Top payment methods in Italy: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Italy? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Italy, with a population of around 58.96 million people, has a GDP of approximately 2.42 trillion making it the 8th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR)
A large, diversified economy, its main drivers are manufacturing (luxury goods, machinery, automotive), services, and tourism. As a founding member of the European Union and the Eurozone, it is deeply integrated with its European partners, especially Germany and France.
| Country | Italy |
|---|---|
| Population | 58.96 million |
| GDP (USD) | 2.42 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 8th |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Italy?
While card usage is high, a strong cultural preference for cash persists in Italy, making the Euro a very common method for daily expenses. The use of credit and debit cards, particularly through the PagoBANCOMAT network, has been growing, driven by government incentives to reduce cash usage. For e-commerce, PayPal is a leading choice, while Satispay, an Italian mobile payment app, is a popular option for in-store purchases and P2P transfers.
How to pay in Italy
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Italy.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Debit/Credit - PagoBANCOMAT) | Cards are a primary payment method. The national debit card circuit, PagoBANCOMAT, is ubiquitous for in-person payments. Credit cards are also widely used, especially online. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | Italy has a strong cash culture. Cash is a very popular and widely used payment method, especially for smaller purchases and in local shops. | In-person |
| Digital Wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay) | PayPal is very popular for e-commerce. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used for contactless payments. | Online/In-person |
| SEPA Bank Transfers | SEPA transfers are a standard method for paying for recurring services, utilities, and for making larger one-off payments. | Online |
Traveling beyond Italy? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Italy?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Italy.
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Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.