Mastercard has partnered with Citizens Financial Group to launch sustainable and accessible debit and ATM cards.

The new cards are made using 90 per cent recycled PVC and feature a special notch, known as Touch Card, which improves card recognition for users who are blind and partially sighted.

The US-based bank holding company first introduced the Touch Card feature in May 2023.

Mastercard said the design as been endorsed by industry organisations around the world and tested at a variety of ATMs and payment terminals to ensure a seamless experience.

The cards carry Mastercard’s sustainable card badge, which shows it has been independently validated using industry benchmarks on material consumption, carbon footprint and waste.

Citizens will roll out the cards for consumer and business customers at the beginning of next year.

“The full conversion of our new Mastercard debit and ATM cards is another milestone in our expanded, strategic partnership with Mastercard, a collaboration that embodies our shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity and unparalleled customer experience,” said Brendan Coughlin, vice chair and head of consumer banking at Citizens. “As our customers’ trusted financial advisors, we are committed to providing more sustainable and accessible products that reduce our environmental impact and help our customers and communities thrive.”

---