How to Find the Best Payment Cards Among the Sea of Offers Available Today?
Credit cards are currently the most widely used payment instrument in the world, both for online purchases and in-store transactions.
However, just like with bank accounts, not all credit cards are the same; some cards are definitely better for certain uses than others.
My Cash Tree has compiled a list of the best cards for every need.
The Top 5 Credit Cards of All Time
Let’s start by immediately looking at what we believe are the best credit cards of all time.
In compiling our list of the best credit cards, we have considered several factors, particularly:
– Functionality
– Costs
– Level of security
Regarding functionality, it’s important for a credit card to have limits on spending and withdrawals that meet all your needs. It’s also essential that it includes the “Contactless” feature, a convenience that is now indispensable.
As for costs, it’s natural to want them to be as low as possible, while still ensuring adequate functionality.
Finally, concerning security, the best credit cards are those that employ the most advanced protection systems against identity theft and fraud, even for online transactions and use in foreign countries.
Ready to discover the best credit cards in the world? Then buckle up, and let’s go!
1. Carta American Express Verde
American Express Green Card is a traditional credit card that offers:
– Balance repayment after 28 days from your purchases or withdrawals.
– No predetermined spending limit.
The costs for this Amex card are zero euros for the first year, while from the second year onward, you will pay 6.50 euros per month as management fees.
You can also request an additional card, which will be free for the first year; after that, you’ll only pay 36 euros per year to maintain it.
In addition to the ability to make payments and withdrawals worldwide, the Amex Green Card also offers other benefits, including:
– The ability to earn Membership Rewards points through its simple use, which can be redeemed for vouchers, discounts, and many other rewards.
– Insurance for travel accidents and other inconveniences if you book a trip using the card.
– Compensation and replacement guarantee for your purchases up to 1,300 euros within 90 days of purchase in case of damage or theft.
To apply, you just need to visit the official American Express website, keeping the following information handy:
– IBAN of your bank account
– Identification document
– Health card or Tax Code
However, to complete the process, you must meet the following requirements:
– Be of legal age
– Be a resident in Italy
– Have a bank (or postal) account with an IBAN in Italy
– Have a gross income of at least 11,000 euros per year
2. Carta Nexi
Nexi Card, formerly known as CartaSì, is certainly one of the best credit cards available, both for its versatility and its low costs and security.
The first thing to note is that it is a card accepted almost everywhere, as it connects to both the Mastercard and Visa networks.
It is also a traditional card with balance repayment, although you can activate installment repayment for amounts over 250 euros.
With Nexi, you can also request an additional credit card linked to the second international circuit (Mastercard if you already have Visa and vice versa), ensuring even greater usability.
What are the costs of Nexi Card? These depend on the type, ranging from 35 euros per year for the basic card (25 euros for the additional card until 11/10) to 60 euros for the Gold card (40 euros for the additional) and 120 euros for the Platinum card (the additional is free).
So, how do you request it? All cards from the Nexi group can be requested online on the company’s website or by visiting one of its partner banks.
This is provided that you:
– Are of legal age
– Are a resident and have a bank account in Italy
– Are not a defaulter
– Have a verifiable income
3. Carta Blu Intesa SanPaolo
This is the classic Intesa San Paolo credit card, ideal for those who want an additional payment instrument alongside their debit card.
For a basic card, the monthly spending limit is quite high (3,000 euros), and one of its advantages is the option to benefit from purchase insurance, which reimburses you in case of online purchases of damaged items or items that do not match what was ordered, as well as in the case of theft of items purchased in-store within 30 days of purchase or delivery.
The monthly fee is 5 euros for the main card and 2 euros for the additional card, but there are no fees for the first year, and the fee is waived when monthly transactions exceed 500 euros.
The Intesa San Paolo Blue Card can be requested directly online or at a branch by customers of this banking institution.
4. Mediolanum Card
Mediolanum Card is reserved for those who have opened a Selfy Account, the online bank account from Banca Mediolanum, a leading Italian banking group known for its reliability.
It is a traditional debit card that allows you to make payments and withdrawals, with very attractive costs: there are no activation fees, and the fee is free for the first year and until the age of 30; afterward, it becomes 3.75 euros per month.
Withdrawals and top-ups are also free.
To apply, simply visit the bank’s website and follow the procedure.
5. Carta Sella
More than just a card, we are looking at a true online account that combines the low costs of a card with the functionality of a bank account.
Carta Sella is indeed linked to the Conto Web Sella, available in both Start and Premium versions. Activation fees are free, while the monthly fee is 0 euros for the first 3 months, then 1.5 euros per month for the Start plan and 5 euros for the Premium plan.
Included in the fee are many extra services, such as the Account Aggregation feature, which allows you to monitor all your transactions with just one click.
