Finding the best cards to use in Italy can be tricky with so many options available. If you plan a trip to Italy or live there, having the right card makes a big difference in your shopping and money management. This article looks at the top cards available in Italy for 2025, comparing rewards programmes, fees, and special benefits that make certain ones stand out.
What are credit cards?
Credit cards let you borrow money for purchases within a set limit. Unlike debit cards that take money directly from your bank account, credit cards provide a temporary loan from the issuer. You must repay this loan either in full by the end of each billing cycle or through minimum monthly fees, with interest added to any remaining balance.
Each card comes with specific terms for interest rates, repayment schedules, and various fees. Most cards in Italy work on major networks like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, so they are accepted at millions of places worldwide. These cards are handy because of their flexibility, security features, and potential rewards that give value back through points, miles, or cashback.
How does a credit card work?
Cards work through a simple process that starts when you make a purchase. The shop’s payment system sends your card details to the network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), which sends the transaction details to your issuer. After checking, the issuer approves the transaction and transfers money to the shop’s bank.
Each month, your issuer puts all transactions on a statement, showing your total debt and the minimum payment needed. The grace period usually lasts 21-25 days after the statement date, during which you can pay your balance without interest charges. Any unpaid balance after this time builds up interest according to your card’s annual percentage rate.
Payment flexibility makes cards useful for managing cash flow. You can pay the full balance to avoid interest, or make smaller payments over time. Regular payments build your credit history, which may improve your future borrowing options.
What criteria do lenders use to assess your credit card eligibility?
Lenders look at several factors when deciding whether to approve your application. Your credit score plays a key role, showing your history of debt management. Many banks in Italy prefer applicants with good payment records and reasonable existing debt.
Income verification is essential as banks must make sure you can handle potential credit duties. They often work out a debt-to-income ratio, comparing your monthly debt payments with your income. Job stability also affects decisions, with permanently employed applicants usually getting better consideration than those with irregular income.
Previous banking relationships sometimes factor into approval decisions. Keeping accounts in good standing may improve your chances with that bank. Residency status matters a lot too, as many Italian cards require permanent Italian residency or at least residency within the European Economic Area, though some international cards cater specifically to travellers and non-residents.
Further Reading: The Best Corporate Cards in the UK for 2025
How safe is it to use my credit card in Italy?
Using cards in Italy is generally quite safe, with advanced security features protecting your transactions. Most Italian payment terminals now use EMV chip technology, providing better security than older magnetic stripe systems. Contactless payment options add more convenience while maintaining security for smaller purchases.
Italy has put in place strict fraud prevention measures following European banking rules. Card issuers regularly monitor transactions for suspicious activity, often sending verification messages for unusual purchases. Many mobile banking apps allow users to freeze cards instantly if they suspect unauthorised use.
Despite these protections, being cautious remains important. Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas, shield your PIN during entry, and regularly check your statements for unfamiliar charges. Reporting lost cards immediately to your issuer reduces potential damage, with most companies offering zero liability policies for fraudulent transactions.
Credit card fees
Understanding fees helps avoid unexpected costs when using cards in Italy. Here are the main fees to watch for:
- Annual fee. Varies widely, from zero for basic options to several hundred euros for premium cards with extensive benefits
- Foreign transaction fees. Typically 1-3% of each transaction amount when making purchases in currencies other than the card’s billing currency
- Cash withdrawal fees. Usually include both immediate fees and higher interest rates than regular purchases
- Late payment penalties. Can include both fixed fees and increased interest rates
- Over-limit fees. Triggered when exceeding your credit limit
Dynamic currency conversion presents another potential fee source when shops offer to convert charges to your home currency. This service usually includes a markup of 3-5% over the actual exchange rate, making it better to decline and pay in local euro currency instead.
Choosing the best credit card for you
Selecting the ideal card requires matching features with your personal spending habits and money goals. Start by evaluating your typical monthly expenses to determine where you spend most often – whether on travel, groceries, dining, or general purchases – and look for options offering better rewards in those categories.
Consider your payment patterns honestly. If you usually carry balances, focus on cards with lower interest rates rather than rewards programmes. If you consistently pay in full, fee structures and rewards potential become more important than interest rates.
Travel frequency greatly impacts card selection. Frequent international travellers benefit from cards without foreign transaction fees and with travel-specific perks like lounge access or trip insurance. Those staying mainly within Italy should prioritise local shop relationships and euro-based rewards instead.
Your credit profile limits your options, with premium cards typically requiring excellent credit histories. Starting with a basic card and showing responsible usage can open doors to more feature-rich options later.
Further Reading: Top 10 Credit Cards in Germany in 2025
Types of credit cards
The market offers various specialised cards designed for different needs and lifestyles:
- Rewards cards – provide points, miles, or cashback on purchases, with some offering bonus categories that deliver higher returns on specific spending types.
