Mastercard, Unex Bank, and the Ukrainian Red Cross Introduce Ukraine’s First Inclusive Bank Card
Mastercard, Unex Bank, and the Ukrainian Red Cross have launched Ukraine’s first inclusive bank card, ′Vidchui′. This card combines inclusion and charity, offering new opportunities to support Ukrainians.
The ′Vidchui′ card was developed based on the Mastercard Touch Card™ standard, making it convenient for people with visual impairments to use. The card’s design features a specially shaped notch on the side, making it easier to locate in a wallet and use subsequently.
The ′Vidchui′ card is designed as a tool for receiving financial support from the Ukrainian Red Cross. This bank card is a fully functional payment instrument, offering a wide range of financial transactions, including payments, card transfers, and more. In addition, all cardholders will benefit from a preferential tariff for transactions. Specifically, transactions such as card replenishment, cash withdrawals, card-to-card transfers, and utility bill payments will be carried out free of charge. For more information about the current cash programmes of the Ukrainian Red Cross, please call the organisation’s hotline at 0 800 332 656 or visit its official website.
“Nearly 700 people from three regions of Ukraine in need of physical rehabilitation will be able to receive financial assistance from the Ukrainian Red Cross using the Red Cross ′Vidchui′ cards. The introduction of these cards will further empower those in need, enabling them to use financial support without restrictions, regardless of time or location,” said Olena Skrypnikova, Head of the Innovative Finance Unit at the Ukrainian Red Cross.
The Mastercard Touch Card™ standard has been tested and approved by the RNIB/Royal National Institute of Blind People (UK) and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (USA). The card design was created in collaboration with IDEMIA, a global leader in advanced identification solutions for both physical and digital environments. First introduced by Mastercard in 2021, the Touch Card solution has been implemented in over 10 countries.
“At Mastercard, we strive for a world of equal opportunities, where everyone has barrier-free access to products and services, including financial ones. The Mastercard Touch Card, created specifically for people with visual impairments, is a clear example of our commitment to building a world without barriers. This solution complements a number of our inclusive initiatives in Ukraine aimed at expanding opportunities for our users,” said Inga Andreieva, General Manager at Mastercard Ukraine and Moldova.
In addition to the inclusive bank card, the collaboration between Mastercard, Unex Bank, and the Ukrainian Red Cross also includes the launch of the Charity card.
By making purchases with this card, users will be able to automatically contribute to supporting the humanitarian initiatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross. Unex Bank will transfer 1% of each payment to support vital programmes for those in greatest need. There is no limit to the maximum monthly donation amount – the more purchases you make, the higher your contribution to charity. The funds raised will be used to support numerous humanitarian programmes of the Ukrainian Red Cross, including financial assistance, the construction of shelters, the restoration of medical facilities, and rehabilitation for those affected, among other initiatives.
Starting in January 2025, you can apply for the Charity card online through the Unex Bank mobile app. Once the card is opened, you can easily add it to Google Pay or Apple Pay and begin using it for everyday payments. Users will also be able to top up the Charity card without a fee at Unex Bank’s counters, City24, and EasyPay terminals.
“The Charity card will become a convenient payment tool for everyday transactions, enabling users to automatically contribute to supporting those in need. Additionally, the Charity card can be issued as a second salary card, which may be an important consideration for businesses and their employees, serving as another step in implementing a corporate social responsibility strategy,” said Ivan Svitek, CEO and Chairman at Unex Bank.