A Neurodivergent Look at Barclays Bank

Updated January 2025

For neurodivergent individuals — including those with ADHD and Autism — navigating the world of banking can be a challenge on the best of days. The interface, user experience, and accessibility features of banking apps and websites play a critical role in determining how effectively neurodivergent users can manage their finances. Barclays Bank, one of the UK’s largest financial institutions, with operations in the US as well, claims to prioritize customer inclusivity in its services and digital platforms.

As experts in neurodivergent accessibility, we’ve spent time analyzing Barclays’ offerings, and scrutinizing its User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) through the lens of neurodivergent needs. Our assessment touches on core factors like sensory design, task simplicity, navigation logic, financial literacy support, and accessibility tools.

Why UI and UX Matter for Neurodivergent Users

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what neurodivergent users require from financial platforms. People with ADHD may struggle with attention, impulsivity, decision paralysis, and even memory, which makes a clear, streamlined interface vital. Those with Autism may be more sensitive to sensory input (like bright colors or flashing graphics) and require predictability and structure. Simplicity, clarity, and routine are essential elements that can either empower or alienate a neurodivergent person from engaging with their bank.

Accessible financial apps should:

• Minimize visual clutter
• Use clear, consistent navigation
• Offer “calm” color schemes and avoid sensory overload
• Provide reminders, nudges, and notifications for important deadlines
• Enable straightforward customer support access for times of confusion or need

Barclays Bank has a long-standing reputation for being customer-focused, but does its platform rise to meet the needs of neurodivergent users? Let’s dive in.

Barclays’ User Interface (UI) Review

Visual Design & Sensory Impact

Barclays’ blue-and-white color scheme is calm, which is beneficial for those with sensory sensitivities. There is minimal use of flashing graphics, and animations are subdued. This earns Barclays high marks for a “low-sensory” visual design that reduces distractions. For users with Autism, this is a strong win.

However, issues arise with text density. Barclays’ web platform features long lists of text-heavy pages, especially in the FAQ and support sections. Bullet points and better use of whitespace would improve legibility for neurodivergent users with cognitive overload issues.

Layout & Navigation

Navigating the Barclays app is relatively intuitive, but there are inconsistencies. Certain features are buried within sub-menus that don’t follow a clear pattern. For ADHD users who struggle with working memory, this is a significant pain point. Key functions, like finding customer support, could be more prominent. However, the “Quick Links” option on the homepage mitigates some of these issues by providing shortcuts to essential tasks.

Customization & Personalization

One standout feature is Barclays’ customization options for notifications. Neurodivergent users can set alerts for payments, deadlines, and low balances. These proactive reminders are vital for ADHD users who may forget key payment dates. Unfortunately, customization options are somewhat limited — for instance, users cannot customize the design or layout of their app view. The ability to rearrange and prioritize key features (like moving “Make a Payment” to the top) would be a game-changer for many users.

User Experience (UX) Review

Ease of Onboarding

The account opening process is smooth but lengthy. ADHD users may feel frustrated by the time and number of steps required. While most parts are clear, Barclays asks users to input large chunks of information in one go, which can be cognitively exhausting. Offering more granular, step-by-step progress tracking could improve the experience.

Cognitive Load & Task Simplicity

The cognitive load required to navigate Barclays’ financial tools is moderate to high. Unlike apps like Revolut or Monzo, Barclays still relies on more traditional banking language, which may be confusing for users who prefer plain language explanations. For neurodivergent users, especially those on the Autism spectrum, simpler, jargon-free explanations are critical for understanding banking concepts.

One positive point is Barclays’ “Video Banking” service, which allows users to speak to a human for guidance. For neurodivergent people who find phone calls stressful but still need direct interaction, this service is a lifeline. It allows them to ask questions in a controlled, structured manner.

Support & Help Resources

The chatbot, while functional, can be frustrating. Neurodivergent users often need step-by-step guidance, but Barclays’ chatbot sometimes loops users back to FAQ pages instead of offering clear solutions. On a positive note, Barclays’ “Accessibility Services” are robust, with options like braille statements and phone support for users with specific needs. For people with Autism who prefer text-based or written communication, a live chat with human support would be an excellent addition.

Accessibility Features for Neurodivergent Users

Audio & Visual Adjustments

Barclays offers a “High Contrast” mode for users with visual impairments. While this is useful for sensory-sensitive individuals, it is hidden under a sub-menu rather than being easily toggleable. More prominent options for reducing visual noise (like a “Focus Mode”) would better support neurodivergent users.

Reminders, Alerts & Notifications

Barclays allows users to set up payment reminders and low-balance alerts, which are essential for users with ADHD who may forget deadlines. However, these notifications are limited to email and SMS, rather than in-app “push” notifications. Offering push notifications that can be customized by urgency or type (e.g., “urgent” vs. “informational”) would offer neurodivergent users more control.

Cognitive Assistance

For neurodivergent users who may struggle with executive functioning, Barclays does not yet offer gamified features like those seen in apps like Monzo or YNAB, where budgeting is made fun and visual. Features like color-coded spending categories or “streaks” for good financial habits could engage ADHD users and promote positive financial behavior.

Pros & Cons of Barclays

-- Pros --

✅ Calming blue-and-white color scheme with minimal flashing graphics

✅ Customizable reminders for ADHD users (payment due, low balance)

✅ Video Banking service for human support without the need for phone calls

✅ Accessibility services like braille statements and high-contrast options

✅ “Quick Links” for shortcut navigation to essential features

-- Cons --

❌ Text-heavy menus with dense paragraphs in FAQs and support sections

❌ Buried features that require extra clicks to find (e.g., “Contact Support”)

❌ Chatbot can feel like a frustrating loop of automated responses

❌ No gamification of financial literacy tools to engage ADHD users

❌ Limited customization of app layout or feature prioritization

Barclays does make an earnest effort to support neurodivergent users, but there’s room for improvement. Its visual design is calm and sensory-friendly, which benefits users with Autism. However, ADHD users might find its dense navigation system and cognitive load frustrating. Customization, better chatbot support, and gamified learning tools could significantly boost Barclays’ score.

As a financial inclusion advocate for neurodivergent people, I’d recommend Barclays as a “decent” choice, especially for users who value calm, clear visual design. However, I would urge Barclays to learn from more modern fintechs that place neurodivergent needs front and center. Enhancing layout customization, push notifications, and live-chat support would transform Barclays from “accessible” to “exceptional” for neurodivergent users.

Our Final Verdict

3.5/5 – Promising, but needs a clearer, simpler path to usability.

For those seeking a fully neurodivergent-friendly banking experience, it may be worth exploring other options, where gamification and simplicity are more pronounced. But if you value human connection, Barclays’ Video Banking is an invaluable feature.

Neurodivergence requires financial platforms to prioritize clarity, accessibility, and customization. Barclays has a strong foundation — now, it’s time to build on it.