- Travel cards – target frequent travellers with benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Balance transfer cards – feature introductory low or zero percent interest periods for transferring existing debt from higher-interest cards.
- Secured cards – require security deposits and serve those building or rebuilding credit histories.
- Business cards – offer features tailored to company spending, including expense tracking tools and employee cards.
- Prepaid cards – function similarly to debit cards but without requiring bank accounts.
What credit cards work in Italy?
Most major international cards work smoothly throughout Italy, with Visa and Mastercard having nearly universal acceptance in urban and tourist areas. American Express works in many places, particularly higher-end restaurants, hotels, and designer stores, though with somewhat less coverage than Visa or Mastercard. Discover cards have limited acceptance, working mainly at locations catering to American tourists.
Italian domestic cards like CartaSi, now known as Nexi, operate exclusively within the country’s borders but offer specialised local benefits. When travelling to remote rural areas, carrying some cash remains advisable as smaller businesses may not accept cards or may require minimum purchase amounts for card transactions.
Mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay continue gaining popularity across Italy, especially in larger cities. These services work wherever contactless payments are accepted, adding convenience and an additional security layer since they don’t share your actual card number with shops.
What is the best credit card to use in Italy?
The ideal card for Italian use depends largely on your specific situation and needs. For travellers from abroad, cards without foreign transaction fees present clear advantages, potentially saving 2-3% on every purchase. Cards operating on the Visa or Mastercard networks provide the broadest acceptance throughout the country, from major cities to smaller towns.
Look for cards offering travel-specific benefits like:
- Travel insurance
- Rental car coverage
- Emergency assistance services
- No ATM withdrawal fees
For residents of Italy, cards from Italian banks sometimes offer better integration with local systems and regional perks and promotions. International travellers living in Italy benefit from dual-card strategies – keeping both a local Italian card and an international plastic optimised for travel to other countries.
1. Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card stands out for visitors to Italy with its straightforward approach to travel benefits. Cardholders earn 1.5 points per euro spent on all purchases without category restrictions, making the rewards process simple. These points never expire as long as the account remains active, providing flexibility for future travel planning.
This card has no annual fee, making it perfect for occasional travellers who don’t need premium card features. The absence of foreign transaction fees saves about 3% on all Italian purchases compared to standard cards, adding up to significant savings during longer stays. New cardholders often qualify for substantial sign-up bonuses after meeting initial spending requirements.
Bank of America account holders gain extra advantages through the Preferred Rewards programme, potentially increasing point earnings by 25-75% depending on their banking relationship tier. The card includes standard travel protections and security features, though it lacks some premium benefits found on higher-tier cards like airport lounge access.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card delivers exceptional value for travellers to Italy through its versatile rewards structure and travel-focused benefits. Cardholders earn double points on travel purchases and dining worldwide, categories particularly relevant when exploring Italian cuisine and attractions. These points transfer at favourable rates to multiple airline and hotel partners, often yielding better value than direct redemptions.
The card’s travel protection benefits are valuable in Italy, including:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Baggage delay coverage
- Primary rental car insurance (important when driving through Italy’s diverse regions)
The absence of foreign transaction fees eliminates the typical 3% surcharge on international purchases, resulting in immediate savings.
While the card carries an annual fee, the anniversary point bonus and ongoing travel benefits frequently offset this cost for regular travellers. The metal card design adds a premium feel that works well in Europe’s fashion-conscious culture. Chase’s customer service includes 24/7 assistance, valuable when dealing with time zone differences or urgent situations while travelling abroad.
3. Chase United Gateway Credit Card
For travellers frequently flying between the United States and Italy, the Chase United Gateway card offers specialised benefits centred around United Airlines’ extensive European routes. The card earns double miles on United purchases, at petrol stations, and on local transit and commuting, providing value both during travel preparation and while exploring Italian cities.
New cardholders usually receive a mile bonus after meeting initial spending requirements, often enough for one-way economy flights between major US cities and Italian destinations. The card includes basic United travel benefits like 25% back on inflight purchases and expanded award seat availability.
Like other Chase travel cards, the United Gateway charges no foreign transaction fees, creating immediate savings on all Italian purchases. The reasonable annual fee structure makes this card accessible for travellers who may not qualify for premium airline cards but still want travel-focused benefits.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers remarkable flexibility for Italian travel with its straightforward earning structure and versatile redemption options. Cardholders earn double miles on every purchase regardless of category, eliminating the need to track spending categories while travelling. These miles apply directly to travel purchases as statement credits or transfer to airline partners for potentially higher value.
The card’s travel benefits include Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits, particularly valuable for frequent travellers dealing with international airport procedures. Car rental collision coverage provides peace of mind when exploring Italy’s countryside regions, while the lack of foreign transaction fees saves substantially on all Italian purchases.
