Want to manage your money easily and securely, without a bank account? The Postepay Standard Card is the ideal solution for you! Millions of Italians choose it every day for making online purchases in total security, withdrawing cash, and topping up their cell phones. In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover everything about the Postepay Standard: how to apply for it, how to top it up, the costs, the limits, and much more. Get ready to enter the world of financial freedom with the Postepay Standard!

What is the Postepay Standard Card?

The Postepay Standard Card is a rechargeable prepaid card issued by Poste Italiane. Unlike credit cards, it is not linked to a bank account and can only be used until the available credit is depleted. It represents the ideal solution for those who want a practical and secure payment method, without the constraints of a bank account. The card is particularly suitable for online purchases, as it offers an additional level of security compared to using a credit card. One of the main advantages of the Postepay Standard Card is that it does not require a bank account, making it accessible to a wide range of users. With the Postepay Standard, you can shop in Italy and abroad, at Postamat ATMs, bank ATMs, and VISA-affiliated websites. Furthermore, the card has no annual management fees.   

How to Apply for the Postepay Standard Card

To apply for the Postepay Standard, simply go to a post office with your tax code and a valid ID document. Alternatively, you can complete the application online, via the Postepay App or the postepay.it website.   

It is important to remember that the Postepay Standard Card can be replaced. By going to a post office, you can request a new card that will keep the same PIN as the replaced card, and the remaining credit will be automatically transferred to the new card.

Once you have it, activate your Postepay Standard quickly and easily.   

How to Top Up the Postepay Standard Card

Topping up your Postepay Standard Card is simple and fast. You can do it at Postamat ATMs, using another Postepay Card or a payment card from the Postamat, PagoBANCOMAT, Visa, Vpay, Mastercard, and Maestro networks. Alternatively, you can top up the card online through the Poste Italiane websites, the Postepay App, or the BancoPosta App. The Automatic Top-Up service is also available, allowing you to set up recurring top-ups based on your needs. Other top-up options include post offices, PUNTOLIS network tobacco shops, and Postepay Open, a service that lets you top up your card from other bank accounts.   

How to Use the Postepay Standard Card

The Postepay Standard Card can be used for various operations:

• Online payments: Make secure purchases on websites and e-commerce platforms that accept Visa network cards. To do so, simply enter your card details (number, expiration date, and CVV2 code) at checkout.
• In-store payments: Use the card to pay for goods and services at Visa-affiliated merchants, both in Italy and abroad.   
• Cash withdrawals: Withdraw cash from Postamat ATMs and participating bank ATMs.   
• Mobile top-ups: You can use your Postepay Standard Card to top up your cell phone by accessing your personal area on the www.postepay.it website and entering your credentials.   
• Postepay 2 Postepay (P2P): This service allows you to send and receive money from other Postepay cardholders using the recipient’s cell phone number.   
• Check balance and transaction history: You can check your card’s balance and the list of the last 40 transactions via the postemobile.it website, the PosteMobile App, the Postepay App, or at Postamat ATMs.   

Pay with Postepay

Pay with Postepay is a service offered by Poste Italiane that simplifies online and in-store payments. To use it, just look for the “Pay with Postepay” button at checkout and authorize the transaction through the Postepay App by entering your PosteID. This service offers an additional layer of security and convenience for your purchases.   

Costs and Fees

• Card issuance: There is an issuance fee for the Postepay Standard, amounting to €10.00.   
• Cash withdrawals: There are fees for cash withdrawals, amounting to €1.00 from Postamat ATMs; €1.00 from enabled Post Offices (POS); €1.75 from an enabled bank ATM, in Italy and Euro countries; €5.00 from an enabled bank ATM, in non-Euro countries + 1.10% of the withdrawal amount.
• Use abroad: Fees may apply for payments made in a foreign currency.
• Payments via PagoPA: Fees for payments via PagoPA vary by amount: €0.50 for amounts from €0.01 to €50 and €1.50 for amounts from €50.01 to €1500.
• Other payments: Fees are waived for payments at enabled Post Offices (POS); free at POS (Visa Network); free for mobile top-ups; free via telematic connection from Poste Italiane websites; free at virtual POS (online merchants); free at terminals (POS) of merchants participating in the Visa/Visa Paywave network, in Italy and abroad, with a mobile device and Postepay Standard Card enabled for payments; 1.10% of the payment amount in a currency other than the euro at terminals (POS) of merchants participating in the Mastercard/Mastercard PayPass network abroad with a mobile device.   

