GCash is reviewing its accessibility features after a consultation with visually impaired users surfaced ongoing difficulties navigating the app independently, as reported by Manila Bulletin.

The company convened members of the visually impaired community through an online consultation to identify gaps in the app’s accessibility.

Luis Miguel Ereneta, GCash Head of App Governance and Modernisation,  said the platform already includes several accessibility features, including biometric login, standardised font usage, colour contrast adjustments, Tap to Pay, and SoundPay.

He said the challenge lies in balancing these features with stronger security, since some safety measures can inadvertently make the app harder for visually impaired users to navigate.

Users in the consultation said they rely on GCash for essential financial activities but continue to face hurdles accessing certain features independently, sometimes relying on workarounds or help from others to complete transactions.

“We recognise the need to strengthen security without unnecessarily limiting the legitimate accessibility tools” visually impaired customers depend on, Ereneta said, adding that the feedback will inform GCash’s continuing review of that balance.

Participants called for stronger support for assistive technologies, alternative verification methods, audio descriptions for in-app content, and regular accessibility audits aligned with global benchmarks.

They also recommended clearer transaction details for screen reader users, improved identity verification and navigation, and continued collaboration on accessibility testing.

GCash, operated by parent firm Mynt, said it will review the concerns to identify priority areas and potentially adopt some of the recommendations, with updates to come through future consultations, beta testing, and usability feedback.

Building on Existing Disability-Focused Efforts

The consultation builds on GCash’s earlier work with persons with disabilities. In 2024, GCash partnered with WOW LEAP, an organisation run by women with disabilities, on a campaign called “Kahit Sino, Kaya,” aimed at improving access, funding, and education for the disability community.

WOW LEAP has said only 9.6% of persons with disabilities in the Philippines are banked, out of roughly 1.9 million recorded disability cases nationwide.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by Magnific.