Capital One’s user-friendly mobile app allows easy tracking of expenses and rewards while travelling, with real-time purchase notifications helping monitor for unauthorised transactions. The card offers substantial welcome bonuses for new applicants meeting spending thresholds, potentially funding significant portions of Italian trips right from the start.
5. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver card provides straightforward value for Italian travellers through its uncomplicated cashback structure. Cardholders earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases without category restrictions or quarterly activations, simplifying reward tracking during travel. This consistent return applies equally to restaurants, museums, transportation, and shopping throughout Italy.
With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the card creates immediate savings compared to standard cashback cards that typically charge 3% on international purchases. The cash rewards never expire and remain available for redemption in any amount, providing flexibility for travellers on various budgets.
New cardholders often receive welcome bonuses after meeting initial spending requirements, effectively subsidising early travel expenses. The card includes standard Capital One benefits like virtual card numbers for secure online purchases, extended warranty protection, and travel accident insurance, adding practical value beyond the core cashback programme.
6. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X represents the premium tier of travel cards, beneficial for frequent visitors to Italy seeking luxury travel perks. Cardholders receive complimentary access to Capital One airport lounges and Priority Pass lounges worldwide, including several locations in major Italian airports like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. The annual travel credit effectively reduces the card’s annual fee for active travellers.
The rewards structure offers substantial returns with:
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x on flights
- 2x on all other purchases
Additional benefits include cell phone protection, primary rental car insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption coverage – all valuable safeguards when exploring Italy’s diverse regions.
7. Nectar Credit Card
The Nectar Credit Card offers specialised benefits for travellers planning extended stays in Italy, particularly through its unique grocery rewards structure. Cardholders earn triple points at supermarkets, valuable for longer visits requiring self-catering options or exploring Italian food markets. These points convert to Nectar rewards, usable across various partner merchants in Europe.
While primarily designed for UK customers, this card works well throughout the Eurozone with reasonable foreign transaction fees compared to standard UK cards. The card typically features promotional interest rates on purchases during initial periods, helpful for spreading costs of larger Italian travel expenses over several months.
The Nectar programme’s extensive partner network includes travel providers like Expedia, creating additional value when booking accommodations throughout Italy. The card’s modest annual fee structure makes it accessible to travellers with various income levels, while regular promotional offers provide opportunities for bonus point earnings on specific Italian vendors.
8. HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
The HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card caters to travellers seeking extended payment options for major Italian purchases like designer goods or premium experiences. The card typically offers lengthy zero-percent interest periods on new purchases, allowing cardholders to finance expensive Italian acquisitions while avoiding interest charges for the promotional period.
As a globally recognised bank, HSBC provides reliable service throughout Europe with emergency card replacement services available in major Italian cities. The HSBC mobile banking app supports multiple currencies, useful for tracking expenses in euros while maintaining an account overview in your home currency.
While the card does charge foreign transaction fees, its other benefits often compensate for frequent travellers to Italy. These include purchase protection insurance covering items against damage or theft, particularly valuable when buying Italian luxury goods, and price protection that refunds differences if prices drop shortly after purchase.
9. American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card delivers premium benefits particularly suited to food-focused Italian travel. Cardholders earn quadruple points at restaurants worldwide, including Italy’s renowned dining establishments, and triple points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. These points transfer to numerous airline partners or redeem directly for travel through the Amex portal.
The card’s annual dining credits partially offset its annual fee, while the lack of foreign transaction fees saves substantially on Italian purchases. Cardholders gain access to The Hotel Collection benefits when booking qualifying stays, including room upgrades and property credits that enhance Italian hotel experiences. The card’s comprehensive travel insurance includes baggage insurance and car rental loss/damage coverage.
While American Express has historically had more limited acceptance in Europe, their coverage has expanded significantly across Italy, particularly in tourist centres and upscale establishments. The Gold Card’s prestige factor works well in fashion-conscious Italian culture, and the dedicated concierge service proves valuable for securing reservations at popular restaurants or exclusive experiences.
10. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card rounds out our top ten with its well-balanced approach to travel rewards and everyday spending. Cardholders earn triple points on:
- Air travel
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Supermarkets
- Petrol stations
These categories cover most major expense areas during Italian trips. The points transfer to several airline partners or redeem directly for travel through the Citi portal.
The card’s annual hotel savings benefit provides statement credits on hotel stays exceeding certain amounts, creating value for travellers booking premium Italian accommodations. While the card carries an annual fee, the diverse bonus categories and periodic special offers often offset this cost for active users. The absence of foreign transaction fees eliminates the typical 3% surcharge on Italian purchases.
Citi’s entertainment access programme provides special ticketing opportunities for events, occasionally including Italian cultural performances or exhibitions. The card includes various protection benefits like extended warranty coverage and damage/theft protection, valuable when purchasing Italian speciality items or electronics.
