How to open an Italian bank account

For day-to-day money management, internationals in Italy can choose between opening an account with an Italian bank, one of the big international providers, or a digital-only service such as a mobile bank.

Whatever you choose, this article can help you find the best bank for your lifestyle and needs by exploring the following topics:

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Banking in Italy

Italian banking can be traced back to the Renaissance period. The oldest surviving bank in the world is the Banca Monte dei Peschi di Siena founded in 1472. The banking system in Italy consists of the national central bank – the Banca d’Italia – and several national, international, regional, and digital entities. These providers work in commercial retail banking or savings, investment, and wealth management services.

Opening an Italian bank account as a foreigner is fairly straightforward. Some of the leading providers offer expat-friendly services or non-resident accounts. Multinational and digital banks also have account options tailored to residents from other countries.

Multinationals include:

• BNP Paribas
• Crédit Agricole
• HSBC
• ING

Do you need a bank account in Italy?

There is no legal requirement to have a local, Italy-based bank account just because you live in the country. You can choose an online or mobile bank, like Wise, that allows you to manage your money anywhere in the world.

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Italian banks and services

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However, if you stick with an overseas account, you may find it difficult to manage daily finances. It can also be complicated to pay utility bills or take out insurance if you don’t have an account based in Italy, especially if you are from outside the Eurozone.

Before you open a bank account

In most cases, you must wait until you move to Italy to open a bank account in the country. Banks usually require you to present documentation in person, such as your Italian tax number and proof of residence. However, some do offer non-resident options, so you might be able to set up a current account and then update your personal details after you’ve relocated.

It should still be easy to use your overseas account when you arrive in Italy before sorting out your Italian banking. Most ATMs take foreign cards and you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express in many shops and restaurants. However, you may incur bank charges, especially if it’s based outside the Eurozone.

Types of Italian bank accounts

Current account (conto corrente)

The most common type of bank account in Italy is called a current account. With this, you can send and receive money, set up bill payments, obtain debit and credit cards, and access overdraft or loan services. While current accounts are usually free, they might come with restrictions like limited credit card or loan options. Banks also offer account upgrade options – for example, premium or gold status –usually with a fixed monthly or annual fee.

Specialized current accounts you can find in Italy include:

• Joint account (conto corrente cointestato)
• Non-resident account (conto non-residenti)
• Student account (conto studente)

Keep in mind that some non-resident accounts are restricted to European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) nationals.

Savings account (conto di resparmio)

You can open a savings account with most retail banks and specialist providers. Easy access accounts let you withdraw money at any time without penalty. Deposit accounts come with a minimum notice period required before withdrawal.

How to open an Italian bank account as an expat

You need to visit a branch in person to open a new account with most traditional Italian banks. This is because they require physical copies of documents.

Expect to bring the following documentation to open an account:

• Photo ID (e.g., a passport or driver’s license)
• Italian tax number (codice fiscale) or acceptable equivalent for non-residents
• Proof of address
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of employment or salary, like a copy of your work contract

Once approved, your account will be open and ready to use. Debit cards and credit cards usually arrive by mail in a few days.

Mobile banking

Mobile banking is fast, convenient, and allows you to manage your funds anywhere in the world. Online and mobile-only options, like Revolut, are even more popular among internationals as they offer cross-border services and can be opened remotely.

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Mobile banking in Italy

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Unlike traditional banks, you can open a mobile account in minutes via smartphone. You can also send any required identification documents digitally. They usually only need a home address, email address, and phone number. Some of the mobile banks that operate in Italy are:

• Hype
• N26
• Revolut
• Tinaba
• Wise

Opening a corporate account in Italy

If you start a business in Italy, you will need to have a business bank account. Sole traders and freelancers can also benefit from this type of account if it streamlines their business operations. Most major banks offer products specifically for companies, including bank accounts, loan and investment products, business insurance, and growth products.

To open a business bank account in Italy, at least one of the directors should visit a branch in person. They will need to provide:

• Photo ID
• Tax number
• Proof of address
• Company certificate of registration
• Most recent accounts or financial records

Italian business bank account fees range from €15–50 a month. You will be charged for the same services as a personal account – for example, credit card fees, loan fees, and international money transfer fees – but the price may be higher.

How to open an Italian bank account for your children

You have to be at least 18 years old to open a bank account, but parents and guardians can open one on behalf of their child. Once your child reaches the age of 18, they will be able to take control of their account or transfer it into an adult account. Banks offer different products for young people, including savings accounts and basic current accounts for teens and children. Basic accounts for minors in Italy are usually free of cost.

To open an account for your child in Italy, you need to visit the bank on the child’s behalf. If you can provide digital copies of the necessary documentation, you may be able to open it online. On top of the usual documents required for an adult bank account, you will also need to provide your child’s ID.

Opening a bank account with a low credit score

With a low credit score, you may be restricted to a basic account (conto base) with most Italian banks. This is like a current account with limited services, which is either free or about €3–4 a month. Banks tend to waive fees if your annual income is below a certain threshold.

With a basic account, you can manage money, use a debit card, and make money transfers in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). However, access to more complex products like loans and overdrafts may be restricted.

The following Italian banks offer basic accounts:

• UniCredit
• Intesa Sanpaolo
• Banca Nazionale Lavoro

What to do if you are refused an Italian bank account

Your bank account application can be rejected if you fail a credit check or lack sufficient documentation. However, the provider should let you know if you qualify for an alternative product instead. For example, you may still qualify for a basic account, if you fail a credit check for a standard current account.

Remember that Italian banks are legally obliged to offer some sort of account to EU/EFTA citizens.

If you feel you have been unfairly refused, you can contact the bank’s complaints department. Each bank should have its own complaints procedure detailed on its website. If you are not happy with the outcome, you can escalate the complaint to either the Banca d’Italia, the Banking and Financial Ombudsman (Arbitro Bancario Finanziario), or the Banking and Financial Conciliator (Conciliatore Bancario Finanziario).

If you cannot open a bank account in Italy, you can manage your finances from an overseas account through cross-border banking.

Choosing an Italian bank account

When looking for an Italian bank account, do your research to find what is available and best serves your needs. Things to consider include:

Banking services in Italy

Banks in Italy provide the same services as other western and European countries. This includes some combination of the following:

• A variety of account types (e.g., checking, savings)
• Loans
• Overdrafts
• Credit cards
• Investment products
• Insurance
• Pensions
• Mortgages

International money transfers

International money transfers are an easy way to send funds abroad. When considering the best option for your situation, it’s good to know the alternatives to a traditional bank, such as

• Atlantic Money
• CurrencyFair
• Wise

Managing your bank account in Italy

You can choose how to manage your account with most Italian banks. The different ways include:

Changing banks or closing an Italian bank account

To change banks or close an account, you should first contact your current provider and give them all the necessary details. Banks usually have a form you need to fill out, often found on their website.

You have the right to switch to another account or provider at any time. In Italy, banks are legally obligated to complete the transfer within 12 working days, as long as two requirements are met:

• You have a positive balance
• You are switching to a bank that uses the same currency

Although you can switch services while in debt – for example, due to credit cards or loans – you will not be able to close an overdrawn account. Italian banks should complete the transfer for free unless you incur a penalty charge in certain circumstances. These should be detailed in the account’s terms and conditions.

Useful resources

• Banca d’Italia – the central bank of Italy and main supervisory and regulatory body
• Banking and Financial Ombudsman (Arbitro Bancario Finanziario) – independent dispute resolution service
• CSRHub (Corporate Social Responsibility Hub) – aggregator and provider of social ethics reports on corporations, including banks