ATM: A Complete and Simple Guide to Bancomat and Postamat 2025

The automated teller machine, or ATM, is a pillar of daily life in Italy. From the bustling metropolis to the small village, it represents an essential access point to financial services, a bridge between the deep-rooted cash culture and the unstoppable drive toward digital innovation. For many, it’s a silent travel companion, always there for a sudden need or for managing personal finances. But do we really know all its potential, its hidden costs, and the rules for using it safely?

This comprehensive guide explores the world of ATMs, Bancomat, and Postamat in the Italian and European context. We will analyze the terminological differences, the services offered that go far beyond simple withdrawals, the fees to be aware of to avoid surprises, and the essential security rules to protect yourself. In an era of transition, where the number of physical machines is decreasing while their functionalities evolve, understanding the role and future of these devices is fundamental for every citizen.

Bancomat, Postamat, ATM: Let’s Clarify

In common parlance, the terms ATM, Bancomat, and Postamat are often used interchangeably, but they identify distinct realities. ATM, an acronym for Automated Teller Machine, is the international technical term for the automated machine. Bancomat, on the other hand, is the name of the most widespread national withdrawal and payment network in Italy, created in 1983 from an interbank agreement. Its popularity has made the brand a common name for the machine itself. Finally, the Postamat is the ATM managed by Poste Italiane, linked to BancoPosta accounts and Postepay cards, but also accessible to other networks. For a deeper look at the differences, you can consult our guide to the differences between Bancomat, PagoBancomat, and Postamat.

The history of the ATM in Italy began in 1976, nine years after its debut in London, when the Cassa di Risparmio di Ferrara installed the first terminal. However, it was only with the creation of the Bancomat network in 1983 that automated withdrawal became a widespread service nationwide, forever changing the financial habits of Italians. This invention marked a true revolution, promising a bank that was “always open,” 24 hours a day.

The ATM Network in Italy: A Patchy Map

The distribution of ATMs across Italy is not uniform. While cities and high-density areas enjoy extensive coverage, many inland areas and small towns suffer from the phenomenon of “banking desertification.” In recent years, the number of bank ATMs has been steadily declining, falling below 20,000 units by the end of 2024. This reduction particularly penalizes the elderly, small businesses, and citizens with less digital literacy, for whom the physical machine remains a fundamental resource.

In this context, the Postamat network of Poste Italiane plays a crucial role. With a number of ATMs bucking the trend, having surpassed 8,300 units, Poste Italiane ensures a widespread presence even in the smallest towns. The Polis Project, in particular, aims to transform post offices in towns with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants into “Digital Service Hubs,” enhancing ATMs and offering a unified access point to Public Administration services. This strategy not only counteracts the depopulation of villages but also strengthens social and territorial cohesion.

Withdrawal Networks: How Your Card Works

When you insert a card into an ATM, you are using a payment network that connects your bank with the one managing the machine. Knowing the logos on your card and on the ATM helps you understand where you can operate and at what potential cost. The main networks active in Italy are:

• Bancomat/PagoBANCOMAT: This is the quintessential domestic network, enabling cash withdrawals and in-store (POS) payments throughout Italy, respectively. Almost all Italian debit cards are part of this network.
• Postamat: This is the specific network for cards issued by Poste Italiane, usable at all Postamat machines and, often in co-branding with other networks, also at bank ATMs.
• International Networks: Logos like Maestro, Cirrus (linked to Mastercard), V PAY, and Visa Plus (linked to Visa) indicate that the card can be used for withdrawals at almost all ATMs worldwide, including those of other banks in Italy.

More Than Just Withdrawals: All the Services of the Modern ATM

The idea of the ATM as a simple cash dispenser is now outdated. Modern machines, known as advanced ATMs or Smart ATMs, have become true self-service banking kiosks, capable of offering a wide range of operations. This evolution allows you to manage many financial needs independently, even outside of branch opening hours. If you want to discover all the functions, read our guide to deposits and payments via ATM.

Basic and Advanced Operations

In addition to classic withdrawals, advanced ATMs allow for complex operations. You can deposit cash and checks with real-time credit to your account (for banknotes) or subject to collection (for checks). Other very useful functions include paying pre-printed bills, MAV, RAV, car tax, and taxes via pagoPA, often using a convenient barcode reader. You can also perform phone top-ups, reload prepaid cards, and check your balance and transaction history.