Further Reading: Top 10 Credit Cards in France in 2025
Credit cards in Italy: pros and cons
Cards offer numerous advantages when travelling through Italy:
Pros:
- Widespread acceptance in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants reduces the need to carry large cash amounts.
- Many cards provide travel-specific benefits like rental car insurance and travel emergency assistance.
- Purchases receive additional consumer protections compared to cash transactions.
- Tracking capabilities simplify expense management during trips.
- Rewards programmes return value through points, miles, or cashback on Italian spending.
Cons:
- Some smaller establishments, particularly in rural areas, remain cash-only or require minimum purchase amounts.
- Dynamic currency conversion offers usually include hidden markups of 3-5%.
- Foreign transaction fees on some cards add 2-3% to every purchase.
- Cash advance fees and interest make ATM cash withdrawals expensive.
- Italy occasionally experiences technical issues with payment systems.
Comparison of credit cards
Evaluating cards for Italian use requires examining several key factors:
- Annual fees. Range from zero for basic cards to several hundred euros for premium options.
- Rewards programmes. Vary significantly in both earning rates (typically 1-5% of purchase value) and redemption options.
- Foreign transaction fees. Some cards charge nothing while others add 3% to every Italian purchase.
- Interest rates. Matter primarily for those carrying balances, typically ranging from 15-24% annually.
- Travel benefits. Premium cards offer perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services.
- Network acceptance. Visa and Mastercard enjoy nearly universal acceptance while American Express works primarily in tourist-focused and upscale establishments.
- Mobile wallet compatibility. Increasingly matters as contactless payment adoption grows throughout Italy.
The ideal card balances these factors according to your specific travel patterns and financial preferences.
Tips on properly using your credit card in Italy
Using cards effectively in Italy requires understanding local payment customs and security practices:
- Always inform your card issuer before travelling to prevent security blocks on legitimate transactions.
- Choose local currency (euro) rather than accepting dynamic currency conversion offers.
- Carry multiple payment methods as backup options.
- Keep your card visible during transactions rather than allowing servers or merchants to take it elsewhere.
- Try contactless payments for smaller purchases when available.
- Protect your PIN carefully when using ATMs or payment terminals.
- Monitor your accounts regularly through mobile banking apps.
- Save receipts until verifying transactions on your statement.
Following these simple guidelines will help you avoid common problems and make the most of your cards while in Italy.
What credit card provider to choose?
Selecting the right provider for Italian travel depends on various personal factors. Major international banks like Chase, Capital One, and Bank of America offer cards specifically designed for foreign travel, with competitive exchange rates and comprehensive travel benefits. These providers typically feature robust mobile apps for transaction monitoring and customer service options suited to international travellers.
European banks sometimes provide advantages through deeper integration with local payment systems and specialised regional knowledge. HSBC and similar international banks with European presence offer balanced options with services spanning multiple countries. For temporary Italian residents or frequent visitors, local Italian banks merit consideration for their domestic-focused benefits and relationship banking opportunities.
Ultimately, the ideal provider combines reasonable fees, strong fraud protection, responsive customer service across time zones, and digital tools supporting international usage. Many experienced travellers maintain relationships with multiple providers, maximising flexibility and creating backup options when travelling abroad.
Further Reading: Why use virtual cards instead of physical cards?
Deciphering banking jargon
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate) – the yearly interest cost of carrying a balance, including certain fees beyond the nominal interest rate.
- Grace period – interest-free time (typically 21-25 days) between purchase dates and payment due dates.
- Credit limits – maximum borrowing amounts.
- Utilisation ratios – compare balances against credit limits, significantly impacting credit scores.
- Minimum payments – the smallest amount required monthly to maintain good standing.
- Cash advance – using cards to withdraw cash, typically triggering immediate fees and higher interest rates.
- Foreign transaction fees – apply to purchases made outside your card’s home currency.
- Balance transfers – moving debt between cards, often with promotional interest rates.
Understanding these terms helps maximise card benefits while minimising unnecessary costs during Italian travel or residence.
Wallester: a convenient payment option in Italy
Wallester offers a practical way to manage payments for both locals and visitors in Italy. As a licensed Visa partner, Wallester provides virtual and physical cards that work well for everyday purchases, whether you’re paying in shops or booking services online. The cards are widely accepted and compatible with popular digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making them easy to use on the go.
One of the key advantages of Wallester cards is the support for multi-currency transactions. This helps save money on currency conversion fees when making payments abroad, which is especially useful for frequent travelers. The mobile app allows users to track their spending, receive transaction notifications, and control card settings.
Wallester also focuses on security, offering quick options to block the card if it’s lost or stolen. This feature helps reduce potential risks when traveling or using the card in busy areas. With clear terms and practical features, Wallester offers a reliable way to handle payments while in Italy.
