Making your bank’s website accessible isn’t just about checking a legal box—it’s about creating an inclusive, welcoming experience for every customer.

In 2025, WCAG compliance is more critical than ever as financial institutions face rising digital accessibility expectations, potential legal risks, and higher customer demands for equal access.

A proper website accessibility audit ensures your bank’s site is usable by everyone—no matter their abilities. Here’s your complete, easy-to-follow guide to auditing your website for accessibility the right way.

What Accessibility Standards Should Banks Follow?

Accessibility standards are grounded in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—the global gold standard for digital accessibility.
Infographic with Text: 1 in 4 U.S. Adults Live with a Disability, 90% Percent of Websites Fail Accessibility Tests, 71% of Users with Disabilities Leave Site Immediately if Inaccessible

WCAG is based on four core principles:

  • Perceivable (users can see and hear your content)
  • Operable (users can navigate and interact with it easily)
  • Understandable (users can comprehend the content and navigation)
  • Robust (your site works across various technologies and devices)

Quick Fact: WCAG 2.2 is the latest version as of 2024, and it’s the most important framework banks should be aligning with in 2025.

Why It Matters:

Banks are high-risk targets for accessibility lawsuits under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state-level regulations like California’s Unruh Act. Proactively auditing and fixing your website shows customers—and regulators—that you’re serious about inclusion.

Step 1: Check Visual Design Accessibility

Good accessibility starts with good design.

Here’s what to review:

  • Color contrast: Use strong contrast between text and background (example: black text on a white background).
  • Font readability: Choose clear, simple fonts that scale easily without breaking layouts.
  • Text sizing: Make sure users can zoom to 200% without losing functionality or readability.
Minimum Contrast Ratios Normal Text: 4.5:1, Large Text 18-14pt Bold: 3:1 WCAG Standards Info Card

Step 2: Test Keyboard Navigation

Many users—including those with motor impairments—navigate websites without a mouse. Your bank’s site must work with just a keyboard.

Test for:

  • Logical tab order (no jumping around the page)
  • Ability to open menus, forms, and buttons with keystrokes
  • Clear visual focus indicators (a visible outline that moves when users tab through elements)

Quick Tip: Try unplugging your mouse and using only the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys. Could you complete a loan application without a problem? If not, it’s time to fix it.

Step 3: Review Alt Text for Images

Alt text makes visual content accessible to screen reader users.

Checklist:

  • All meaningful images must have descriptive alt text.
  • Decorative images should have empty alt attributes (alt="") so they are skipped by screen readers.
  • Icons should have alt text if they convey information (example: a phone icon next to a “Call Us” link).

Example of Good Alt Text

Step 4: Ensure Assistive Technology Compatibility

Screen readers, voice navigation software, and other displays are critical tools for many users.

Focus on:

  • Proper labeling of form fields (like login boxes, search bars)
  • Clear instructions and error messages
  • Accessible interactive features (drop-downs, calendars, buttons)

Quick Fact: Over 7 million Americans use screen readers—and banking is one of their top online activities.

Step 5: Make Multimedia Content Accessible

If your website features videos, webinars, podcasts, or animations, those need to be accessible too.

Checklist:

  • Provide accurate captions for videos.
  • Offer transcripts for audio files.
  • Ensure that multimedia players are operable by keyboard.

Quick Tip: Captions aren’t just good for compliance—they increase video watch rates by up to 40%!

Need Help Making Sure Your Bank’s Website Is Fully Accessible?

Accessibility compliance isn’t just a checklist—it’s about protecting your brand and making banking easier for every customer.

At forbinfi, we specialize in helping financial institutions stay compliant and ahead of the curve. Start with a free WCAG audit from forbinfi.
Request Your Free Accessibility Audit Here

Step 6: Run Automated and Manual Accessibility Tests

Even small accessibility barriers can cause major issues. Here’s how to audit like a pro:

Automated Tools to Use:

Manual Checks to Run:

  • Keyboard-only navigation test
  • Screen reader test
  • Zoom text to 200% and see if everything still works

Step 7: Document Issues and Build a Fix-It Plan

If your audit finds accessibility gaps (and most audits do!), document everything clearly:

  • Page name and URL
  • The issue
  • WCAG rule violated
  • Suggested fix

Prioritize high-traffic, high-risk pages first:

  • Homepage
  • Online banking login
  • Applications for loans, accounts, or credit cards
  • Contact forms

Key Takeaways: Website Accessibility Auditing for Banks

  • Follow WCAG standards: Focus on perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content.
  • Design accessibly: Prioritize contrast, readability, and scaling.
  • Test thoroughly: Use both automated and manual methods.
  • Fix barriers: Build a prioritized plan to address gaps.
  • Partner with experts: forbinfi makes accessibility easier—and keeps your bank protected.

Build an Accessible Website That Works for Everyone

At forbinfi, we don’t just audit websites for accessibility—we build them that way from the start.

Our custom BankWeb™ website platform is specifically designed for banks and credit unions, with ADA compliance, WCAG standards, security, and user experience baked right into the foundation.

When you work with forbinfi, you’re not just getting a beautiful website—you’re getting:

  • A platform that meets accessibility guidelines
  • Ongoing support to keep up with regulatory changes
  • Flexible, scalable designs that grow with your bank
  • An expert team that understands both compliance and customer experience

Accessibility isn’t optional—and getting it right has never mattered more.

We’re here to help you build a digital experience that’s inclusive, safe, and successful.
Let’s Talk About Your Website’s Accessibility