You can activate the account and Carta Sella directly from the bank’s website, completing the identification process via webcam.
Le migliori 5 carte di credito revolving (come funzionano e come sceglierle)
Revolving credit cards are cutting-edge credit cards that typically allow you to choose between full repayment and installment repayment of the amounts spent.
Another distinguishing feature of revolving cards, as opposed to, for example, prepaid cards, is that they offer the possibility to request cash advances up to specified limits.
These cards generally have quite accessible management costs, but it’s always important to pay attention to the interest rates charged on both the deferred payments and the cash advances.
Now, let’s take a look at what we believe are the best revolving cards currently available.
1. Carta American Express Blu
The American Express Blue Card is a revolving card from the New York financial company that allows you to make purchases and payments with the option to repay the balance in installments, with a minimum monthly payment of 40 euros.
Alternatively, you can choose to pay a fixed monthly amount that must always exceed 40 euros, or opt to pay the entire balance at once.
The Amex Blue Card also provides its holders with a credit line of up to 5,000 euros (which is also the card’s maximum limit) to use for daily expenses, subject to interest payments at a fixed APR of 14% and an effective APR of 18.25%.
What are the costs of this American Express card? The Amex Blue Card has no management fees, but it’s important to account for the costs associated with the liabilities mentioned earlier.
Additionally, this card allows you to join the American Express Cashback program, which offers a rebate of 0.5% on all purchases made.
You can apply for the American Express Blue credit card directly online, but acceptance is subject to certain requirements, as with the other Amex cards.
2. Carta Flexia di Unicredit
The Unicredit Flexia credit card can be used for purchases, including contactless and online payments, as well as for withdrawing cash at all ATMs enabled in Italy and abroad.
Its operation is quite simple: the cardholder can change the repayment method once a month, choosing between full repayment and installment repayment.
This choice can be made by the last working day of each month by visiting a branch, calling the toll-free number 800.078.777, or connecting to the website.
The Flexia card is also available in different variants with varying costs and limits:
– Flexia Classic with a limit from 1,000 to 5,000 euros depending on whether it is a main, additional, or family card, with an issuance fee of 10 euros and an annual fee of 38 euros.
– Flexia Gold with spending limits from 3,000 to 15,000 euros, an issuance fee of 10 euros, and an annual fee of 73 euros.
– Flexia Gold Miles & More which allows you to accumulate miles within the Lufthansa loyalty program, in addition to enjoying further benefits at an annual fee of 100 euros and a 10 euro issuance fee.
Of course, these costs should also include interest related to monthly installment repayment options of 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, or 20 months.
The monthly payment amount for installment repayment ranges from a minimum of 50 euros if the remaining debt is under 1,000 euros, to a maximum of 500 euros for amounts over 5,000 euros. This will be determined based on:
– The total amount to be repaid
– The number of installments chosen
– The fixed interest rate with a nominal annual rate (TAN) of 13.90%.
To request a Flexia Card, you must go to a Unicredit branch or use the Home Banking channels, but it is also necessary to already hold an account with this bank.
3. Agospay di Agos
Agospay is the revolving card affiliated with the VISA circuit from the personal and targeted loan company Agos.
Its main feature is that it allows repayment either in installments or in full, with the latter option requiring a single payment 20 days after the purchase or withdrawal.
Additionally, you can choose the repayment method directly on the display of the POS or ATM once the card is inserted. You can always change your choice until the end of the month using the free Agos app.
What are the costs of Agospay, excluding interest for now? The management fee is free, and there are no issuance costs, although you will need to pay a monthly management fee of 1.25 euros.
Moreover, with the Agospay card, you receive a welcome bonus of 30 euros, which will be credited to you if you make purchases totaling 150 euros or more (excluding ATM withdrawals) within 30 days of activating the card.
Regarding the card’s limits, it has a limit of 1,500 euros, making it a card with limited functionality.
There are three ways to apply:
1. Via the toll-free number 800-12.90.10
2. By visiting an Agos branch in Italy
3. By submitting the request through the online form
This is provided that you:
– Are of legal age
– Have residency in Italy
– Have a bank account and a verifiable income
4. Carta Aura Findomestic
The standout feature of this card is that it does not charge any management fees, although this is effectively included in the relatively high interest rates associated with the liabilities (with a total annual percentage rate (TAEG) of 24.07% and a fixed nominal annual rate (TAN) of 20.16%).
With this card, you can request not only the option to pay in installments but also a cash advance up to the available limit on your card, which is 2,500 euros.
All cardholders are also allowed to join the Findomestic Club, a loyalty program that rewards you with points for every euro spent using your card.
How can you apply for the Aura Card? This revolving card can be requested online through the Customer Area of the Findomestic website or by calling the toll-free number 800 311 311.
5. Carta Explora di American Express
We saved this American Express product for last because it is one of the first revolving cards and certainly one of the most widely used.
