What is WCAG? Debunking myths about digital accessibility for cooperative banks' online platforms
19 May 2025 / 3min
In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act will come into effect, requiring cooperative banks to ensure digital accessibility in compliance with WCAG 2.1 at the AA level.
Meanwhile, studies show that the current accessibility of banking websites in Poland ranges from just 25% to 56%, which shows the scale of the challenge. Many accessibility improvement projects begin with incorrect assumptions, leading to unnecessary costs, delays, and the risk of not meeting the new requirements.
In this article, we break down the most common myths that block effective implementation and explain how to avoid the traps on the road to a truly accessible banking platform.
WCAG 2.1 Isn’t Optional Anymore. Is Your Bank Ready?
Cooperative banks are increasingly modernizing their websites and mobile apps. However, many digital accessibility efforts are based on flawed assumptions, resulting in superficial improvements that still leave customers struggling to access online services. WCAG, or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is the global standard for designing websites that are usable by everyone, regardless of limitations or how technology is used.
From June 28, 2025, under the European Accessibility Act, cooperative banks will be required to comply with WCAG 2.1 at the AA level. But beyond meeting regulatory obligations, an accessible website also broadens your reach, improves usability, and strengthens your brand as a modern institution.
Want to better prepare for implementing and maintaining accessibility?
Download our WCAG 2.1 checklist.
Myths about WCAG: What Cooperative Banks Should Know Before Starting a Digital Accessibility Project
Digital accessibility is surrounded by myths that often hinder effective WCAG implementation in cooperative banks. It’s commonly (and wrongly) assumed that adding a contrast toggle is enough, that accessibility is a one-time task, or that it’s solely the IT department’s responsibility. In reality, WCAG covers a much broader scope—from content structure and code to team workflows.
Rather than chasing a perfect 100% compliance score, banks should focus on addressing real user needs and removing the biggest barriers. Below is a myth vs. fact table summarizing the key misunderstandings and the truths behind them, offering a practical starting point for any accessibility initiative.
What WCAG Means in Practice
Implementing WCAG isn’t a one-off task, but an ongoing process that spans three key areas: technology, content, and user experience design (UX/UI). A compliant website must feature properly labeled forms, a logical heading structure, and correctly tagged images. Accessibility also involves design elements, such as visible focus states (where active interface elements are clearly distinguished) and legibility when zoomed in, as well as semantic HTML that supports assistive technologies.
Achieving full WCAG compliance requires collaboration across multiple teams. Content teams are responsible for clear, accessible copy; designers ensure usability and interface consistency; and developers write code that works with screen readers. Without their engagement, accessibility remains just a statement, not a usable standard.
Awareness First, Technology Second
Digital accessibility in cooperative banks isn’t just about implementing a modern CMS or tweaking contrast settings. What truly matters is mindful management of content, information structure, and components, including third-party ones. Even the best tools won’t ensure accessibility without a trained team and clearly defined publishing guidelines.
A successful WCAG implementation starts with a self-assessment of your website and assigning ownership of the accessibility process. A strategic approach here is to break the work into phases and apply iterative improvements, which helps avoid chaos and unnecessary expenses.
Want to better understand where the most common WCAG misconceptions come from and how to avoid them?
Download our e-book. It explains the topic in detail covered in this article with practical examples and guidance to help you plan digital accessibility in a smart, cost-effective way.