The Postepay Evolution Card is one of the most popular prepaid cards in Italy, allowing you to manage your finances simply and securely through the Postepay app and other services. It offers numerous advantages, including the ability to make payments online and in physical stores, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even receive bank transfers as if it were a checking account, thanks to its IBAN. But what exactly is the Postepay Evolution? What are its costs and limits? How do you request and activate it?
In this detailed article, you will find all the answers to your questions about the Postepay Evolution Card. We will delve into every aspect of this card, analyzing its features, its pros and cons, how to use it, and its security measures. Additionally, we will provide you with useful tips on how to make the most of all the features of your Postepay Evolution.
If you are considering getting a prepaid card and want to learn more about the Postepay Evolution, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this card and decide if it’s right for you.
What is the Postepay Evolution Card?
Poste Italiane created the Postepay Evolution Card as a reloadable prepaid card with an associated IBAN. Unlike the classic Postepay, the presence of the IBAN transforms the Postepay Evolution into a complete financial tool, almost a “light” checking account. This means that with the Postepay Evolution you can:
- Receive bank transfers: You can have your salary or pension credited directly to your card.
- Make payments online and in stores: The card is accepted at all points of sale that display the Mastercard logo, both in Italy and abroad.
- Withdraw cash: You can withdraw cash from Postamat ATMs and bank ATMs in Italy and abroad.
- Send and receive money: You can transfer money to other Postepay cards or other checking accounts.
Main Features
The Postepay Evolution Card is distinguished by several features that make it a versatile solution suitable for various needs:
- IBAN: The presence of an IBAN allows you to use the card for banking operations such as transfers, direct debits, and salary crediting. This makes it a valid alternative to a traditional checking account, especially for those looking for a simpler and more immediate solution.
- Contactless Technology: You can make contactless payments quickly and securely by simply tapping the card on the POS terminal.
- Postepay App: You can manage your card easily and intuitively through the Postepay app, available for smartphones and tablets. Check your balance, transactions, and manage your card settings directly from your mobile device.
- Payments with smartphone and smartwatch: Thanks to compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay, you can add your Postepay Evolution to your digital wallet and pay without needing the physical card with you. This feature offers greater convenience and security, especially when traveling or making online purchases.
Pros and Cons
Like any financial product, the Postepay Evolution Card has both pros and cons. Let’s look at them in detail:
Pros
- Low cost: The annual fee for the card is only €15. A very affordable cost, especially when compared to that of a traditional checking account.
- Ease of use: The card is simple to use and manage, even for those unfamiliar with banking products.
- Versatility: The Postepay Evolution can be used for various operations, from online payments to cash withdrawals, to salary crediting and sending transfers.
- Security: Transactions are protected by advanced security systems, such as the EMV chip and PIN code.
- Expense tracking: The Postepay app allows you to monitor your expenses in real time, helping you keep your budget under control.
- Cashback with ScontiPoste: By using your Postepay Evolution at merchants participating in the ScontiPoste program, you can get 20% cashback on your purchases. An excellent opportunity to save!
Cons
- Usage limits: The card has withdrawal, payment, and top-up limits. It is important to be aware of these limits to avoid unpleasant inconveniences.
- Fees: Some operations, such as withdrawals at bank ATMs, are subject to fees. Before carrying out an operation, always check the applicable costs.
- Customer support: Poste Italiane’s customer support does not always meet expectations. Some users complain about long waiting times and difficulties in resolving issues.
Costs and Fees
Before requesting a Postepay Evolution Card, it is important to know the costs and fees associated with its use. Here is a summary of the main expenses:
| Operation | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance | €5 | |
| Annual Fee | €15 | |
| Postamat ATM Withdrawal | Free | |
| Bank ATM Withdrawal (Italy) | €1 | |
| Bank ATM Withdrawal (abroad) | Variable | Depending on the bank |
| Online and in-store payments | Free | |
| SEPA Transfers | Free | Via Postepay app and website |
| Top-up at post office | €1 | |
| Top-up at Postamat ATM | €1 | |
| Top-up via bank transfer | Free |
Postepay Evolution Business
In addition to the standard version, Poste Italiane also offers the Postepay Evolution Business, designed specifically for the needs of freelancers and small businesses. This version of the card offers a higher credit limit, up to €200,000, and additional features for managing business expenses. The annual fee for the Postepay Evolution Business is €15.
