Italian bank account

Please note that the information below is indicative only - for official information please speak to a bank or financial consultant

How can I open a bank account in Italy?

All foreign students who plan to study in Italy can open a Bank account.

They must prepare the following documents:

1. Tax code (“Codice Fiscale”);
2. Residence permit (or postal receipt, while waiting for the electronic permit);
3. Certificate of enrolment at TIAC Academy
4. Passport

Banks open from 8.30 until 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00.

Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The bank account will be created within 2-3 weeks and the card arrives to your address within 3-4 weeks.

What banking fees are involved?

No matter where in the world you choose to bank, you’re going to be faced with fees. While each individual bank sets its own price scale for various services, the following can be used as a general guide for what you might be expected to pay:

ATM fees

It’s highly advised to withdraw cash from your own bank’s machines, otherwise you could run into a fee between €1 and €3, or even up to €6 in popular tourist neighbourhoods.

What fees are there if I just use my card from my home country?

While it’s tempting to just use your foreign debit and credit cards while you’re living in Italy, the fees that come with doing so can be incredibly high. If you do choose to go this route, it’s a good idea to use your debit card at ATMs and pay at individual merchants in cash, as typically you’ll get the best exchange rates directly from the bank. It’s possible that your card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, especially if it’s a credit card. You may even want to get a new, fee-less card before you move.

Be aware that your bank’s daily withdrawal limits could be lowered in a foreign country, and that you’ll still be charged foreign withdrawal fees when you’re using an ATM.