It’s a good idea to meet the bank manager to get to know you. It might be a good idea to do your banking during less-busy times and to avoid working on weekends or lunch. These banking services can benefit customers with low vision or blindness: Large print and braille account statements.
Large print and braille are audio formats of the booklets on products and banking services.
Banking services are available online and by phone.
Toll-free TDD/TTY Lines
Branch offices have wheelchair access.
ATMs are now more accessible.
Check Templates, Large Print Checks, and Raised-Line Checks
Guideline-raised line checks are more extensive than standard checks. They have raised lines, a giant bold print, and a more extensive register. Your bank will charge the average price for raised-line reviews when you order them. The raised line feature should not be charged an additional fee.
Request extensive print checks through your bank’s manager or customer service representative. These are available through Deluxe Corporation. Before placing an order, you must get your routing transit number from your bank/credit union.
Check templates have openings that can accommodate any standard check and are available in aluminum or black plastic. Check template guides are available in the VisionAware Directory of Services.
For more information about handwriting and signatures, see Signing your Name and Handwriting.
Banking Strategies
Directly contact the customer service representative at our service desk. While you wait, the representative at the service desk can assist you with your withdrawal or deposit. You can also organize and record transactions. Sort your money by identifying it.
Ask a friend to accompany you to the bank to help you separate your money, place the different denominations in separate pockets, identify envelopes or create an adaptive wallet.
An electronic portable talking money identifier (or mobile electronic talking money identifier) is a device that announces the denomination of all United States bills (from 1 to $100) verbally; an enhanced version vibrates for those who are deafblind.
The U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing has created a free app (app) that allows you to identify U.S. currency paper. EyeNote(tm) is an app for Apple iOS that scans bank notes and returns their value to the user. EyeNote(tm), which uses image recognition technology, determines the denomination of a message. The EyeNote ™, App Overview, has more information about EyeNote(tm).
The VisionAware blog has more information about the United States Accessible currency Project for Visually Impaired Persons.
For more information, see Money Identification & Management or Shopping Tips. These pages provide tips on identifying coins and bills, selecting an adaptive wallet, and managing change while shopping.
How do I know how much money the bank teller has given me?
You can ask the teller for money in different denominations, such as $10.00 bills first and $5.00 bills second. Make sure to keep the tabs safe.
You can also request your paper money in the same denomination (no more than $10.00 bills, for example).
Use Credit and Debit Cards
A person with low vision or blindness must know where to sign a credit card slip when using a credit card. Ask a friend, family member, or clerk to create a sharp crease on the paper around the writing area. This will give you a guideline for your signature placement.
To make it easier to find and feel, place 2-3 layers of “Post-it” notes along the writing line. When you’re done, write your name above the “Post-its” and remove them.
Ask a friend, family member, or clerk to place the credit card’s upper edge below the writing line. This will give you a higher writing line to help you identify your signature.
To form a “V,” use the index and middle fingers of the non-writing hand. Place your hand sideways on the paper so your index finger is below the entire writing line. To help you place your signature, sign your name above the index finger.
Ask a friend or family member to make a rectangular opening in expired credit or debit cards, facsimile credit cards that are sent with card offers, and a piece of cardboard cut to the same size as a credit card. The opening should measure approximately 1/2 by 3 inches.
Ask a friend or family member to use a marker pen to darken the line if you have low vision. This will make it easier to read your signature line.
Request that a debit card transaction be processed as a credit, not a debit. This will allow you to avoid giving out your PIN.
Note: Before signing any important document, have a trusted friend or family member read it.
