Postepay: The Complete Guide to the Prepaid Card

The Postepay card. Who hasn’t had one or at least heard of it? It’s practically an institution in Italy, a tool that has revolutionized the way many of us handle small daily expenses and online purchases. I still remember when I applied for it for the first time, years ago: it seemed like the perfect solution for shopping online without having to use my main credit card. Simple, cheap (at the time!), and reloadable. But are we sure we really know it inside and out?

With all the versions available today (Standard, Evolution, Digital, Green…) and the features that have been added over time, it’s easy to get lost. This article was created to clear things up: a complete guide to understanding which Postepay is right for you, how it works, what it really costs, and how to use it securely. We’ll cover everything, from the types of cards to app-based management, from hidden costs to the most common scams. Get comfortable, let’s start this journey into the world of Postepay.

What is Postepay and How Was It Created

Before diving into the technical details and the differences between the various versions, let’s take a step back. What exactly is Postepay and why has it become so popular in our country?

The Birth of an Italian Phenomenon

Postepay was born in the early 2000s from an idea by Poste Italiane. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to offer an electronic payment tool accessible to everyone, even those who didn’t have a traditional bank account or didn’t want to use a classic credit card for online purchases, a market that was booming at the time but still viewed with some suspicion.

I remember that period well: e-commerce was taking its first significant steps in Italy, but the fear of online fraud was palpable. Something practical, secure (or at least perceived as such), and easy to get was needed. Poste Italiane, with its extensive network of post offices, was in the ideal position to launch such a product. The Postepay “Standard,” the classic yellow card, was the answer: a reloadable prepaid card, not linked to a bank account, that allowed you to spend only the amount loaded onto it. A simple concept, almost trivial today, but revolutionary for its time.

Why Postepay Was Successful

Postepay’s success was almost immediate and, in my opinion, is based on a few key factors:

1. Ease of use and acquisition: You just had to go to a post office with an ID and your tax code (codice fiscale) to get it in minutes. No lengthy banking procedures, no strict income requirements. We have a specific article on the documents required for Postepay.
2. Accessibility: The initial cost was low and it didn’t require a linked bank account, making it ideal for young people, students, or the unbanked.
3. Perceived security: The idea of being able to load only the amount needed for a purchase limited the risk in case of cloning or fraud. If there were only 50 euros on the card, that was the most you could lose. A reassuring concept for many. We also discuss this in relation to Postepay security for online purchases.
4. Poste Italiane’s network: The widespread presence of post offices throughout the country made it easy to both apply for and reload it.
5. Versatility: It could be used online, in physical stores (via the Visa Electron/Mastercard network, depending on the version), and to withdraw cash from ATMs.

These elements, combined, created an almost perfect product for the needs of the Italian market at the time, quickly becoming the quintessential prepaid card.

Difference Between Prepaid, Debit, and Credit Cards

To fully understand Postepay, it’s helpful to distinguish it from other types of cards. Confusion often arises, but the differences are substantial. We’ve explored the differences between credit, debit, and prepaid cards in another article, but let’s summarize the key points here:

• Prepaid Card (like Postepay Standard/Digital): It works like an “electronic wallet.” You can only spend the money you have previously loaded onto the card. It is not directly linked to a bank account (although versions like the Evolution have an IBAN, they still operate on a “balance” basis). Ideal for controlling spending and for online purchases. Learn more about what a prepaid card is and how it works.
• Debit Card (the “Bancomat”): It is always linked to a bank or postal account. When you use it, the amount is debited directly and almost instantly from your account. You can only spend if you have sufficient funds in the linked account.
• Credit Card: It allows you to spend money “on credit,” meaning it’s advanced by the bank or financial institution that issued it. The amounts spent in a month are then debited all at once from the linked bank account, usually the following month (pay-in-full mode). Alternatively, you can choose to repay in installments (revolving mode), but you’ll pay interest. It usually requires stricter income and creditworthiness requirements. To learn more, read our guide on how a credit card works.

Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the most suitable tool for your needs and for understanding the potential and limitations of Postepay itself.

The Different Versions of Postepay: A Comparison

The Postepay world is no longer limited to just the original yellow card. Over time, Poste Italiane has expanded its offerings to meet different needs. Let’s analyze the main versions available today, comparing them to help you figure out which one might be right for you. This chapter is substantial because there are many options, and they deserve a detailed analysis.

Postepay Standard: The Origin of It All

This is it, the original, the classic yellow card (though now available in different designs) that started it all. The Postepay Standard is the quintessential reloadable prepaid card, designed for those looking for a simple tool for online shopping and in-store payments.

• Key features:
  • Personal, reloadable prepaid card.
  • Visa or Mastercard network (depending on issuance).
  • Does not require a linked bank account.
  • Can be used online, in physical stores that accept the network, and for ATM withdrawals.
  • Contactless technology for quick payments under 50 euros.
• Costs: There is an issuance fee (currently around 10 euros, but always check the official Poste website). It has no annual fee. Fees mainly apply to reloads (varying by the chosen channel) and withdrawals (free at Postamat ATMs, fee-based at bank ATMs).
• Limits: It has a maximum balance (plafond), daily/monthly spending, and withdrawal limits. These limits are generally lower than the Evolution version. Check our guide on Postepay limits for updated details.
• Target audience: Ideal for those who make occasional online purchases, for young people starting to manage small amounts of money, or as a “secondary” card for specific types of expenses, perhaps to keep a separate budget for vacations or hobbies. Excellent if you don’t need advanced features like an IBAN.

Its strength still lies in its simplicity, even though its features have now been surpassed by other versions. We also discuss this in the context of renewing the Postepay Standard.

Postepay Evolution: The Prepaid Card with an IBAN

The Postepay Evolution represents, as its name suggests, a significant evolution. It is Poste Italiane’s answer to those who wanted a prepaid card with features more similar to a bank account, while still maintaining its “balance-based” nature.

• Key features:
  • Personal, reloadable prepaid card with an associated Italian IBAN.
  • Mastercard network.
  • Allows you to send and receive SEPA transfers (including instant ones, for a fee).
  • Option to have your salary or pension direct-deposited.
  • Set up direct debits for utility bills.
  • Online payments, in-store payments (including contactless), and ATM withdrawals.
  • Fully manageable via the Postepay App and the Poste.it website.
• Costs: It has an issuance fee (usually 5 euros + a 15 euro minimum initial reload) and an annual fee (currently 15 euros). Fees for transfers, reloads, and withdrawals are specific and should be verified. You also need to consider the stamp duty on Postepay Evolution if the average annual balance exceeds 77.47 euros (currently 2 euros, but it only applies if the balance exceeds €5,000 at the end of the reporting period). Learn more about the costs and annual fee of Postepay Evolution and what happens if the annual fee is not paid.
• Limits: It has a higher maximum balance (plafond), spending, and withdrawal limits, generally higher than the Standard card. Check the details on Postepay limits. You can find the ABI and CAB for Postepay Evolution and the BIC/SWIFT code directly online or in the app.
• Target audience: Perfect for those who don’t have a bank account but need an IBAN for basic operations like receiving transfers or having their salary direct-deposited. Also useful for those who want to separate daily expense management from their main account, but with more features than the Standard card. Many wonder if Postepay Evolution is a credit card; the answer is no, it remains a prepaid card, albeit an advanced one. You can also learn more about the differences between Postepay Standard and Evolution.

The Evolution is perhaps the most popular and versatile version today, a good compromise between a classic prepaid card and a basic account. You can also find information on Postepay Evolution delivery times and withdrawal methods.

Postepay Digital: The Virtual Card

In an increasingly digital world, a completely dematerialized version was inevitable: the Postepay Digital.