Why? The reason is that the fee for the first year is completely free, and then from the second year onward, it rises to 35 euros per year, to which interest charges apply.
However, despite the costs, this revolving card also offers advantages. What are they? Here’s a quick overview:
– Credit line of up to 5,000 euros
– Option to choose between full repayment or installment payments for expenses, with these methods: a fixed monthly amount of at least 40 euros; repaying a percentage of the balance, as long as it exceeds the minimum amount; or repaying the full balance (full repayment option)
– Refund and loyalty reward program for cardholders
The requirements to apply for the Explora Card are the same as for other Amex cards, and applications can be made directly online.
Le migliori 5 carte per viaggiare
When choosing a credit card for travel enthusiasts, it’s essential to ensure that certain requirements are met, specifically:
– Payments and withdrawals should be allowed abroad.
– It is advisable to have protections and insurance coverage for trips to foreign countries.
Let’s take a look at the best cards that meet these criteria.
1. Carta American Express Oro
The American Express Gold Card is a no-limit credit card that offers a free first year, after which there is a fee of 14 euros per month.
The benefits of the Amex Gold Card for travelers are significant. It can be used for purchases and withdrawals worldwide and includes:
– Priority Pass Program: Allows cardholders and their companions to access over 1,200 VIP lounges in airports around the globe when booking a flight with this card.
– Travel Section Access: Cardholders can rent cars, book hotel rooms, flights, and special offers at discounted prices through the American Express travel portal.
– Exclusive Access to “The Hotel Collection American Express”: Offers free room upgrades and up to $100 credit for hotel services.
– Free Enrollment in the “Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program”: Provides a 10% discount and other benefits when renting a car with Hertz.
– Insurance Coverage: Up to 3,000 euros for legal and medical expenses incurred while traveling.
Additionally, the American Express Gold Card features high security standards to protect against fraudulent use worldwide.
To apply, you can visit the American Express website, but approval is subject to meeting certain income criteria, as with other Amex cards.
2. Carta American Express Alitalia verde
If you often travel with Alitalia, the American Express Alitalia Verde is the ideal choice for you. This card offers numerous advantages for travelers, with low costs, especially in the first year when the fee is free.
From the second year, the fee is 95 euros per year and includes:
– Points Accumulation: Every purchase made with the card helps accumulate points in the Alitalia MilleMiglia program.
– Travel Insurance: Covers the cardholder for accidents, delays in baggage delivery, cancellations, and flight delays.
– Assistance Abroad: Support for medical consultations, urgent message transmission, and hospital admission, with coverage up to 3,000 euros.
You can apply for the card directly on the American Express website, meeting the minimum requirements already mentioned.
3. Card Flexia Gold di Unicredit
We already talked about Unicredit Carta Flexia when discussing revolving cards.
If you’re interested in this type of card and also love to travel, we recommend opting for the Gold version. This offers a higher spending limit (from 3,000 to 15,000 euros) and includes insurance coverage for travelers, which can protect you from certain inconveniences that may arise during your leisure or business trips.
To summarize the costs of Carta Flexia (which can also be requested online by Unicredit account holders), there’s an issuance fee of 10 euros and an annual fee of 73 euros, plus interest in case of repayment in installments or cash advances, as it is a revolving card.
4. N26 You
N26 You is a digital product from a German online bank that has truly revolutionized the world of credit cards.
Its advantages lie primarily in international transactions, as the card offers:
– Unlimited physical and online payments anywhere in the world and in any currency
– Unlimited free withdrawals, even in foreign currencies
– Travel insurance for trips abroad
– Coverage for medical emergencies
– Insurance for flight and baggage delays
– Car rental insurance abroad
– Smartphone insurance
– Dedicated customer support
All of this comes at a cost of just 9.90 euros per month, with a one-year contract. If you want to request an additional card with the same features, it will cost 10 euros. Replacing the card costs 6 euros.
The application process is done online in just a few steps.
5. Revolut premium
Revolut Premium is a debit card from the eponymous company that allows payments and withdrawals up to 400 euros per month in over 150 different currencies without paying fees, apart from the interbank exchange rate.
Additionally, this card offers:
– International medical insurance
– Insurance for flight and baggage delays
– Coverage for winter sports
– Free lounge access if your flight is delayed by more than an hour
All of this and more for just 7.99 euros per month, with no additional charges since card issuance and shipping are also free.
To request it, simply go to the registration page on the website and enter your mobile number. You will then receive an SMS with a link to download the app and proceed with the application process, which also includes webcam verification.
To activate the account, you will need to load at least 10 euros onto the card via credit card or Google Pay transfer.
Le migliori 5 carte per fare acquisti online
When choosing the best cards for online purchases, the key word is, of course, “security.”