To know the exact costs and fees of the Postepay Standard Card, it is advisable to consult the Information Sheet available at post offices or on the Poste Italiane website.

Security

Poste Italiane is committed to ensuring the security of transactions made with the Postepay Standard Card. However, it is important to take some precautions to protect your card from potential fraud:   

• Keep the card safe: Do not share the card number, expiration date, and CVV2 code with anyone.
• Use strong passwords: Choose a complex password for accessing the personal area of the Postepay website and the Postepay App.
• Monitor transactions: Regularly check your card statement to verify any unauthorized transactions.
• Report any anomalies: In case of loss, theft, or suspected fraudulent use of the card, contact Poste Italiane immediately to block it.

PostePay S.p.A. disclaims all liability for transactions made before the receipt of the notification of loss, theft, or unauthorized or suspected use of the Card and its usage codes, if the notification itself was not made according to the methods and timelines indicated in the Information Sheet and in the Card’s contractual conditions.   

Limits and Restrictions

• Maximum balance (plafond): €3,000.00.
• Maximum top-up amount: €3,000.00 per single transaction and €50,000.00 annually, topped up on the total of all cards registered to the same holder.
• Maximum daily withdrawal amount: €250.00 from a bank ATM or Postamat ATM; €3,000.00 from enabled Post Offices (POS). The daily payment limit is €3,000.00.
• Use abroad: There may be restrictions on using the card in some countries.

Furthermore, you can customize the payment and withdrawal limits of your Postepay Standard Card directly from the Poste Italiane App or the Postepay App.   

To find out the specific limits of the Postepay Standard Card, it is advisable to consult the Information Sheet or contact Poste Italiane customer service.

Postepay Standard Card Abroad

The Postepay Standard Card can be used abroad just like in Italy. Therefore, everything that has been said about its features in Italy is also valid for use abroad.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Postepay Standard Card

The Postepay Standard Card offers several advantages:

• Accessibility: It does not require a bank account.
• Security: Ideal for online purchases and for limiting the risk of fraud.
• Convenience: It can be used for payments, withdrawals, and mobile top-ups.
• Management cost: It has no annual fee.

However, it also has some disadvantages:

• Usage limits: There are limits on top-ups, withdrawals, and usage both abroad and in Italy.
• Variable costs: Fees are applied for some transactions.

Comparison Table

Conclusions

The Postepay Standard Card presents itself as a practical and flexible solution for money management, ideal for those looking for an alternative to a bank account. Its ease of use makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from the young to the elderly, from those who make online purchases to those who prefer physical stores. The ability to withdraw cash from Postamat and bank ATMs, both in Italy and abroad, makes it a versatile tool for daily needs.

One of the strengths of the Postepay Standard is security. Being a prepaid card, the risk of fraud is limited, as you can only load the amount you intend to spend. Furthermore, Poste Italiane offers several tools to protect your card, such as the ability to block it in case of theft or loss and to monitor transactions via the Postepay App or website.

However, it is also important to consider some less advantageous aspects. The lack of an IBAN may limit some operations, such as receiving a salary or paying some utility bills. Moreover, information on costs and usage limits is not always easily found online, requiring a visit to a post office or a call to customer service to get precise details.

Ultimately, the Postepay Standard Card can be a valid option for those looking for a simple, secure, and flexible payment tool, but it is essential to carefully evaluate your own needs and the card’s features before applying for it.

Frequently Asked Questions