• Key features:
  • A purely virtual prepaid card, managed entirely through the Postepay App.
  • A card number, expiration date, and CVV are provided and viewable in the app.
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  • Associated with an Italian IBAN (like the Evolution).
  • Allows for transfers, salary direct deposits, and direct debits.
  • Can be used for online purchases.
  • Can be linked to Google Pay or Apple Pay for contactless payments in physical stores using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch.
  • Option to request a physical version of the card (for a fee) if needed.
• Costs: No issuance fee if activated online. It has an annual fee (currently 15 euros, like the Evolution). Fees for transfers, reloads, etc., should be verified. Information on renewing the Postepay Digital is available.
• Limits: Similar to Postepay Evolution in terms of maximum balance and IBAN functionality. Check the Postepay limits.
• Target audience: Ideal for those who live a “digital” life, make many online purchases, and regularly use smartphone payments. Perfect if you don’t feel the need to have a physical card in your wallet and want IBAN functionality. Suitable for anyone opening their first digital “account.”

It’s the modern choice for those who embrace technology and want to manage everything from an app, with the convenience of an IBAN.

Postepay Green: Designed for Young People

Poste Italiane has also thought of the younger generation (from 10 to 17 years old) with the Postepay Green.

• Key features:
  • Personal, reloadable prepaid card for minors (ages 10-17).
  • Made from biodegradable material.
  • Visa network.
  • Requires an application from a parent or legal guardian.
  • Allows for online and in-store payments (including contactless).
  • ATM withdrawals (with specific limits).
  • Parental control features via the parent’s app (blocking merchant categories, custom spending limits).
  • Does not have an IBAN.
• Costs: Issuance fee (currently 5 euros). No annual fee. Fees on reloads and withdrawals apply.
• Limits: Specific and lower maximum balance, spending, and withdrawal limits, designed for young users. Check the Postepay limits.
• Target audience: Exclusively for kids and teens between 10 and 17 years old. It’s a useful tool for starting to manage small sums of money independently, under parental supervision, and for making online purchases or paying during school trips or outings with friends.

A way to educate young people about money management in a controlled manner and with an eye on the environment.

Other Variants

Other versions of Postepay exist or have existed, often linked to partnerships or specific needs:

• Postepay IoStudio: A special version for high school students, which integrates student card functionalities. We talk about it here: Postepay IoStudio Card.
• Postepay Connect: An offer that combined a Postepay Evolution card with a PosteMobile SIM card, offering integrated benefits. It may no longer be actively marketed, but those who have it can find information on renewing Postepay Connect.
• Postepay Evolution Business: Designed for freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses, with features and limits suited for professional needs. We have a comparison between Postepay Evolution and Evolution Business.

These variants cater to more specific market niches.

Summary Comparison Table

To help you choose, here is a table summarizing the main features of the most common versions:

This overview should have given you a clearer idea of the available options. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your specific needs.

How to Get and Manage Your Postepay

Have you decided which Postepay is right for you? Great. Now let’s see, step by step, how to apply for it and how to best manage it in your daily life. It seems simple, and for the most part it is, but knowing a few more details can make a difference.

Requirements and Necessary Documents

Getting a Postepay is generally easy. The basic requirements are:

• Age of majority: For Standard, Evolution, and Digital. For Green, the age is between 10 and 17, but the application must be submitted by a parent/guardian who is of legal age.
• Residence in Italy: Usually required.
• Valid ID document: Identity card, passport, or driver’s license.
• Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): The health insurance card or the tax code card.

No specific income requirements are needed, as these are prepaid cards. For a detailed list, you can consult our article on the documents required for Postepay.

Where and How to Apply

The application methods vary slightly depending on the card:

• Postepay Standard/Evolution/Green:
  • Post Office: The classic method. You go to the counter with your documents, fill out the form, pay the issuance fee (and any minimum reload), and the card is given to you immediately, either already active or ready to be activated.
  • Online/App (for some versions): Poste Italiane has gradually enabled online applications for some cards, especially the Evolution. The process is done through the Poste.it website or the Postepay App, with digital identification (often via SPID or CIE), and the card is then mailed to your home (it will require activation).
• Postepay Digital:
  • Exclusively via the Postepay App: The application is done entirely digitally through the app, with identification and immediate activation of the virtual card.

