WCAG 2.2

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – a set of recommendations designed to make web content more accessible to more people. 

The goal is to create digital experiences that work for everyone, including people with visual or hearing impairments, motor challenges, or cognitive disabilities. And the best part? When accessibility is done right, it makes content easier and more enjoyable for all.

WCAG 2.2 was released in October 2023 and builds on earlier versions, adding nine new criteria that further improve accessibility. Starting June 28, 2025, WCAG 2.2 will be mandatory for most businesses. 

So, who needs to follow it? Public agencies, counties, municipalities, and other government-related entities. It also applies to private organizations that provide publicly funded services – and any business offering digital content aimed at consumers. Even if not required by law, following the guidelines is a smart move: accessibility means reaching more users and delivering a better experience for everyone. 

What’s new in WCAG 2.2? 

WCAG 2.2 adds nine new criteria compared to version 2.1.

The updates mainly focus on improving clarity for users as they navigate websites, and on better supporting different types of input (like clicks, drag-and-drop, and keyboard use). 
To meet legal requirements, compliance with levels A and AA is enough – level AAA is optional. Swedbank Pay designs according to these levels and ensures our solutions meet AA under WCAG 2.2. 

 
Level A – basic level

  • Consistent help 
    Help features like contact info, FAQs, or chat should appear in the same place across relevant pages.
  • Avoid repeated input 
    Users shouldn’t have to enter the same information multiple times during a session. .

Level AA – next level 

  • Visible focus 
    It should always be clear where the user is on a website when using a keyboard.
  • Alternative to drag gestures 
    Any function that requires dragging with a mouse or touchscreen should also work with a single tap or click.
  • Minimum target size 
    Clickable elements like buttons must be at least 24 x 24 CSS pixels, making them easier to use for everyone – especially those with limited dexterity.
  • Accessible authentication 
    Login processes can’t depend on cognitive tasks like remembering passwords. 

Level AAA – advanced level 

  • Fully visible focus 
    No part of the focus indicator may be hidden behind other content.
  • Clear focus styling 
    The focus indicator must be easy to see, with enough size and contrast.
  • Enhanced accessible authentication 
    Logins must not involve cognitive testing, with very few exceptions. 

Why does this matter?

For us at Swedbank Pay, it’s about more than just checking a box. It’s about giving every customer a fair and equal opportunity to use our services. Whether your customers are shopping on a desktop, mobile device, or in-store via an app, the experience should feel smooth, easy and accessible. That’s why we design our payment solutions to meet WCAG 2.2 – and we’re always working to stay ahead of the curve. 

Want to learn more?

Read about accessibility at Webbriktlinjer.se 
Read more about W3C, the organization behind WCAG.