Innovation at the Machine: Cardless Withdrawals

The latest frontier is represented by cardless withdrawals, which eliminate the need to physically insert the card. By leveraging NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the same used for contactless payments, you can withdraw cash simply by holding your smartphone or enabled card near the ATM’s reader. Some banks also allow you to pre-stage the withdrawal through their mobile banking app, generating a QR code to be scanned at the machine. These systems not only make the transaction faster but also increase security by reducing the risk of card skimming. To learn more, consult the complete guide to the security of cardless and NFC withdrawals.

Costs and Fees: What It Really Costs to Withdraw

Withdrawal fees are one of the main concerns for users. The general rule is simple: withdrawing from your own bank’s ATM is almost always free, while withdrawing from another institution’s machine incurs a cost. This interbank fee typically ranges from €1.50 to €2.50 per transaction. Withdrawing abroad, even within the Eurozone, can involve similar costs, in addition to currency exchange fees for withdrawals in non-EU countries. If you’re traveling, our guide to withdrawing abroad can be very helpful.

Recently, the fee system in Italy has undergone a reform to increase transparency, driven by a European directive. The main change is that the fee for withdrawing from another bank’s ATM is set and displayed directly by the ATM’s owner bank before confirming the transaction. This allows the customer to know the exact cost and decide whether to proceed or cancel, promoting competition but raising concerns about potential price hikes, especially in areas with few ATMs.

Withdrawal Limits: Regulations to Know

There are different types of limits when it comes to cash withdrawals, and it’s important not to confuse them. On one hand, there are contractual limits, set by your bank for security reasons. These define a maximum daily and monthly withdrawal amount, which can usually be customized by the customer. On the other hand, there is no specific legal limit on withdrawals, but there is a maximum cap for cash payments, set at €5,000 for 2025. This means you can withdraw or deposit amounts exceeding this threshold, but you cannot make cash payments for amounts equal to or greater than €5,000. For more details, you can read our guide to 2025 withdrawal limits.

ATM Security: How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Using an ATM is a safe operation, but it requires caution to avoid falling victim to scams. Prudence is the first line of defense. The most common threats include skimming, which is the cloning of the card via a device (a skimmer) attached to the card slot, often paired with a micro-camera to record the PIN. Other techniques are cash trapping, where banknotes are blocked by a fake dispenser slot, and card trapping, which physically retains the card. It is always good practice to cover the keypad with your hand while entering the PIN and to check that the machine shows no anomalies or suspicious parts.

In case of problems, such as the card not being returned or suspicion of cloning, it is crucial to act quickly. The first thing to do is to block the card immediately by contacting the toll-free number provided by your bank, which is active 24/7. Afterward, you must file a report with law enforcement and submit a refund request to your credit institution. For a detailed procedure, consult our article on what to do immediately with a blocked or cloned card.

The Future of ATMs: Between Reduction and Innovation

The future of automated teller machines in Italy is marked by an apparent paradox: their total number is decreasing, but the technology equipping them is continuously and rapidly evolving. The push toward digitalization and cost rationalization is leading banks to close less profitable branches, causing the phenomenon of banking desertification. However, the remaining ATMs are transforming into increasingly powerful and intelligent service hubs. Integration with mobile banking apps, cardless and biometric withdrawals, and the ability to perform complex operations are just the beginning.

In a country like Italy, with a large elderly population and a cultural attachment to cash, the ATM is not destined to disappear. Rather, it is evolving in its role as a mediator between traditional finance and the digital world. It will continue to be an irreplaceable reference point, especially in underserved areas, ensuring access to essential financial services and guiding citizens through a digital transition that is inclusive for all.

Conclusions

Automated teller machines, in their Bancomat and Postamat forms, are much more than simple cash dispensers. They represent a fundamental infrastructure in the Italian economic and social fabric, a point of balance between the tradition of cash, still deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture, and the push toward a digital future. Despite the reduction in their numbers, their importance is not diminishing; on the contrary, it is transforming. Advanced ATMs and innovative services like cardless withdrawals demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt.

Tackling banking desertification with inclusive solutions like Poste Italiane’s Polis Project and promoting cost transparency are the key challenges for the future. For the citizen, thoroughly understanding the functionalities, security rules, and costs associated with using an ATM is essential for informed and secure financial management. The ATM is not disappearing but is changing its skin, confirming itself as an indispensable tool that will continue to accompany the daily lives of Italians, evolving along with their needs.

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