Can I use my credit card in Italy?

From carbonara and chianti to Rome’s Trevi Fountain and the Milan fashion houses, there are countless reasons why millions of people visit Italy every year. If you’re planning to join them, you might be wondering if your credit card will be accepted on your travels. 

What you’ll learn:

• Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Italy, even outside major cities.
• Italian merchants may face fines for not accepting credit card payments.
• Your card may offer benefits like fraud alerts and travel protections. 
• Some issuers may charge fees for international card use. Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures.

You can use credit cards in Italy. In fact, businesses are required by law to accept electronic payments, including those by credit card. 

Most places accept Visa and Mastercard. Some may accept American Express or Discover. If you’re unsure, many places have stickers on their doors indicating what card networks they accept. Or you can just ask.

You may want to carry a small amount of cash during your travels in Italy. It can come in handy for things like bus fares, tips or local guides. But a credit card may be more convenient, and it may come with other benefits like travel protections and security measures. 

If you do use a credit card abroad, it helps to be aware of these potential fees: 

• Currency conversion fees: A currency conversion fee is charged by the credit or debit card payment network or ATM network for converting euros to American dollars. This has to happen so that the card issuer can process it and charge it to your account. Visa and Mastercard charge a 1% currency conversion fee to card issuers. 
• Foreign transaction fees: This is a surcharge added to credit card purchases made outside the U.S. Foreign transaction fees are typically 1%-3% of each transaction amount, after the total is converted into U.S. dollars.
• Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees: DCC is an option you can choose at the point of purchase to convert the price in euros to your home currency. It’s convenient, but it typically costs more than any standard exchange rate your credit card issuer might charge.

Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. It also doesn’t pass currency conversion fees along to its customers. View important rates and disclosures. Other issuers might.

So there’s the convenience of using a credit card. And, if you have a rewards card, you can keep earning miles, points or cash back. Here are some other advantages to using a credit card in Italy:

• Digital wallets: Apple Pay®, Venmo, Google Pay™ and PayPal are examples of digital wallets that let you pay without having to use your physical card. They work with smartphones, smartwatches and other mobile devices.
• Travel protections: Hopefully your trip goes just as you planned it. But if the unexpected happens, you might have travel insurance through your credit card. It can reimburse you for issues like trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage and more. Check your card’s benefits guide to see what you’re covered for.
• Security and fraud protections: Some credit cards come with helpful security features such as $0 liability for unauthorized charges* and fraud alerts. They can provide peace of mind that you’ll be covered if your card is lost or stolen when you’re abroad.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. Currently, merchants are required by law to accept them. Credit cards are easy to use and offer security, with features like fraud and travel protections, as well as convenience.

If you’re ready to plan your Italian getaway, take a look at Capital One’s travel credit cards. With a Capital One card, you won’t be charged foreign transaction or currency conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures. 

And before you leave, check out these tips for using a credit card internationally to help you get the most out of your card.