How to Request and Activate the Postepay Evolution Card
Requesting the Postepay Evolution Card is simple and fast. You can do it online, through the Postepay app, or by going to a post office.
Online Request
To request the card online, visit the postepay.poste.it website and follow the instructions. You will be asked for your personal data, a valid ID document, and your tax code.
Request at a Post Office
If you prefer to request the card in person, go to a post office with a valid ID document and your tax code. An operator will help you fill out the request.
Card Activation
Once you receive the card, you will need to activate it by following the instructions provided by Poste Italiane. Activation can be done online, through the Postepay app, or by calling customer service.
Usage Limits
The Postepay Evolution Card has some usage limits that are important to know:
- Daily withdrawal limit from Postamat ATM: €600
- Monthly withdrawal limit from Postamat ATM: €2,500
- Payment limit:
- Daily: €3,500.00
- Monthly: €10,000.00
- At authorized Post Offices: within the card’s credit limit
- P2P transfer limit:
- Max €200.00 per transaction
- Max 10 transactions per day from the same sender
- Max 10 transactions per day to the same beneficiary from the same sender
- Maximum amount per transaction:
- SEPA Transfer €5,000
- Postagiro €15,000
- Maximum of two top-ups per day from the same issuer
- Daily top-up limit: Varies depending on the top-up channel
- Maximum credit limit: €30,000
Security
Poste Italiane employs several measures to ensure the security of your Postepay Evolution Card:
- EMV Chip: The card is equipped with a microchip that protects your data from fraud.
- PIN Code: To make payments and withdrawals, you need to enter the PIN code.
- 3D Secure Service: For online payments, the card uses the 3D Secure protocol, which provides an additional layer of authentication via a password or OTP (One Time Password). This system makes online shopping even more secure, protecting you from potential fraud.
- Card Blocking: In case of theft or loss, you can block the card immediately by calling customer service or through the Postepay app.
- Independence and security for online gaming: Thanks to its independent operation from traditional checking accounts, the Postepay Evolution is an ideal solution for those who make transactions related to online gaming. The card offers an additional level of security by separating funds dedicated to gaming from the rest of your finances.
In Brief (TL;DR)
The Postepay Evolution Card is a prepaid card with an IBAN that allows you to make payments, withdrawals, and transfers, just like a checking account.
The card’s costs are low and include an annual fee of €15 and an issuance fee of €5.
The card is equipped with advanced security systems to protect your transactions, both online and offline.
Conclusion
The Postepay Evolution Card presents itself as a versatile and convenient solution for a wide range of users. The presence of the IBAN makes it an interesting alternative to a traditional checking account, offering the ability to set up direct debits for utilities, receive a salary, and make bank transfers. At the same time, the typical features of a prepaid card, such as ease of use and expense control, make it ideal for those looking for a practical and secure payment tool.
The Postepay Evolution is particularly suitable for:
- Young people and students: who are looking for a simple solution to manage their finances and start getting familiar with the banking world.
- Workers and retirees: who want a card with an IBAN for salary or pension crediting, without the costs of a traditional checking account.
- Frequent travelers: thanks to its international acceptance and contactless and cardless payment features via smartphone.
- Those who shop online: thanks to the 3D Secure service that ensures maximum security in transactions.
If you are looking for a complete, secure, and easy-to-use prepaid card, the Postepay Evolution could be the right solution for you. Request it now online, through the Postepay app, or at a post office and start enjoying all its benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between the two cards is the presence of an IBAN on the Postepay Evolution. This means that with the Postepay Evolution you can receive bank transfers, have your salary credited, and set up direct debits for utilities, which is not possible with the Postepay Standard.
Yes, the Postepay Evolution is accepted at all points of sale that display the Mastercard logo, both in Italy and abroad. You can use it to make payments and withdraw cash.
You can top up your Postepay Evolution in several ways:
At post offices
At Postamat ATMs
Via bank transfer
Online, through the Postepay app or the postepay.poste.it website
Through other Postepay cards
In case of theft or loss of the card, it is essential to block it immediately. You can do this by calling Poste Italiane’s customer service or through the Postepay app. Once the card is blocked, you can request a new one.
Yes, the Postepay Evolution can also be requested by minors, starting from the age of 14. The minor must go to a post office accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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