June 26, 2025, 4:11 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Starting June 28, the new Accessibility Enhancement Act will take effect. Millions of people are expected to benefit from easier access to a wide range of services and offerings. This includes websites and online shops, as well as everyday activities like withdrawing money from ATMs.
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) was enacted in 2021, but a transition period has since been in effect, which has now ended. With the final implementation of the new regulation, the EU requires banks and service providers to make their ATMs accessible. This aims to provide people with disabilities equal access to financial services. However, there is a transition period for certain ATMs.
ATMs Must Become Accessible
In Germany, banks operate over 50,000 ATMs, at least as of the end of 2023. The new law has far-reaching consequences. ATMs that banks and savings banks now install and put into operation must be equipped to be accessible to everyone. This is stipulated in § 1 para. 2 in conjunction with § 3 BFSG. This includes larger and high-contrast displays, simplified menus, and acoustic and visual output options for people with visual impairments. Keyboards with tactile markings and wheelchair-accessible operating heights are also required.
However, already installed ATMs enjoy grandfathering–but only to a limited extent. According to the law, they may be used without retrofitting for a maximum of up to the end of their economic lifespan, but no longer than 15 years from commissioning. By 2040 at the latest, all devices must meet the new standards.
To ensure compliance with the regulations, a market surveillance authority has been established. It will conduct random checks and investigate specific indications to verify whether banks and operators meet the requirements. Violations can result in hefty fines of up to 100,000 euros. Consumers can also report barriers; however, there is no individual legal claim for retrofitting existing ATMs.
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Websites and Online Shops Must Also Adapt
In addition to ATMs, the law also affects numerous other products and services, such as ticket and check-in machines, e-book readers, telecommunications services, as well as banking services and e-commerce offerings. All these systems must be accessible in the future.
Read also: How much money can I withdraw from an ATM?
Online retailers must also make their webshops accessible starting June 28. This applies to all providers with more than ten employees or over two million euros in annual revenue. The requirements apply immediately to new websites, while existing offerings must be adapted by 2030 at the latest–a monumental task, as well-known provider TECHBOOK revealed. Violations here can also result in fines of up to 100,000 euros or even the shutdown of the website.