Millions of people in Spain use ATMs daily to handle their banking needs. But with increasing digitalization, many, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, face significant challenges. The Accessibility Law passed in Spain in 2023 is now fundamentally changing this, paving the way for accessible ATMs that are usable by everyone.
What’s Changing and When?
The good news is that Spain’s ATM landscape will soon see significant transformation. All new ATMs installed from June 28, 2025, must meet the new accessibility standards. For the approximately 47,000 existing ATMs, there’s a phased adaptation requirement until June 29, 2030. The goal is for all bank machines in Spain to offer maximum accessibility, with conversion costs ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 Euros per unit.
Concrete Improvements to ATMs
To make ATMs easier for everyone to use, a number of important changes will be implemented:
- Voice instructions: Clear audio cues will guide users through the process.
- High-contrast displays: Better readability for people with visual impairments.
- Accessible touch interfaces: Intuitive and user-friendly operation.
- Braille keypads: Enabling blind and visually impaired individuals to input information.
- Legible fonts: Larger and easier-to-read text for all information.
Overcoming Existing Hurdles
Until now, ATMs have often been insurmountable obstacles for many elderly people and those with functional diversity. Common problems included complex user interfaces, small font sizes, a lack of visual aids, and insufficient accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
The new law aims to eliminate all these issues. The integration of lifts or height-adjustable elements will ensure that even people in wheelchairs can easily access ATMs.
The introduction of these accessibility standards is a crucial step towards a more inclusive society in Spain. It will simplify daily life for millions of people, allowing them to manage their banking affairs independently and securely.