Personally, I’ve always found the post office convenient for the Standard/Evolution, especially the first time, to get direct assistance. But the online/app application is undoubtedly faster if you are comfortable with digital tools.

Card Activation

Once you have the card (physical or virtual), you may need to activate it, especially if you applied online and it was mailed to your home. The procedures may vary:

• Activation via Postepay App: This is often the easiest method. You follow the in-app instructions, entering the card details. We discuss this in detail in how to enable Postepay in the app.
• Activation via Postamat ATM: By inserting the card and following the on-screen instructions.
• Activation via Customer Service: By contacting the dedicated toll-free number.

If the card is given to you directly at the post office, it is usually already active or activated on the spot. You can read our guide on how to activate the Postepay card.

Reloading Your Postepay: All the Methods

One of Postepay’s strengths is the variety of reloading channels. Here are the main ones:

• Postepay App / Poste.it Website: You can reload your Postepay (or someone else’s) using another Postepay card, a payment card from other banks (Visa/Mastercard), or by debiting your BancoPosta account. Here you can find info on how to reload Postepay online from a bank account and how to reload Postepay with a credit card.
• Postamat ATM: Using another Postepay, a BancoPosta card, or a payment card from international networks. Info on how to reload from a Postamat.
• Post Office: In cash or with another card.
• Tobacco shops and Lis/Mooney points: By presenting the card (or its number) and your tax code, paying in cash or with cards. Pay attention to the reload limits at tobacco shops and the fees (Postepay reload at a tobacco shop).
• From Bank ATMs (enabled): Using a debit card on the Maestro network.
• At Home (for some customers): Via authorized mail carriers.
• Bank Transfer (only for Evolution/Digital): Since they have an IBAN, they can be reloaded via bank transfer from any bank account.

The choice depends on convenience and fees, which vary for each channel. Are there ways to reload Postepay for free? Yes, for example, from another Postepay via the App or website. For a complete overview, read our guide on how to reload Postepay. Remember that sometimes a Postepay reload may not arrive immediately.

The Postepay App: Your Control Center

The Postepay App has become an essential tool for managing your card. It allows you to:

• Check Balance and Transactions: In real time (How to check Postepay balance, Download Postepay transaction list). Also useful for understanding unposted Postepay charges.
• Reload: Your own card or someone else’s.
• Make P2P Payments: Instantly transfer money to other Postepay users (Postepay P2P, Activate Poste Italiane P2P, Postepay P2P Reload). Sometimes there are issues if P2P doesn’t find contacts.
• Pay Bills: Also by scanning the QR code.
• Make Bank Transfers (Evolution/Digital): To other accounts.
• Manage the Card: Temporarily block/unblock it, view virtual card details, manage limits.
• Enable Online Payments: Through the PosteID system.
• Link the Card to Digital Wallets.
• Add other cards: How to add a second card to the Postepay app.

Having the app installed and configured (enable Postepay in the app) is almost indispensable for modern use of the card. Sometimes, however, the Postepay app doesn’t work or doesn’t show the card.

Usage, Withdrawal, and Reload Limits

Each version of Postepay has specific limits that are important to know to avoid blocks or declined payments. These concern:

• Maximum Balance (Plafond): The maximum amount that can be on the card at any given time.
• Reload Limit: The maximum amount that can be reloaded in a day or a year.
• Withdrawal Limit: The maximum amount that can be withdrawn from an ATM in a day and/or a month.
• Payment Limit: The maximum amount that can be spent (online and/or POS) in a day and/or a month.

