BigCommerce Checkout Accessibility: Fixing the 7 Most Common Issues in 2026

Many BigCommerce stores face legal and ethical challenges related to checkout accessibility. Failure to comply with accessibility standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 can lead to lawsuits and, more importantly, exclude a significant portion of potential customers. This article details seven common BigCommerce checkout accessibility issues and provides actionable steps to resolve them, specifically tailored for BigCommerce users in 2026.

Why BigCommerce Checkout Accessibility Matters

Ecommerce accessibility isn't just about legal compliance; it's about inclusivity. A significant percentage of the population experiences disabilities that affect how they interact with websites. These disabilities can include visual impairments, auditory impairments, motor impairments, cognitive impairments, and speech impairments. Ignoring accessibility means excluding these customers and limiting your business's potential.

"According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people live with some form of disability. That's a massive audience you're potentially alienating."

Furthermore, accessible websites often benefit all users, leading to improved SEO and user experience. Clear, well-structured code and logical navigation are good for everyone, not just those with disabilities.

Understanding the Legal Landscape (2026)

The legal landscape surrounding web accessibility continues to evolve. While the ADA originally didn’t explicitly address websites, court rulings have broadened its interpretation to include online spaces. The Equal Access to Online Act (EAA) of 2026 further clarifies these obligations, mandating adherence to WCAG 2.2 as a baseline for accessibility compliance. Ignoring these regulations can result in costly lawsuits and reputational damage.

The 7 Most Common BigCommerce Checkout Accessibility Issues (and How to Fix Them)

1. Missing or Incorrectly Labeled Form Fields

The Problem: Form fields, such as "First Name," "Last Name," "Email Address," and payment details, must have clear and accurate labels. Screen readers rely on these labels to convey the purpose of each field to users. Missing or generic labels create confusion and frustration.

BigCommerce Specifics: In the BigCommerce admin panel, under Marketing > Forms, you can edit form field labels. However, custom themes often override these defaults. Review your theme's code (using a code editor accessible through Storefront > Code Editor) to ensure labels are properly applied using the <label> tag and connected to the input field with the for attribute.

Solution:

1. Inspect each form field in your checkout process.
2. Verify the <label> tag accurately describes the field's purpose.
3. Ensure the for attribute in the <label> tag matches the id attribute of the corresponding input field.
4. Use descriptive and concise labels. For example, instead of "Field 1," use "Shipping Address - Street Address."

2. Insufficient Color Contrast

The Problem: Low contrast between text and background colors makes it difficult for users with low vision or color blindness to read content. WCAG 2.2 requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt or 14pt bold).

BigCommerce Specifics: BigCommerce’s theme customization options can sometimes lead to unintentional color contrast issues. The Design > Theme section allows for color adjustments, but these need to be carefully reviewed.

Solution:

1. Use a color contrast checker tool (like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker) to evaluate the contrast ratio of all text elements in your checkout process.
2. Adjust colors within your theme's settings or CSS files.
3. Prioritize readability and ensure sufficient contrast for all users.
4. Consider offering a high-contrast mode for users who prefer it.

3. Lack of Keyboard Navigation Support

The Problem: Many users, especially those with motor impairments, rely on keyboard navigation to interact with websites. If your checkout process isn't fully navigable using the keyboard (Tab key, arrow keys, Enter key), these users will be unable to complete their purchases.

BigCommerce Specifics: While BigCommerce's core checkout functionality generally supports keyboard navigation, custom theme modifications and third-party apps can often break this functionality.

Solution:

1. Test your checkout process exclusively using the keyboard.
2. Verify that all interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields) receive keyboard focus in a logical order.
3. Ensure that the "Enter" key activates buttons and submits forms.
4. Use CSS :focus styles to clearly indicate which element has keyboard focus. Examine your theme's CSS files (Storefront > Code Editor) for custom focus styles.

4. Missing Alternative Text for Images

The Problem: Images convey information, and users who are blind or visually impaired rely on alternative text (alt text) to understand the content of images. Missing or poorly written alt text leaves out crucial information.

BigCommerce Specifics: When uploading images through the BigCommerce admin panel (Marketing > Media), you are prompted to add alt text. However, this step is often overlooked.

Solution:

1. Review all images used in your checkout process, including logos, icons, and product images.
2. Provide concise and descriptive alt text for each image.
3. For decorative images, use an empty alt attribute (alt="").
4. Avoid phrases like "image of" or "picture of" in the alt text.

5. Improper Use of ARIA Attributes

The Problem: Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) attributes provide additional semantic information to assistive technologies. Incorrect or excessive use of ARIA can actually harm accessibility.

BigCommerce Specifics: While ARIA is generally handled by BigCommerce's core code, custom theme development can introduce ARIA-related issues.

Solution:

1. Avoid adding ARIA attributes unless absolutely necessary. Let HTML semantics do the work whenever possible.
2. If ARIA attributes are used, ensure they are implemented correctly and provide accurate information.
3. Use ARIA landmarks (e.g., role="navigation", role="main") to define the structure of your checkout page.
4. Consider using an accessibility linter to identify potential ARIA issues.

6. Dynamic Content Updates Without Proper Notification

The Problem: Dynamic content updates (e.g., error messages, shipping cost calculations) should be announced to screen reader users. If these updates occur silently, users may miss important information.

BigCommerce Specifics: BigCommerce uses AJAX for various checkout functions, which can create dynamic content updates.

Solution:

1. Use ARIA live regions (aria-live="polite" or aria-live="assertive") to announce dynamic content updates to screen readers.
2. Provide clear and concise error messages that are accessible to screen readers.
3. Ensure that shipping cost calculations are announced to users after they enter their address.

7. Inconsistent Navigation and Structure

The Problem: A checkout process with inconsistent navigation and structure can be disorienting for users, particularly those with cognitive impairments.

BigCommerce Specifics: While BigCommerce provides a structured checkout flow, custom theme development can introduce inconsistencies.

Solution:

1. Maintain a consistent layout and navigation structure throughout the checkout process.
2. Use clear headings and labels to guide users.
3. Provide a progress indicator to show users where they are in the checkout process.
4. Avoid unexpected changes in page layout or functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Accessibility is a legal and ethical imperative: Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits and alienate potential customers.
• BigCommerce offers basic accessibility: However, custom themes and apps often introduce accessibility barriers.
• Focus on foundational elements: Proper form labeling, color contrast, and keyboard navigation are critical.
• ARIA is a powerful tool, but use it with caution: Incorrect implementation can worsen accessibility.
• Regular accessibility audits are essential: Continuously monitor your checkout process for accessibility issues.

"Manual accessibility audits are time-consuming and prone to human error. Tools like Accessio.ai can automate much of this process, identifying issues at the source code level and providing actionable remediation steps – a significant improvement over traditional accessibility overlays."

Next Steps

1. Conduct an accessibility audit: Use automated tools and manual testing to identify accessibility issues in your BigCommerce checkout process.
2. Prioritize remediation: Address the most critical issues first, focusing on those that impact the widest range of users.
3. Train your team: Educate your developers and designers about accessibility best practices.
4. Consider using an AI-powered accessibility solution: Explore tools like Accessio.ai to streamline your accessibility efforts and ensure ongoing compliance.
5. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest accessibility standards and best practices. The WCAG continues to evolve, and it's crucial to adapt your approach accordingly.

We encourage you to proactively address these issues to create a more inclusive and accessible online store for all your customers.