10 Best Banks in Italy for Foreigners in 2026: Account Types, Fees, and Requirements

Of the 10 best banks in Italy for foreigners, UniCredit stands out as the top choice. It has a widespread branch network, English support, and a robust reputation. The primary requirement to open a bank account in the country is a Codice Fiscale or Italian tax number. Some banks will also require a permesso di soggiorno or residence permit to open an account for non-EU residents.

Our guide explains the Italian banking system so that you understand what the options are for your account. We also explore the best digital banks in Italy, how they compare to traditional banks, and the monthly fees for the account types each bank offers.

Banks in Italy: Key Takeaways

UniCredit tops the list as the best Italian bank for expats with a strong international reputation and widespread branches, although Intesa Sanpaolo is also a strong choice with English app support and 48-hour account activation.

The best digital-only bank is N26, offering instant account opening with a local Italian IBAN and English support, but it requires Italian residence and a Codice Fiscale. However, Revolut works better for those without Italian residency requirements.

Wise and Revolut are the best options for non-residents as neither requires Italian residency or a Codice Fiscale for the initial account opening.

Traditional Italian banks require a valid passport and a Codice Fiscale, while digital banks like N26, Revolut, and Wise have fewer requirements and may not need a Codice Fiscale initially.

Digital banks provide instant or same-day account opening while traditional banks take 48 hours to 3 weeks for non-residents or US citizens who require adherence to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

Opening a bank account in Italy offers several advantages, particularly for expats, business owners, retirees, and long-term travelers. Italy has a well-established and secure banking system that provides access to a range of financial services, including online and mobile banking, investment tools, and international transfers. Additionally, having an Italian bank account makes it easier to handle recurring expenses like paying for rent, utilities, and day-to-day costs while living in the country. Most landlords and service providers prefer local bank transactions.

A bank account is also important to receive a salary if you work in Italy or, to manage pension payments if you are retired there. Furthermore, a local account reduces foreign transaction fees and currency conversion costs, making it more affordable to manage your finances. Italian banks have specially tailored financial products and credit solutions for those looking to invest or start a business. Opening a bank account can support your residency process by demonstrating financial stability.

The Bank of Italy is the country’s main financial institution and central bank. It regulates and oversees the Italian banking sector and is part of the European Central Bank (ECB), which influences monetary policy for the Eurozone. The Italian banking system has several types of banks:

Commercial banks

Commercial banks offer the normal services you would expect of a bank. Major Italian banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit are the most dominant in this area. These banks facilitate everyday banking transactions and provide simple solutions for businesses.

Savings banks

Savings banks (Casse di Risparmio) are a separate type of bank in Italy that aims to promote savings among its customers. Despite having different financial products, their most attractive packages include savings accounts with competitive interest rates. These banks operate and serve communities on a provincial or regional basis.

Investment institutions

Investment institutions in Italy, including private and chartered banks, primarily focus on financial services for corporations and high-net-worth individuals such as wealth management and issuing stocks.

Digital banks

Digital banks in Italy usually don’t have physical agencies, as they’re focused on technology and online services. These banks offer financial services and products that are more cost-effective than traditional banks.

Regional banks vs. national banks

Regional banks serve specific areas and mainly offer basic services for individuals. In contrast, national banks operate across all of Italy, offering a wider range of services for both individuals and businesses.

Most traditional institutions require in-person visits to open a bank account in Italy. However, digital banks allow you to open an account online, as do some traditional banks. It’s helpful to speak some Italian, bring someone who does, or go to a bank with English staff, as this is not the norm in Italy.

General Requirements

• Valid ID Document: Passport (for non-EU citizens) or ID card (for EU citizens).
• Codice Fiscale: Italian tax code (temporary or permanent) that is mandatory for all accounts.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Italian Phone Number: Required by most banks, especially digital banks.
• Italian Address: Proof of address.
• Bankruptcy Declaration: Must not have been convicted of bankruptcy.

For Residents (Non-EU and EU)

• Permesso di Soggiorno (Non-EU): Valid residence permit or receipt proving you filed an asylum request (with photo, place, and date of birth).
• Residency Status (EU): Declare if you are a resident in Italy (habitual residence/domestic or registered for 183+ days per year).

For Non-Residents/Foreigners

• Valid Passport: Required for all non-EU citizens.
• Codice Fiscale: Required even for non-residents.
• Proof of Address: Sometimes required and it can be an Italian address or foreign address depending on the circumstances.
• Foreign Address Proof: Document proving residence in foreign country (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
• Proof of Employment/Studies: May be required by some banks.
• Certificate of Residence: Important for a standard Italian bank account. Some banks, like UniCredit, provide accounts designed for foreigners.
• Income Source Documentation: The bank may ask you about your income source and the intended use of the account.
• Visa: For non-EU citizens and this will depend on account type.

If you are planning to live or work in Italy on one of the following visas: Italy Golden Visa, Italy Elective Residency Visa, Italy Digital Nomad Visa, opening a local bank account is an important step. For those considering the Golden Visa, Italy ranks sixth in the Global RBI Index, which evaluates residency programs across the world. Having a bank account in Italy makes managing daily expenses, paying bills, and receiving income much easier. Depending on your needs and preferences you can choose from the different types of Italian banks that serve foreign nationals:

01/ UniCredit

UniCredit is one of Italy’s largest banks. It offers extensive services specially tailored to expats, including English support and a sizable branch network across the country.