These limits vary significantly between Standard, Evolution, Digital, and Green. It is essential to consult the official information sheets or our guide on Postepay limits for the updated values, as they can change over time. Knowing the limits helps you plan your spending and avoid inconveniences.

Using Postepay: Advanced Features and Services

In addition to the basic functions of payment and withdrawal, Postepay, especially in its more recent versions, offers a series of additional features that increase its versatility. Let’s look at the most interesting ones.

Secure Online Payments

This was one of the main reasons for Postepay’s initial success. Shopping online is simple, but it’s crucial to do it securely. Postepay uses several systems:

• Card Details: Card number, expiration date, and the CVV2/CVC2 security code (the three digits on the back).
• 3D Secure System (Mastercard Identity Check / Visa Secure): For many online purchases, additional authentication is required via the Postepay App (or via SMS with an OTP code, if configured). This adds a significant layer of security, confirming that it is really you making the transaction. It’s important to have activated Postepay 3D Secure.
• App/SMS Notifications: To track transactions in real time.

Despite these measures, you can never be too careful. Learn more in our guide on Postepay security for online purchases.

Payments in Physical Stores

All physical Postepay cards (Standard, Evolution, Green) can be used in stores that display the network logo (Visa or Mastercard).

• Chip & PIN: For amounts above a certain threshold (usually 50 euros), you will need to insert the card into the POS terminal and enter your PIN. If you’ve forgotten your Postepay PIN, check our guide.
• Contactless: For smaller amounts (usually up to 50 euros), just tap the card on an enabled POS terminal. Fast and convenient. The Postepay Digital can be used for contactless payments via a smartphone or smartwatch linked to Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Be careful if your Postepay card is demagnetized: it might not work correctly.

Paying Bills and Services

Through the Postepay App or the Poste.it website, you can pay a wide range of bills:

• Postal Bills: Blank or pre-filled.
• PagoPA: Payments to the Public Administration.
• MAV/RAV.
• Car and Motorcycle Tax.

This feature is particularly convenient for those who use Postepay Evolution or Digital as their main tool for managing expenses.

Postepay and Digital Wallets

The latest versions of Postepay are compatible with major digital wallets:

• Google Pay: For Android users. It allows you to pay contactless with your smartphone and online. Read our guide on Postepay and Google Pay.
• Apple Pay: For iPhone and Apple Watch users. Similar to Google Pay in functionality.

Linking your Postepay to a digital wallet is convenient for not having to carry the physical card with you and for quick payments. The Postepay Digital relies almost entirely on this feature for physical payments.

Linking Postepay to PayPal

A very common pairing, especially for online purchases. You can link your Postepay to your PayPal account to use it as a payment source. This adds an extra layer of security, as you don’t share your card details directly with the final seller, but only with PayPal. It’s a practice I often recommend.

P2P Payments Between Postepay Users

The P2P (Peer-to-Peer or Person-to-Person) service allows you to send and receive money instantly between Postepay users via the App, simply by using the contact’s phone number (if it’s in your address book and synchronized).

• How it works: From the Postepay App, you select the P2P function, choose the contact from your address book (or manually enter the phone number/Postepay card number), type in the amount, and confirm. The transfer is immediate.
• Costs: Usually free up to a certain daily threshold (e.g., 25 euros), then a small fee applies. Always check the conditions in the app.
• Usefulness: Very convenient for splitting a dinner bill with friends, returning small sums of money, or giving a quick gift.

We have several guides on the topic: Postepay P2P, How to activate Poste Italiane P2P, Postepay P2P Reload, Synchronize P2P contacts. What to do if a P2P transaction fails?

Installment Payments with Postepay

Recently, Poste Italiane introduced the option to pay for some purchases made with Postepay (usually Evolution) in installments. This feature, often called “Mini Prestito BancoPosta” or activated through specific in-app options after a purchase, allows you to split the cost of an expense into small monthly payments.

