Best Savings Accounts for International Students in Italy
Best Savings Accounts for International Students in Italy
International students in Italy often keep all their money in a standard current account. While this is convenient for paying rent and everyday expenses, many checking accounts pay little or no interest.
Opening a separate savings or deposit account can help students earn interest on scholarship payments, emergency funds and money reserved for tuition. The best savings accounts for international students in Italy offer competitive interest rates, low fees and access to funds without unnecessary penalties.
Italian banks do not always offer accounts specifically labelled for international students. Eligibility usually depends on residency, identification documents and whether the student already has an Italian current account.
Best Savings Accounts for International Students in Italy
1. Findomestic Conto Deposito – Best Flexible Savings Account
Findomestic Conto Deposito is one of the strongest options for students who want to earn interest without locking away their money.
Its main features include:
- No opening fee
- No monthly management fee
- No fixed savings period
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Interest calculated daily
- Online and mobile account management
- A variable rate linked to six-month Euribor
Findomestic currently applies a 2% gross annual interest rate from July 1 to December 31, 2026. The rate is reviewed every six months and may rise or fall according to the relevant Euribor benchmark. Students can withdraw their savings when needed without closing the account.
The account must be connected to a current account used to transfer money in and out. Applicants can complete identification through SPID or a video selfie, although approval and document requirements still apply.
Best for: Students building an emergency fund who need unrestricted access to their savings.
2. BBVA Italy – Best for Saving and Everyday Banking
The BBVA Online Account is technically a current account rather than a traditional deposit account. However, it pays interest directly on the available balance, making it useful for students who do not want to manage two separate accounts.
New customers currently receive:
- 3% gross annual interest for the first six months on balances up to €200,000
- No salary-deposit requirement
- No minimum balance
- No monthly account fee
- A free debit card
- A digital savings feature for separating money from everyday spending
Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. After the introductory period, the rate changes according to BBVA’s quarterly conditions and the European Central Bank deposit rate.
Applicants must be at least 18, reside in Italy and possess an accepted identification document and compatible smartphone.
Best for: Italian residents who want one account for spending, saving and earning interest.
3. ING Conto Arancio – Best Promotional Interest Rate
Conto Arancio is ING Italy’s flexible deposit account. It is separate from the everyday Conto Corrente Arancio but can be managed through the same app.
The account offers:
- No opening or account-management fee
- No fixed deposit period
- Withdrawals and transfers at any time
- Annual interest payments
- A linked ING current account
ING is currently advertising a 4% gross annual promotional rate for 12 months. To qualify, customers must open and activate the required ING accounts and receive a qualifying monthly salary, pension or bank transfer of at least €1,000 under the promotion’s terms.
This condition means the promotion may not suit students who do not have regular income. Students receiving a monthly scholarship or family transfer should ask ING whether the payment qualifies before relying on the advertised rate.
ING requires applicants to be adults and residents of Italy. Non-EU students also need a valid residence permit.
Best for: Resident students who can satisfy the monthly transfer requirement.
4. Poste Italiane Deposito Supersmart Premium – Best for Branch Access
International students who prefer in-person service can consider the Libretto Smart and its Deposito Supersmart offers from Poste Italiane.
The current Supersmart Premium offer provides:
- 3.25% gross annual interest at the end of 366 days
- A minimum deposit of €500
- Additional deposits in multiples of €50
- No activation or early-release commission
- Online, app and post-office management
- Italian state protection
The offer is intended for new money added between July 23 and September 10, 2026, unless Poste Italiane closes it earlier. Students may release all or part of the deposit before maturity, but the released amount receives only the lower base Libretto Smart rate.
A valid identification document and Italian tax code are required. The ability to apply at a post office can make this option more practical for students who have difficulty completing digital verification.
Best for: Students who can leave at least €500 untouched for approximately one year.
5. illimity Deposit Account – Best Fixed-Term Savings Option
The illimity deposit account may suit students with larger savings who do not need immediate access to the money.
Customers can choose between:
- Non-redeemable deposits paying approximately 2.60% to 3.65% gross
- Redeemable deposits paying approximately 2% to 3.05% gross
- Terms ranging from six to 60 months
- A minimum deposit of €1,000
- No activation or transfer fees
Redeemable deposits allow full or partial early withdrawal without a withdrawal fee. However, illimity does not pay interest on the amount released early. Money placed in a non-redeemable line cannot normally be withdrawn before maturity.
A current account with illimity is generally needed to activate its deposit products.
Best for: Students with at least €1,000 who want a fixed term and potentially higher return.
Can Non-Resident Students Open an Italian Savings Account?
Many online Italian banks require the applicant to be officially resident in Italy. Having only a student visa or university admission letter may not be enough.
Students commonly need:
- A valid passport or accepted identity card
- Italian codice fiscale
- Italian address
- Valid residence permit for non-EU citizens
- Italian mobile number
- Proof of tax residence
- A current account in the student’s name
- SPID, electronic identity verification or a video selfie
New arrivals should obtain their codice fiscale and complete residence-permit procedures before applying. A post-office or branch-based provider may be more practical when an online bank does not accept foreign-issued documents.
Are Savings Accounts in Italy Safe?
Eligible deposits with participating Italian banks are generally protected up to €100,000 per depositor, per bank through Italy’s deposit-guarantee system.
Poste Italiane’s postal savings books and Supersmart deposits are issued by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and supported by an Italian state guarantee rather than the ordinary bank deposit fund.
Students should still confirm that the provider is an authorised bank or protected institution before transferring money.
Taxes and Costs to Check
Advertised savings rates are normally shown as gross rates. In Italy, interest earned on deposit accounts is generally taxed at 26%. Deposit products may also be subject to stamp duty, depending on the account structure and balance.
Before opening an account, compare:
- Gross and estimated net interest
- Account-management fees
- Minimum deposit
- Withdrawal restrictions
- Early-release penalties
- Stamp duty
- Promotional-rate expiration
- Requirements for a linked current account
Which Savings Account Is Best for an International Student?
Findomestic Conto Deposito is one of the best flexible options because it has no management fee and allows withdrawals at any time.
BBVA is better for students who want interest and everyday banking in one account, while ING can offer a higher promotional rate to applicants who satisfy its monthly transfer condition.
Poste Italiane is worth considering for branch access and state-backed postal savings. Students who can lock away at least €1,000 may earn a higher rate through an illimity fixed-term deposit.
Interest rates and promotional conditions change regularly. Always read the latest official information sheet before applying.