02/ Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo is known for its strong digital banking services and customer service. The financial institution is popular among foreigners, students, and workers for easy account management.

03/ N26

The N26 is a leading neobank with a fully digital experience. N26 is ideal for foreigners who prefer managing their accounts entirely online with low fees and multilingual support.

04/ Revolut

Revolut is favored for international money transfers, multi-currency accounts, and low-cost services, making it a great choice for expats and travelers.

05/ Wise

Wise is a regulated money transfer service offering some of the services of a neobank both online and through their app.

06/ BNP Paribas

As an international bank operating in Italy, BNP Paribas provides advanced financial products and multilingual customer service, perfect for those who require cross-border banking.

07/ Banco BPM

Banco BPM is one of Italy’s top banks, known for great customer service and customized financial solutions for individuals and businesses. It offers current and deposit accounts to help manage money easily.

08/ BPER Banca

BPER Banca is a regional cooperative bank focused on community and customer care. It provides savings accounts, loans, and investment services with personalized financial advice. Its online platforms make managing accounts and transactions fast.

09/ Mediobanca

Mediobanca is a leading bank for corporate finance and wealth management, serving big companies and wealthy clients. It offers expert advice on mergers, acquisitions, and investments.

10/ FinecoBank

FinecoBank is known for its user-friendly online banking and investment services. It offers low fees, a strong trading platform, and simple account management, making it popular with digital nomads and expats looking for a modern banking experience.

Here are the top international banks in Italy:

1. Deutsche Bank (Germany): The most popular German bank, Deutsche Bank, is dominant in Italy. It offers various services, from private banking and wealth management to corporate and investment banking.
2. Crédit Agricole (France): Crédit Agricole is a French bank that has a significant presence in Italy through various subsidiaries, including Crédit Agricole Italia.
3. ING Bank (Netherlands): ING is well-known for its digital banking platform and online savings accounts. Its straightforward, digital-first approach suits those who prefer managing their finances online.
4. HSBC (United Kingdom): HSBC operates in Italy mainly through its corporate and investment banking divisions.
5. Raiffeisen Bank (Austria): Known for reliability, strong regional presence in northern Italy (especially South Tyrol), and solid private and business banking services.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for the Eurozone, which includes Italy as one of its member states. The ECB deposit facility rate as of early-June 2026 is 2%. Economists project that this rate will rise to 2.25% at the June 10, 2026 meeting of the ECB.

The main purpose of the European Central Bank is to maintain price stability within the Eurozone and oversee monetary policy for the 20 European Union countries that use the Euro. The ECB has a strong impact on banks in Italy, such as on their interest rates, inflation control, and banking stability.

Online banking is the standard in Italy. The following table compares each banks’ app so you can make an informed choice:

Opening an Italian bank account is straightforward, but it’s essential to understand the requirements and steps. Here’s our guide on how to open a bank account in Italy:

01/ Choose a bank

The first step is to research and compare various banks to find one that suits your needs. It’s important to consider factors such as fees and services offered. Customer reviews can help you find the best deal.

02/ Gather required documents

After you’ve found the bank that fits you the best, you’ll need to gather and deliver the following documents to open a bank account in Italy:

• Valid passport: A copy of passport or national ID card.
• Codice Fiscale: This is an Italian tax identification number, which can be obtained at the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) on the same day. It is important for further tax payments in Italy.
• Proof of residence: Provide an official document that clearly outlines your address in Italy.
• Employment or student proof: Some banks require proof of employment or student status when applying for specific account types.

03/ Visit one of the bank branches

Even though you can open an account online, visiting one of the branches can be helpful since you can ask any questions. A bank representative will guide you through the application process. Not all Italian banks have tellers that speak English, and it is advised to check this before going to a branch.

04/ Complete the application

You will need to fill out the account application form with the necessary information. A bank representative might ask you about your financial needs and banking preferences.

05/ Make an initial deposit

Some banks ask you to make an initial deposit to activate your account. This amount can vary depending on the bank and type of account, but is typically a small sum of money.

06/ Receive your bank details

You will receive your account number, debit card, and online banking credentials via letter in post.

The following banking fees apply in Italy:

Note: The Italian Government charges a stamp duty of €34.20 per year called the imposta di bollo on bank accounts which have an average annual balance of €5,000 or more.

Each Italian bank has it’s own pricing and packages, accurate as of June 2026, which you can evaluate below:

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€), which is also used by other countries in the Eurozone. This is the only legal tender accepted in Italy. Those crossing EU borders should be aware of the €10,000 threshold for declaration. This applies to physical cash and for the purposes of e-Commerce VAT calculations.

If you’re sending or receiving funds from international entities, it’s important to understand currency exchange charges. Italian banks generally offer competitive rates for currency exchange, making it easy to convert currencies for travel or transactions.

Most banks in Italy operate from 8:15 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until noon. Many banks close during the lunch hour and on weekends, making it essential to plan visits accordingly. Opening hours will vary by bank and branch location and some modern branches are now open until 8:00 PM. Digital and neo-banks, as well as most traditional banks, can be accessed 24/7 through their app.

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