• How it works: Usually, for eligible expenses above a certain threshold, an option to activate installment payments appears in the app. You choose the number of installments and accept the repayment plan, which includes interest (APR and EAR).
• Warning: This is effectively a small loan, so carefully evaluate the costs (interest) and your ability to repay before activating it.

We discuss this in detail in our guide on installment payments with Postepay and on the Mini Prestito BancoPosta.

Postepay Security: Risks and How to Protect Yourself

Postepay is convenient, but like any financial tool, it is not immune to risks, especially those related to online scams and fraud. It is crucial to be aware of the dangers and take the right precautions.

The Most Common Scams

Scammers are becoming increasingly skilled. Here are some of the most frequent scams related to Postepay:

• Email Phishing: You receive an email that appears to be from Poste Italiane, with logos and language similar to the original. It warns you of a problem (blocked card, unusual access, necessary update) and invites you to click on a link to “resolve” it. The link leads to a clone of the Poste website, where they ask you to enter your card details, login credentials, and security codes. Never do it! Poste Italiane never asks for sensitive data via email. Learn more about the Postepay email scam (Phishing).
• SMS Smishing: Similar to phishing, but the message arrives via SMS. It often reports a suspicious payment or a blocked card, with a link to verify or unblock. Here too, the link leads to a fraudulent site. Beware of messages from senders like “PosteInfo” that may not be authentic.
• Vishing (Voice Phishing): You receive a phone call from someone pretending to be a Poste Italiane or Postepay security operator. They report an urgent problem and ask for your card details or codes to “block” fraudulent transactions, while in reality, they are trying to authorize transactions themselves. Never provide data over the phone.
• Scams on Classifieds/Marketplace Sites: You’re selling an item online and the buyer offers to pay you with a “Postepay reload.” Instead of sending a bank transfer or using secure methods, they ask for YOUR card details to make the reload, or they guide you through a strange procedure at an ATM that actually makes YOU reload THEIR card. Be very careful.
• False Offers or Bonuses: Messages or emails promising incredible bonuses (like the mythical €3000 state bonus on Postepay) asking for your details for the credit. These are almost always scams.

We have a general guide on new Postepay scams and how to defend yourself and another specific one on the latest Postepay scam alerts (updated).

What to Do in Case of Theft or Loss

If you lose your card or suspect it has been stolen, act immediately:

1. Block the Card: You can do this:
   • From the Postepay App: Card management section, “Block Card” option. This is often the fastest method. We talk about it here: Block Postepay from App/Website.
   • By Calling the Toll-Free Number: There is a specific number for blocking cards, available 24/7, from both Italy and abroad. You can find the contact numbers in our guide to the Postepay Toll-Free Number or the one on Postepay Contacts.
2. File a Police Report: Go to the Carabinieri or Polizia to report the theft or loss. They will give you a copy of the report.
3. Request a New Card: With the copy of the report, you can go to a post office to request a new card. The remaining balance from the old card (if any) will be transferred to the new one. Info on replacing a blocked Postepay.

Also read the specific guide on what to do if your Postepay Evolution is stolen. For general blocks, see how to block a credit card (generally valid).

How to Recognize Official Communications

Poste Italiane communicates with customers through official channels:

• Postepay App / BancoPosta App.
• Personal Area of the Poste.it website.
• SMS from certified numbers (but always be careful with links!).
• Paper mail.
• Email from official addresses (always check the sender’s domain, e.g., @posteitaliane.it or @postepay.it).

Remember: Poste Italiane NEVER ASKS for the following via email, SMS, or phone:

• Full passwords.
• PIN codes.
• Full credit/Postepay card numbers.
• CVV2/CVC2 security codes.
• OTP codes received via SMS (unless you initiated a specific transaction at that moment).

If in doubt, contact Poste Italiane support directly through the official channels on their website.

