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How neuroinclusive banking can make a difference

Three people share how neurodivergence shapes their relationship with money—and how even small considerations can make a big difference.

  • Managing money can come with an extra layer of stress for people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence.
  • CommBank has launched a Neuroinclusive banking experience, co-designed with neurodivergent customers, to remove common stressors from everyday banking.

Banking isn’t one size fits all. And for Australians with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence, managing money can come with an extra layer of stress, from cognitive overload to anxiety while in branch.

Now, CommBank has launched a dedicated Neuroinclusive banking experience, designed in collaboration with neurodivergent customers, to make banking easier, calmer and more supportive. But what does that actually look like in real life? 

Automatic payments can be a game changer

Impulsive spending and forgotten bills can turn everyday banking into a source of stress. For Amy Power, who lives with ADHD, these challenges once spiralled into credit card debt. “I can be quite an impulsive spender and it has caused me to overspend and rack up credit card debt,” she says. “I’ve historically found it quite stressful and have avoided looking at my finances altogether, meaning the debt has gotten worse without me realising.”

While there’s no single fix, Amy has found that tools that remove the burden of memory make a huge difference. “I’ve found setting up automatic payments really works for me. The essentials are paid for as soon as I get my salary and whatever money is left over is more flexible,” she says.

Amy also finds tools that track expenses can be quite handy, too: “I can clearly see what I’m spending on.” Money Plan in the CommBank app is one such example; it monitors what you’re spending and allows you to set budgets for different categories, such as transport or dining.

With the help of features like automated transfers, Amy’s relationship with money is shifting. “Recently, I’ve tried to be more conscious about spending and it definitely feels exciting to see my savings grow. It’s a great source of dopamine!” 

Caitlin Hughes, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey and Amy Power.

The power of consideration

Accessible language, timely notifications and predictable processes are small shifts that give Caitlin Hughes more confidence in her banking. Co-host of the Divergent Dialogues podcast, Caitlin is dyslexic, autistic and has ADHD. While she describes her relationship with money as “functional”, it can also tip into overwhelm when tasks become too complex.

“The basics, like checking my balance or making straightforward transfers, are easy,” she says. “Where it becomes more challenging is when tasks involve multiple steps, unfamiliar processes or tight timeframes, which can lead to decision fatigue and avoidance.”

Neuroinclusive services are what help bridge the gap. In-app features that simplify tasks and remove ambiguity reduce anxiety, while in-branch adjustments— from private meeting rooms to clear signage—mean Caitlin doesn’t have to constantly self-advocate. “These kinds of adjustments make me feel welcome,” she says.

Her advice for other neurodivergent people is to ask for the adjustments you need. “Finding the right tools and support can make a big difference and you deserve a banking experience that works with your brain, not against it.” 

Visual communication can help with clarity

Madeleine Jaine Lobsey from Wondiverse—a neurodivergent-led social enterprise—is autistic and has ADHD. In her experience, managing money often feels stressful because it requires a large amount of planning, prioritising and recalling of details. 

For that reason, tools like infographics, dashboards or short explainer videos make all the difference for her. “When things are communicated visually or I can use tools that reduce my mental load, it feels much less overwhelming,” she says. 

Like Amy and Caitlin, Madeleine also feels “recurring transfers, bill scheduling and transaction notifications are lifesavers. They take the pressure off having to remember and track everything,” she says. The most important element in neuroinclusive-banking offerings, however, is that they shouldn’t make people feel othered. “What matters most is when inclusion is built in as standard practice rather than something extra for a ‘special case’. That normalisation feels respectful.” 

Banking for everyone

CommBank’s head of customer outcomes in group customer advocacy, Derek Jenkins, is deeply committed to neuroinclusive banking and worked closely on the Neuroinclusive banking project. 

“The more I learn about neurodiversity from customers, colleagues, family and friends, the more I realise just how different everyone’s experiences and needs are—including with banking,” he says. “CommBank has been 'the bank for all Australians’ for as long as I can remember. This is just one more way we're working to maintain focus on that goal.”

How CommBank is helping

CommBank’s new Neuroinclusive banking experience was co-designed with neurodivergent customers to remove common stressors from everyday banking. Here’s what it includes:

  • Guidance on setting up recurring transfers and alerts to simplify routines.
  • Siri shortcuts for hands-free access.
  • Step-by-step guides for common tasks.
  • Private meeting rooms in most branches and clear expectations for appointments.
  • Plain language to reduce mental load.
  • Customer Preference Cards to avoid the need to repeat your story.
  • Real stories to build understanding and reduce stigma.

Find out more about Neuroinclusive banking

Discover banking tools and resources to help neurodiverse customers stay in control of their day-to-day finances.

Learn more

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Published: 9 October 2025

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This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider what is appropriate for your circumstances, and where appropriate, consider the relevant Target Market Determination, Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions available on our website. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.