It’s well-known how risky it can be to enter your card details on a website, which is why companies that issue credit cards have developed increasingly sophisticated security systems to prevent cloning.
Alternatively, another way to further reduce risk in case of card duplication is to opt for prepaid or rechargeable credit cards, where the spending limit is determined by the amount you have loaded onto the card.
Let’s take a look at the best credit cards currently offering the highest levels of security in this regard.
1. Carta American Express PAYBACK
The American Express PAYBACK Card is a traditional credit card with advanced protection standards that allows all members of the Loyalty Program to accumulate PAYBACK points on all purchases made with the card at any store or website.
This Amex card is also one of the most cost-effective American Express credit cards, with a management fee of just 10 euros per year. However, if you make at least one transaction of any amount, this fee is waived.
Here’s how the PAYBACK American Express Card works: by using it, you earn one PAYBACK point for every 2 euros spent, both online and in-store.
The points accumulated can then be used to redeem rewards from the catalog or to get discounts on purchases at Carrefour or fuel from Esso stations.
Additionally, the card offers various fraud protection systems, including a 90-day purchase protection plan for all purchases up to a maximum of 1,300 euros.
2. N26 Base
Let me tell you about the N26 account card, a product offered by an online banking institution that can be requested and managed entirely online, without the need to leave home or print, fill out, and send unnecessary paperwork.
The N26 account card, which we already mentioned among the best for traveling abroad in its “You” version, belongs to the Mastercard network, meaning it can be used worldwide and also online for making payments and withdrawals.
Since it has an Italian IBAN, you can also receive bank transfers and request the direct deposit of your salary or pension.
What are the costs of N26? You’ll be happy to know that this prepaid card has no activation or maintenance fees, and it offers free top-ups and up to three withdrawals in euros without any fees.
Finally, you can set alerts for every transaction, so you’ll always be informed in real time about the movements on your card.
3. PostePay Evolution
PostePay Evolution is a rechargeable prepaid card with an IBAN from Poste Italiane, operating through the Visa network and supporting Contactless payments. It’s perfect for those who need an online payment tool without the costs associated with a traditional bank account.
Since it also has a standard IBAN, it’s a complete account card that allows you to receive and make bank transfers, deposit your salary, pay vehicle taxes, and set up automatic payments for your household utilities.
Regarding limits, we have:
– Maximum balance: €30,000
– Total annual reload limit: €100,000
– Maximum reload per transaction: €3,000, with no more than 2 reloads per day
– Daily withdrawal limit: €600
– Monthly ATM withdrawal limit: €2,500
– Maximum payment per transaction: €3,500, with a monthly limit of €10,000
Remember, since it’s a prepaid card and not a revolving one, you can never spend more than the amount loaded onto the card.
As for costs, there’s a €5 fee for issuing the card, and an annual maintenance fee of €10. Additionally, consider the stamp duty and reload fees (which are €1 per reload at authorized post offices, from PosteMat ATMs, or through the PostePay website; €2 for other methods).
To request this card, you cannot follow an online procedure; you’ll need to go to a post office with identification documents.
4. Viabuy
ViaBuy is also a prepaid card with an IBAN, but it has the advantage of being anonymous since it does not require the submission of any identification documents to be opened.
Like all rechargeable account cards, it allows you to:
– Withdraw cash at ATMs, both in Italy and abroad
– Make online and offline payments
– Receive and send bank transfers
– With raised numbers, it can also be used for car rentals
Now, let’s look at the costs: ViaBuy is not as economical as the previous options, as it has an issuance fee of €69.90, which will be deducted from your first deposit, and an annual maintenance fee of €19.90. Additionally, there are fees for reloads, cash withdrawals (€5), and Extra SEPA transfers, while payments in euros incur no fees.
It’s clear that, being an anonymous card that does not require the entry of sensitive information during the activation process, which is done entirely online, ViaBuy is particularly suitable for those who want to maintain a certain level of anonymity.
5. Wirex
Finally, let’s take a look at the Wirex card, offered by the British company of the same name, which allows you to make withdrawals and payments online and in-store while accessing your cryptocurrency account.
There are actually two versions of the Wirex card:
– Physical Wirex Card
– Virtual Wirex Card, which can only be used for online purchases.
The Wirex credit card has no annual fee for the first card and a €3 fee for the second, but you’ll need to pay €17 for the issuance of the physical card (free for the virtual one). There are additional costs, but only for cash withdrawals, while payments in euros or virtual currency are free.
Another advantage of Wirex is that you can earn rewards by inviting others to sign up for their own card.
To obtain the Wirex credit card, simply visit the company’s website. However, you’ll need to create your personal account first, which includes verifying your identity by uploading documents and using a webcam.
Now you have all the tools to choose the card that best suits your needs. All that’s left is to make your informed choice and request your payment card!
