financial independence and personal financial information. Existing payment terminals often require customers to rely on visual cues for information, which creates a barrier for Canadians with sight loss. Common barriers include touchscreen devices without tactile or accessibility features, machines without verbal prompts as well as inconsistent user interfaces. 

Watch our video that outlines common barriers when using a payment terminal.

CNIB has worked together with Moneris Solutions Corporation (‘Moneris’), with support from the Government of Canada to create an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for everyone through the development of this new accessible terminal.

Moneris has upgraded their software to provide improved accessibility features, such as increasing the font size, increasing the brightness, inverting the colour contrast and requesting audio feedback. While the pandemic has had significant impacts on demonstrating the new device to people with sight loss, CNIB's demonstrations to date, both virtual and in person have been positive.

Check out Moneris’ video outlining the features of the new accessible payment terminal.

Information for customers with sight loss

Customers can enable an interface on Moneris Core payment terminals with features designed to help people independently navigate the terminal without having to share their PIN or ask for assistance.

To activate the accessibility mode on the Moneris Core payment terminals, users can either touch the accessibility icon (Capital letter A surrounded by a circle) on the top right-hand corner of the terminal screen or press the “5” key on the numeric keypad. 

When the accessibility mode is enabled, step-by-step instructions walking a customer through completing a transaction. 

Information for Merchants 

The new accessibility features are available for no additional cost to Moneris merchants. For merchants using Moneris Core terminals today (V400c, V400m, Move/5000 and Desk/5000), a software update applied in late June 2021 will make these features available. The accessibility features of these terminals will be continuously updated automatically without merchants needing to take any further steps.

Merchants can contact Moneris directly at accessibility@moneris.com for more information about the accessible terminals.

All terminals will provide customers with the option of adding gratuities and the option to have their receipt printed or texted to the customer’s mobile number.