Protecting Your PIN and Card Details

Security starts with you. Here are some fundamental tips:

• PIN: Memorize it and never write it on the card or on notes kept with it. Do not share it with anyone. Cover the keypad when you enter it at an ATM or POS terminal. If you forget it, follow the procedure to recover your Postepay PIN or recover a lost PIN.
• Card Details: Do not share photos of your card on social media or via messages. Do not enter the full details on unsecured websites (check that the address starts with https:// and that there is a padlock symbol).
• Online Credentials: Use complex and unique passwords for accessing your personal area on Poste.it and the Postepay App. Enable two-factor authentication (PosteID). If you lose your username, see how to recover your Postepay username. If you lose your password, follow the guide to recover your Postepay password.
• Check Your Transactions: Regularly check your statement or transaction list via the app or website to immediately spot any unauthorized transactions. If you find any, dispute the charge immediately.

Managing Blocks and Declined Payments

Sometimes the card may be blocked or a payment may be declined for security or technical reasons.

• Precautionary/Anti-Fraud Block: Poste Italiane may block the card if it detects suspicious activity. You might receive an SMS or a notification. Contact customer service to verify and unblock the card. See the guides on the precautionary Postepay block and its duration and on the Postepay anti-fraud block.
• Payment Declined: There can be many reasons (Postepay payment declined):
  • Insufficient funds.
  • Exceeded daily/monthly spending limits.
  • Card expired or not active.
  • Incorrect data entered (card number, expiration, CVV).
  • Technical issues with the network or POS terminal.
  • Security block activated.
  • Card irregular.
  • Specific errors like Error CC1 or Error BB1.
• Unblocking the Card: If the card is blocked, the unblocking procedure usually requires contacting customer service or can be done via the app in some cases. Read how to unblock a blocked Postepay and how to unblock it without the app. If the block occurs after a payment or when you are abroad, follow the indicated procedures.

Being informed about the risks and knowing how to react is the best defense.

Postepay Costs and Renewal

Let’s talk about an often underestimated but crucial aspect: the costs. Although it started as an economical solution, over time Postepay has also introduced fees and commissions. It’s important to know them to avoid surprises.

Issuance Fees and Annual Fees

• Issuance Fee: This is the one-time cost you pay when you apply for the card. It varies by type:
  • Standard: Around €10.
  • Evolution: Around €5 + minimum reload (e.g., €15).
  • Digital: €0 if requested online.
  • Green: Around €5.
• Annual Fee: This is a fixed cost you pay each year to keep the card active.
  • Standard: €0.
  • Evolution: Currently €15. Learn more about the Postepay Evolution annual fee and what happens in case of non-payment.
  • Digital: Currently €15.
  • Green: €0.

Always check the updated costs on the Poste Italiane website before applying for the card.

Commissions on Reloads, Withdrawals, and Payments

Here the situation gets more complex, because the commissions vary greatly depending on the operation and the channel used:

• Reloads:
  • From Poste App/Website (with another Postepay or BancoPosta): Often €1.
  • From Poste App/Website (with a card from another bank): Often €2.
  • From Postamat ATM: Often €1 (with Poste cards), €2-3 (with other bank cards).
  • From Post Office: €1 in cash, €2-3 with other bank cards.
  • From Tobacco Shops/Lis/Mooney points: Usually €2.
  • Bank Transfer (for Evolution/Digital): Cost depends on the sending bank.
• Withdrawals:
  • From Postamat ATM: Free (for most Postepay cards, check the information sheet).
  • From Bank ATMs (Italy/Eurozone): Fixed fee (e.g., €2).
  • From ATMs in non-Euro countries: Fixed fee (e.g., €5) + currency exchange commission.
• Payments:
  • POS (Italy/Eurozone): Generally free.
  • POS (Non-Euro countries): Possible currency exchange commission.
  • Online (Euro): Generally free.
  • Online (Currency other than Euro): Possible currency exchange commission.
• Bank Transfers (Evolution/Digital):
  • Outgoing SEPA: Fixed fee (e.g., €1 from App/Website, €3.50 from Post Office).
  • Instant Transfer: Higher fee (e.g., €2).
  • Incoming Transfers: Generally free.
• P2P Payments: Free up to a daily threshold (e.g., €25), then a fee applies (e.g., €1).

