Why the EU Accessibility Act Matters to Everyone

At Wirex, we continuously consider how our products and services can remain clear, usable, and reliable for all customers. One piece of European legislation that plays an important role in shaping how digital services are designed is the EU Accessibility Act.

You may have come across references to the EU Accessibility Act in discussions across the financial, technology, or regulatory landscape. This article is intended to provide general background information on what the Act is, why it exists, and how it fits into the broader digital environment.  

This article is informational only and does not change Wirex accounts or services at this time. Any future updates will be announced via official Wirex communications.  

What Is the EU Accessibility Act? 

The EU Accessibility Act, formally known as Directive (EU) 2019/882, is European legislation aimed at improving access to everyday products and services for people with disabilities across the European Union. 

The Act was introduced to help reduce barriers that can make it difficult for some individuals to use digital services, technology, and essential consumer services. Its broader objective is to promote more inclusive access to products and services that many people rely on in daily life. 

Who Is the EU Accessibility Act Designed to Support? 

The Accessibility Act focuses on ensuring that certain products and services are designed in ways that make them usable by as many people as possible. 

This includes individuals with: 

• Visual impairments 

• Hearing impairments 

• Motor or mobility limitations 

• Cognitive or neurological differences 

It also recognises that older users may face accessibility challenges when interacting with digital technology, particularly as services increasingly move online. 

What Products and Services Does the Act Cover? 

The scope of the EU Accessibility Act is broad. It applies to a range of products and services, including: 

• Computers, smartphones, and operating systems 

• Self-service terminals such as payment machines and ticketing kiosks 

• Banking and financial services 

• E-commerce and online marketplaces 

• Electronic communications services 

• Digital reading services 

For digital services, the focus is on clear information, ease of use, and compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers or alternative input methods. 

How the Accessibility Act Works in Practice 

Rather than prescribing detailed technical solutions within the legislation itself, the EU Accessibility Act sets out functional accessibility requirements. These requirements focus on whether a product or service can be: 

• Perceived 

• Understood 

• Operated 

by users with different needs. 

In practice, organisations across the EU often rely on recognised European accessibility standards as a way to demonstrate how these functional requirements are met. 

What the EU Accessibility Act Does Not Mean for Users 

It’s important to understand what the EU Accessibility Act is, and is not, intended to do. 

• It focuses on the long-term accessibility of products and services 

• It is separate from individual customer support arrangements 

• It does not require customers to take any action 

• It does not imply immediate changes to existing accounts or services 

This article is provided purely to raise awareness of the regulatory environment in which digital financial services operate. 

Accessibility as an Ongoing Consideration 

Accessibility is an ongoing topic across the digital and financial services industry. Awareness is an important first step, and it continues to inform broader discussions around usability, clarity, and reliability. 

At Wirex, we consider accessibility as part of our wider approach to building services that are easy to understand and use. We continue to support our customers in line with existing policies and applicable regulations. 

If you have questions about your account or need assistance, our existing customer support channels remain available as usual. 

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, financial advice. Wirex and any of its respective employees and affiliates do not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. The information contained herein has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal, tax or investment advice.  If you have any questions regarding Wirex please feel free to get in touch with us directly via our Customer support team.   

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU Accessibility Act? 

The EU Accessibility Act is European legislation (Directive (EU) 2019/882) designed to improve access to certain products and services for people with disabilities by setting common accessibility requirements across the EU. 

Who does the EU Accessibility Act apply to? 

The Act applies to manufacturers and providers of specific products and services, including digital services such as banking, e-commerce, and electronic communications, where applicable under EU law. 

Does the EU Accessibility Act require changes to my Wirex account? 

No. This article is for informational purposes only and does not introduce changes to Wirex accounts, features, or services. 

Do customers need to take any action because of the EU Accessibility Act? 

No. The EU Accessibility Act focuses on how products and services are designed and provided. Customers are not required to take any action. 

How does the EU Accessibility Act affect digital services in general? 

For digital services, the Act encourages clear information, ease of use, and compatibility with assistive technologies, supporting more inclusive access across the EU over time.