Italy digital payments exceed 16 billion euros as cash use declines

Digital payment transactions in Italy have more than doubled between 2018 and 2025, exceeding 16 billion euros. Card usage has become the primary alternative to cash, accounting for approximately 75% of non-cash operations in 2025. Within this sector, contactless payments represent 88% of POS transactions, while mobile device usage has reached 24%.

Bank transfers have also seen significant growth, nearly doubling to over 1.8 billion operations. More than 85% of these are now conducted via digital channels such as internet or mobile banking. Additionally, SEPA instant transfers have risen to approximately 298 million operations, representing 24% of all SEPA transfers, aided by new European regulations.

Concurrently, banking costs for traditional branch-based services are rising. Banks are increasingly implementing strategies to drive customers toward digital automation by increasing fees for in-person transactions. While traditional account costs are trending upward, online accounts remain more economical, particularly for younger demographics.