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For millions of Italians, the prepaid card represents the first step toward financial independence and digital money management. In a Mediterranean cultural context, historically tied to the use of cash, the tool offered by Poste Italiane has successfully bridged the gap between tradition and innovation. Today, choosing between the Standard and Evolution versions is not just a matter of cost, but of lifestyle.
Italy stands out in the European landscape for the high penetration of prepaid cards compared to traditional credit cards. This phenomenon can be explained by the widespread presence of post offices and the perception of security that the Poste brand conveys. We will analyze in detail the technical features, management costs, and renewal procedures for 2025, helping you understand which card best suits your daily needs.
Postepay is not just a payment tool, but a social phenomenon that has democratized e-commerce in Italy, allowing anyone to shop online without a bank account.
The success of Postepay lies in its hybrid nature. On one hand, it offers the modernity of contactless payments and app-based management; on the other, it maintains a physical connection to the local area through post offices. For many users, the ability to top up the card with cash at a tobacco shop or a counter is an indispensable security feature.
While European neobanks are pushing for total digitalization, Poste Italiane has chosen a middle path. This strategy has allowed it to attract both digital natives and generations less accustomed to technology. The card thus becomes a bridge connecting the habit of using cash with the need to operate in global digital markets.
However, the market is evolving rapidly. New European payment regulations and competition from fintech companies are imposing increasingly high security and operational standards. To understand how this tool is positioned today relative to the future of payments, it is useful to observe the trends of debit and prepaid cards towards 2026.
The Postepay Standard, recognizable by its iconic yellow color, is the ideal solution for those looking for an essential payment tool with no annual fees. It’s perfect for online shopping, travel, or as a first card for young people. Since it doesn’t require a linked bank account, it ensures simple and surprise-free budget management.
The card has a one-time issuance fee, currently set at 10 euros, plus a required minimum initial top-up. The main advantage of the Standard version is the absence of an annual fee. You only pay when you use or top it up, making it extremely competitive for occasional use.
The Standard has a maximum balance (plafond) of 3,000 euros. Withdrawal limits are set at 250 euros per day from Postamat or bank ATMs, while there are no limits for POS payments other than the available balance on the card. This setup makes it secure: in case of loss, the risk is limited to the amount loaded on it.
The Postepay Evolution represents a leap in quality towards almost bank-like functionality. Equipped with an Italian IBAN, this card allows you to send and receive wire transfers, have your salary or pension deposited, and set up direct debits for household bills. It is designed for those who need a “pocket account” without having to open a traditional bank account.
Unlike the Standard, the Evolution has an annual fee of 15 euros. This cost covers the IBAN management and advanced features. The card is equipped with contactless technology and uses the Mastercard network, ensuring broader global acceptance compared to the Visa Electron network often associated with the Standard version.
The presence of the IBAN is its real strength. It allows you to turn the prepaid card into a primary account for workers and students. However, it’s crucial to assess whether this solution is sufficient for your financial needs. To delve deeper into the pros and cons of this method, you can consult our analysis on getting your salary paid onto a prepaid card.
One of the most critical aspects of managing a Postepay card is the operational fees. Often, the average user underestimates how much these small amounts can impact their annual budget. Knowing the fees is essential to use the card smartly and cost-effectively.
Topping up a Postepay card has variable costs. Topping up online via the app or the Poste.it website generally costs 1 euro. If you go to a post office, the cost is also 1 euro, but it rises to 2 euros if you perform the transaction at affiliated tobacco shops (SISAL points). You pay for this convenience, and it’s worth keeping in mind if you make frequent, small top-ups.
Cash withdrawal is free from Postamat ATMs. However, if you use a bank ATM (non-Poste), the fee is 1.75 euros in Italy and the Eurozone, and it increases to 5.00 euros plus a percentage on the exchange rate for withdrawals in foreign currency. To avoid unnecessary expenses, it is advisable to read the guide on the hidden costs of ATM withdrawals.
Postepay cards have an expiration date printed on the front. Upon expiration, the card will no longer be usable and must be renewed. Poste Italiane has significantly simplified this procedure in recent years, allowing you to manage everything from home.
You can renew the card starting from two months before the expiration date and up to 18 months after. The renewal is free. The new card is sent directly to the cardholder’s address but arrives deactivated for security reasons. The remaining balance from the old card is automatically transferred to the new one upon activation.
Warning: During the renewal period, scams via SMS or email increase exponentially. Poste Italiane will never ask for your security codes via a link.
Once you receive the envelope, activation can be done online or by phone. However, technical issues can occur during this delicate step. If you encounter difficulties, our specific guide on what to do in case of an activation error after renewal might be helpful.
The widespread use of Postepay makes it a frequent target for cybercriminals. Security depends not only on Poste Italiane’s systems but also on the user’s behavior. Enabling the 3D Secure system is mandatory for online purchases and requires confirmation via the app or an SMS OTP.
In case of suspicious transactions or card theft, timeliness is everything. You must immediately block the card through the app or the dedicated toll-free number. Many users are unaware that there are specific procedures to limit damages and attempt to recover the funds. To learn more, we invite you to read about how to handle an anti-fraud block on your Postepay.
The choice between Postepay Standard and Evolution essentially depends on the type of functionality you need. The Standard remains the king of online payments and small expenses, unbeatable due to its lack of fixed costs. The Evolution, on the other hand, stands as a valid alternative to a basic bank account, ideal for those looking for an “all-in-one” product at a low cost.
In a European market increasingly geared towards purely digital solutions, Poste Italiane’s offering retains its appeal thanks to the security of human contact and the brand’s solidity. Whether you choose the tradition of the yellow card or the evolution of the black one, the important thing is to use these tools with awareness, monitoring costs and protecting your data.
The main difference lies in the IBAN: the Evolution has one, allowing for wire transfers, direct debits, and salary deposits like a bank account, while the Standard is a pure prepaid card ideal for online shopping. The costs also differ, with a fixed annual fee for the Evolution and only a one-time issuance cost for the Standard.
The renewal is free and can be requested from two months before the expiration date up to 18 months after. You can conveniently proceed online through the reserved area of the Poste Italiane website, use the Postepay App, call the dedicated customer service number, or go to a post office in person.
Currently, the annual fee for the Postepay Evolution is 15 euros. To this amount, you must add the card issuance cost (usually 5 euros) plus a mandatory minimum initial top-up, unless there are temporary promotions offered by Poste Italiane.
Yes, but this feature is exclusive to the Postepay Evolution. Thanks to its Italian IBAN, this version allows for direct deposit of salary or pension and setting up direct debits for bills, which are not possible with the Standard version (the yellow card).
For the Postepay Evolution, the withdrawal limit is 600 euros per day and 2,500 euros per month from any ATM. For the Standard, the daily limit at a Postamat ATM is 250 euros, while it is possible to withdraw larger amounts, within the card’s balance limit, by going directly to the counter inside a post office.