Once you have the codice fiscale, open a bank account. The big three—Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banco BPM—have English-speaking staff in Milan, Rome, Florence, and other major cities. Smaller towns and branches may not. You'll need your passport, codice fiscale, proof of residency (the same rental contract or utility bill), and proof of income. If you're employed, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your salary and contract type. If you're self-employed or a freelancer, bring your business registration (partita IVA) and recent tax returns or bank statements showing income. If you're retired, a pension statement from your home country works. If you have no income yet—you're moving for a job that starts in two months, for example—some banks will still open an account if you show proof of funds or a job offer letter, but this varies by bank and branch. Call ahead and ask.
Most banks require a minimum deposit to open an account. Intesa Sanpaolo typically asks for 100 to 500 euros depending on the account type. UniCredit's minimums are similar. Smaller regional banks may ask for less or nothing. The account opening takes two to four weeks from application to activation. You'll get a debit card immediately or within a week. A credit card takes longer—usually four to eight weeks after the account is open, sometimes longer if the bank wants to verify your income or run additional checks.
Italian banks issue Visa and Mastercard, rarely American Express. Credit limits are lower than in the US. Expect 3,000 to 10,000 euros on your first card, depending on your income and how long you've had the account. Italy doesn't use a credit score system like FICO. There's no centralized credit bureau that tracks your payment history the way Equifax or Experian do in the US. Your American credit score doesn't transfer. You're starting from zero in Italy's eyes. The bank will look at your income, employment stability, and how long you've had the account open. If you've been in Italy for six months and have steady income, you can ask for a credit limit increase. Most banks will grant one.
Interest rates on Italian credit cards are steep—typically 15 to 20 percent APR. Some cards run higher. This is why carrying a balance is expensive and why many Italians use debit cards for everyday spending. If you're used to paying off your credit card in full each month, this isn't a problem. If you carry a balance, you'll pay significantly more than you would in the US.
Debit cards are the default in Italy. You'll see them everywhere—at supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations. Many small businesses prefer debit to credit because the fees are lower. As an expat, you'll probably use your debit card for 80 percent of your spending and your credit card rarely, mostly to build a credit history with the Italian bank.
For the first few months after you arrive, use a US-based card if you have one. Visa and Mastercard work in most places in Italy, especially in cities. ATMs accept foreign cards, though you'll pay a foreign transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) and your US bank may charge an ATM fee on top. Bring two cards—your primary US card and a backup in case one gets blocked. Italian merchants sometimes flag foreign cards as suspicious, and your US bank may block the transaction thinking it's fraud. Call your US bank before you leave and tell them you're moving to Italy so they don't freeze your account.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is worth considering. You can open a Wise account from anywhere, and they issue a multi-currency debit card that works in Italy. The card holds euros, US dollars, and other currencies. Exchange rates are real mid-market rates with a small markup—much better than what your bank offers. You can transfer money from the US to your Wise account and spend it in Italy with minimal fees. Many expats use Wise as a bridge while they're setting up their Italian bank account. Once your Italian account is open and you have an Italian debit card, you can use Wise less frequently, though some expats keep both because Wise's rates are genuinely better than Italian banks for international transfers.
The timeline looks like this: arrive in Italy, apply for codice fiscale (three to five days). Once you have it, open a bank account (two to four weeks). Once the account is open, request a credit card (four to eight weeks). Total: two to four months from arrival to having an Italian credit card in hand. This is why using a US card or Wise for the first few months makes sense. You're not waiting idle—you're building a credit history with an Italian bank at the same time.
A few things to watch. Some banks ask for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) in addition to a passport if you're a non-EU citizen. This is a separate document from your visa and can take weeks to obtain from the police. Don't open a bank account until you have it. If you're self-employed or freelance, you'll need a partita IVA (business tax ID) in addition to your codice fiscale. Apply for this at the Agenzia delle Entrate at the same time you apply for your codice fiscale. If you're moving to Italy on a digital nomad visa or as a remote worker, some banks will ask for proof that your income is stable and ongoing. A contract or letter from your employer helps. If you're living off savings or investments, bring bank statements showing the funds. If you're moving to a small town or rural area, the nearest bank branch may not have English-speaking staff and may be slower to process applications. Plan for longer timelines in smaller places.
Once you have an Italian credit card, use it regularly—at least once a month—to build a credit history. Pay the full balance on time every month. After a year of on-time payments, you'll have a solid credit history in Italy and can apply for better cards with higher limits or lower interest rates. This history also matters if you ever want to take out a loan, rent an apartment, or apply for a mortgage in Italy.
If you're staying in Italy long-term, getting an Italian credit card is worth the effort. It simplifies your life, reduces your reliance on foreign cards, and gives you a foothold in the Italian financial system. The process is bureaucratic but not complicated. Know the order, bring the right documents, and you'll have a card within a few months.
