JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Globally, more than 2.2 billion people live with some form of visual impairment, yet digital banking platforms frequently lack features that enable equitable access to financial technologies. This can restrict individuals’ ability to independently manage accounts and perform transactions, undermining financial inclusion. Challenges include poor compatibility with screen readers, inaccessible security protocols, and inconsistent design standards on web and mobile interfaces. Identifying both barriers and effective digital health facilitators is essential for advancing accessible, user-centered innovations in financial platforms and fostering consumer empowerment in this era of digital health and e-services.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to identify and map the barriers and facilitators affecting the accessibility and usability of digital financial applications for individuals with visual impairment, characterize the study methodologies and populations addressed in the literature, and highlight gaps to guide inclusive design and promote equitable digital health and financial inclusion.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and reported in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Business Source Complete, ProQuest, IEEE Xplore) were systematically searched for peer reviewed articles in English published between 1995 and 2024; the final search was in September 2024. Eligible studies examined accessibility or usability of financial applications for people with visual impairment. Two reviewers screened studies independently in Covidence, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Data were extracted via a standardized form and synthesized thematically.

Results:

Twelve studies published between 2011 and 2024 were included, conducted across six countries (predominantly India, n=7). Most studies employed qualitative methods (n=7), with sample sizes ranging from 5 to 36 participants. Common accessibility barriers were visual CAPTCHA (reported in 9/12 studies, 75%), inaccessible one-time password flows requiring app switching (8/12, 67%), missing screen reader labels (10/12, 83%), and authentication timeouts (6/12, 50%). Facilitators included consistent TalkBack and VoiceOver support, haptic feedback, and streamlined user flows. Nonetheless, inconsistent implementation of accessibility features often led users to seek sighted assistance, compromising privacy and autonomy.

Conclusions:

Despite the growing digitalization of financial services, accessibility barriers remain prevalent for people with visual impairment. This review offers the first systematic mapping of evidence on digital financial service accessibility in this population. Inclusive, user centered design, robust accessibility features, and policy enforcement are essential to ensure equitable participation. Findings identify critical gaps and provide an evidence base to drive accessible, user informed innovation.