Ciao,
Is is possible to apply for a credit card in Italy? I've been working in Rome since Jan. '08, have EU citizenship, and my own rental agreement (if any of that info helps at all!)...
Any thoughts are appreciated!

In Italy most credit cards are issued by banks and are directly linked to bank checking accounts; often a credit card is included in an account package. Only a few issuers (notably Citibank) issue cards not linked to an account, so the first step in looking for a credit card is usually asking your bank.

Usually debit is repaid the following month (if not, you are looking for a "revolving" credit card), and often you are required to keep on the main account an amount as large as the monthly maximum on the card.

The bank will check your creditworthness by having a look to your average deposit, checking if a salary is regularly deposited, and if your global debts (other credit cards, mortgages) are compatible with your monthly income.

Sounds not much different to a Bancomat POS card.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill 2:
Sounds not much different to a Bancomat POS card.

Right. The only difference is you pay the balance the following month.

Seems like a lot of extra hassle for little benefit. Though I guess if I was running short it would give me more time to scrounge together some funds by the next month

Also having the credit card would let you make online purchases... my Bancomat card number is not taken online.

So far I've been able to use my US credit card or Carte PostePay for everything I've bought online.

If you want a "true" credit card, that is one allowing you to spend money you do not actually have, you should look for a "revolving" credit card. Some Citibank cards allow you to choose between immediate and delayed payment or a mix between them.

I would allow that revolving cards (i.e. you pay in installments, usually with a sizable interest rate) are relatively new to Italy. The strictness of Italian banks in issuing credit cards had the benefit that Italian families do not rely too much on credit card advances to sustain their lifestyle, so it is not easy to fall in a easy debt spiral.

If you need a card only for online shops, you could also consider a prepaid visa electron card.

I found the same to be true as colbalt that I was refused to buy online(and on the phone) with my american Credit Card....but only on European Sites...and they would not accept my Bancomat card...I now have an Italian credit card and have not had any problems yet

The online places that wouldn't accept my US credit card accepted my Carte PostePay.

I like itarchivarius idea of using a prepaid Visa electron. That would avoid high interest rates, fees etc.

Thank you thank you for all of the detailed information. This is all very helpful and I think I will look into the pre-paid card options. Most places have been taking my US credit card, but I found some sites online where I had problems.
Last question- I'm assuming the Carte PostePay is something I'd pick up from the post office? I know you can get accounts there as well...so this is my best guess!
thanks again

Yes, here's details:
http://www.poste.it/en/bancoposta/carte/postepay.shtml

Great; thank you very much for the link- think this is going to work out the best for what I need!