Italy · Importers and Exporters

Best business accounts for Importers and Exporters in Italy

Snapshot

Importers and exporters in Italy are well served by multi currency online accounts for the foreign exchange side, paired with a traditional bank for trade finance. Providers such as Wise Business and Revolut Business hold and convert many currencies at low cost, while Qonto handles euro payments and accounting. Traditional banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit and BPER Banca offer letters of credit and trade finance that neobanks do not.

Suits Importers and Exporters best
Depends on the task. Wise Business and Revolut Business suit low cost currency conversion and international payments, while a traditional bank suits letters of credit, guarantees and trade finance.
Typical monthly fee
No monthly fee to about EUR 19 a month for the online account, plus separate trade finance costs at a bank, as of 30 March 2026.
Non resident position
Possible with full checks. Neobanks may need an EEA address or Italian registration, and trade finance usually needs an established banking relationship. Unclear cases, verify with the provider.
Providers that fit
Several for currency and payments, fewer for trade finance.
Fees and features as of 30 March 2026Last reviewed 30 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Importers and exporters in Italy usually split their banking. For the foreign exchange and payments side, Wise Business and Revolut Business hold many currencies and convert at low cost, which suits paying overseas suppliers and receiving from foreign customers. For trade finance, such as letters of credit, guarantees and export support, a traditional bank such as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit or BPER Banca is usually needed, since neobanks do not offer these. Qonto can handle the euro side and accounting. Fees and features below are shown as of 30 March 2026, so confirm current terms with the provider.

What Importers and Exporters in Italy need from a business account

Trading businesses move money across borders and manage currency risk, so the features that matter most are multi currency accounts that hold euro, dollar, pound and other currencies, low cost conversion close to the mid market rate, and fast international payments by SEPA and SWIFT. Importers and exporters also frequently need trade finance, such as letters of credit, bank guarantees and supply chain finance, which online providers do not offer and which a traditional bank provides. Many trading companies therefore use a low cost multi currency account for everyday payments alongside a bank relationship for trade finance. Clean records help with customs and VAT reporting.

Wise Business
Holds and converts many currencies at the mid market rate for paying suppliers and receiving from abroad. No trade finance or cash deposits.
Best for
Currency conversion
Monthly fee
No monthly fee, pay per use
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Revolut Business
Multi currency accounts and expense tools for cross border trade. No letters of credit. Support is mainly in app.
Best for
International payments
Monthly fee
Free Basic plan, paid plans from about EUR 10 a month
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Qonto
Handles the euro side, SEPA payments and accounting exports. Foreign exchange and trade finance are limited.
Best for
Euro payments and accounting
Monthly fee
From about EUR 9 a month
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Compare accounts for Importers and Exporters in Italy

These providers accept Importers and Exporters in Italy. Fees and eligibility shown as of 30 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about banking for Importers and Exporters in Italy

What account suits an importer or exporter in Italy?
Many trading companies split their banking. Wise Business and Revolut Business hold several currencies and convert at low cost for everyday international payments, while a traditional bank such as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit or BPER Banca provides trade finance such as letters of credit. Compare what you need on each side and verify current terms with the provider. This is general information, not advice.
Can neobanks provide letters of credit for trade?
Generally no. Online providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Qonto focus on accounts, payments and currency conversion, and do not offer letters of credit, bank guarantees or trade finance. For those, a traditional bank with a trade finance desk is usually needed. Confirm what each provider offers before relying on it.
Which provider gives the best currency conversion?
Wise Business converts close to the mid market rate and is widely used by trading companies, and Revolut Business also holds and converts multiple currencies. The cheapest option depends on the currencies, amounts and plan, since conversion costs and allowances differ. Verify the current foreign exchange terms with the provider before applying.
Do these accounts support SWIFT payments outside the euro area?
Wise Business and Revolut Business support international payments beyond the euro area, and traditional banks support SWIFT transfers as standard. Coverage, fees and delivery times vary by provider, currency and destination. Check the current international payment terms with the provider before sending.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 30 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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