Accessibility Features

A key function of the Reserve Bank is to design and produce banknotes that meet community needs. The Reserve Bank has consulted a wide range of subject matter experts and stakeholders during the development of each banknote series to ensure they reflect Australia's cultural identity, are secure and remain functional. One aspect of functionality is that the banknotes are accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.

Australia's banknotes have a number of features that assist people who are blind or have low vision to recognise different banknote denominations. These features have been developed in consultation with groups that represent the vision-impaired community.

Tactile Feature

The new series of banknotes has a tactile feature which was developed in consultation with the vision-impaired community, who wanted a feature directly on the banknote that was durable, simple and readily usable.

Each denomination will have a different number of raised bumps. The $5 banknote has one bump on each of the long edges of the banknote next to the top-to-bottom window. The $10 banknote has two bumps on each edge, the $20 banknote has three bumps, the $50 banknote has four bumps and the $100 banknote will have five bumps. The location of the bumps means that they always appear slightly left of centre on the top edge regardless of which way it has been placed in a wallet or purse.

Different Lengths

Australian banknotes are variable sizes for each denomination.

130mm 137mm 144mm 151mm 158mm

Large, bold numerals and Colour contrasts

Large bold numerals and colour contrasts assist people with low vision.