The Unconditional Free Account [P1]: The current account base is a legal right for retirees and low-income families, and banks and Poste Italiane are obliged to offer it. However, the Bank of Italy has noted that many ATMs do not offer this service, refuse it without reason, or provide alternative accounts with higher costs. By November 30th, intermediaries must remove these obstacles, and vigilance invites them to propose the basic account to customers who have the right but currently pay for an ordinary account. The main requirement is the ISEE index, which can be estimated using the online ISEE calculator. In summary: the basic account is free and without fees with an ISEE below €11,600 (Article 4 of Decree No. 70/2018). For pensions up to €18,000 per year, the account is also exempt from charges, with the ordinary account (Article 5 of Decree No.).

The bank must provide written justification for its refusal within ten working days (Art. 126 of Lgs. No. 385/1993). On August 5, 2026, the Bank of Italy's Guidelines on Vigilance issued by the Italian Banking Commission set December 31, 2026 as the deadline to remove obstacles to opening accounts.

Intermediaries are required to advertise free accounts on websites, apps, and branches. By November 30, compliance and internal audit will verify adherence; subsequently, the board of directors communicates any remaining deficiencies with remediation plans, as stipulated in the guidelines.

Those entitled to a basic current account include ISEE and pensions. The basic current account is without charge for two categories specified in DM No. 70 dated May 3, 2018: consumers whose ongoing ISEE is less than €11,600 who do not pay either rent or stamp duty (Article)

The beneficiaries of pensions up to €18,000 gross annual income with the highest ISEE pay no property tax (Article 5), while for retirees it remains due an annual property tax of €34.20, which only applies if the average account balance exceeds €5,000 (Circular of the Revenue Agency No. 48/E dated December 21, 2012). For other consumers, there is a reduced property tax paid by banks and Poste Italiane, but these costs may vary depending on personal policies. The Bank of Italy has noted that some intermediaries never offer the basic account or refuse it without reason, or offer it at a more expensive stamp duty. This problem mainly occurs with families with an ISEE below €11,600, where the order account appears to be cheaper.

Banca Popolare Italiana is obliged to provide reasons for any refusal within ten working days, as stipulated.