Tip: Before making a transaction, especially reloads or withdrawals from channels “external” to Poste, always check the applicable fees. They can significantly impact the total cost of using the card.

Stamp Duty: When It Applies

Stamp duty mainly concerns Postepay Evolution and Digital cards, as they have an IBAN and are considered similar to bank accounts for tax purposes.

• How it works: A stamp duty of 2 euros is paid annually.
• Condition: It applies only if the average annual balance on the card exceeds 77.47 euros AND if the balance at the time of reporting (usually December 31) is over 5,000 euros. If even one of these conditions is not met (e.g., balance below €5,000 on 12/31), the tax is not due for that year.
• Debit: It is debited directly from the card at the beginning of the following year.

For details, read our guide on stamp duty on Postepay Evolution.

Card Expiration and Renewal

Postepay cards have an expiration date printed on the front. When it expires, the card stops working.

• Renewal Procedure: Usually, Poste Italiane automatically sends the new card to the holder’s address a few weeks before expiration. If it doesn’t arrive, contact support or go to a post office.
• New Card Activation: Once received, the new card must be activated (often via App, ATM, or Customer Service). Only after activation can you use it. The remaining balance and any IBAN are automatically transferred to the new card.
• Renewal Costs: Renewal is generally free, but always check the contractual terms.

We have specific guides for renewing the Postepay Standard, renewing Postepay Digital, renewing Postepay Evolution, and renewing Postepay Connect.

How to Close Your Postepay Card

If you no longer use your Postepay and want to close it permanently, you can.

• Procedure: It usually requires filling out a specific form and returning the card (cut in half) to a post office. It may also be possible to start the procedure online or by registered mail in some cases.
• Remaining Balance: Make sure you have spent or transferred the entire balance before closing it, or request a refund of the remaining balance at the time of closure (fees may apply).
• Annual Fee (for Evolution/Digital): Make sure you are up to date with the annual fee payment before proceeding with the closure.

For details, consult our guide on how to close Postepay.

Knowing the costs and renewal/closure procedures allows you to manage your Postepay consciously and without unpleasant surprises.

Conclusions

Having reached the end of this long guide, I hope to have provided you with a complete and clear picture of the Postepay world. Born as a simple prepaid card for online shopping, it has evolved into a family of products that seeks to cover different needs: from the simplicity of the Standard to the versatility of the Evolution with IBAN, to the modernity of the Digital and the focus on young people with the Green.

Personally, I still think that Postepay, especially the Evolution version, is a valid tool for many, particularly for those looking for a simple and relatively low-cost alternative to a traditional bank account, or for those who want to keep certain expenses strictly separate. The presence of an IBAN on the Evolution and Digital opens up important functionalities like salary direct deposit and bank transfers, making them almost like “lightweight accounts.”

However, not all that glitters is gold. You need to be aware of the costs, which, between the annual fee (for Evolution/Digital), reload commissions (often unavoidable), withdrawal fees from non-Postamat ATMs, and the potential stamp duty, can add up. It’s important to do the math and compare the Postepay offer with other prepaid cards with IBANs or low-cost online bank accounts available on the market, which might offer more advantageous terms depending on your usage.

Another crucial aspect is security. Postepay’s popularity makes it a prime target for scammers. You must never let your guard down: being wary of suspicious emails and SMS, protecting your data and codes, monitoring transactions, and using all available security tools (like two-factor authentication via the Postepay App) is essential. Convenience should never come at the expense of caution.

Ultimately, Postepay remains an interesting phenomenon in the Italian financial landscape, a product that has managed to meet real needs and adapt (in part) to market changes. Choosing the right version and using it wisely are the key steps to harnessing its advantages while minimizing its potential disadvantages. I hope this guide helps you do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions