Emilia-Romagna · city guide

Banks and ATMs in Bologna

Where to withdraw cash in Bologna, which bank ATMs are cheapest for foreign cards, and the days when Bologna's banks are closed.

By Ionut PopeaChecked

Short answer

Withdraw euros from a bank ATM in Bologna, not an independent machine, and always choose to be charged in euros. Banks open Monday to Friday, usually 8:30 to 13:30 and for an hour or so in the afternoon, and close on 4 October for Saint Petronius.

Local bank holiday4 OctoberSaint Petronius
AirportsBologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)
Main stationBologna Centrale
Banks with roots hereEmilia-Romagna is home territory for BPER Banca (Modena), Credem (Reggio Emilia) and Crédit Agricole Italia (Parma).

Banks with branches and ATMs in Bologna

These banks have branches in central Bologna. Banks with deep local roots are listed first. The fee column shows what travellers report for foreign cards in 2026; the ATM always shows its fee before you confirm.

BankSWIFT / BICForeign-card ATM feeGuide
BPER BancaBPMOIT22Fees of up to €5 reportedBPER guide
Intesa SanpaoloBCITITMM€0 to about €3 operator fee reportedIntesa guide
CredemBACRIT22Fee shown on screenCredem guide
UniCreditUNCRITMM€0 to about €3 operator fee reportedUniCredit guide
BNL BNP ParibasBNLIITRRNo fee for Bank of America cards; often none for othersBNL guide
Poste Italiane (BancoPosta)BPPIITRRPostamat ATMs; fee shown on screenPoste guide
Monte dei Paschi di SienaPASCITMMFee shown on screenMPS guide
Banco BPMBAPPIT21Often no operator fee reportedBanco BPM guide

Tips for withdrawing cash in Bologna

  • Bologna is a university city, so bank branches near Via Zamboni see many students opening their first Italian account.
  • Banks close on 4 October for San Petronio, which since 2026 is also the national holiday of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Cash at Bologna’s airport and station

Airports and stations have both bank ATMs and independent machines. Independent ones, often branded Euronet, Travelex or similar, typically add a fixed fee of a few euros and offer “dynamic currency conversion”, a home-currency rate that is usually several percent worse than your card’s. If you need cash on arrival, take out a small amount from a bank ATM and use your card for the train or taxi.

Changing money in Bologna

Exchange booths in tourist areas advertise “0% commission” but build their margin into the rate. You will almost always get more euros by withdrawing from a bank ATM with a low-fee card. See where to exchange money in Italy for the full comparison.

Bologna’s banking history

Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna (Carisbo), founded in 1837, is now part of Intesa Sanpaolo.

Banking in Bologna: common questions

Which ATMs should I use in Bologna?

Use ATMs that belong to a bank, such as BPER Banca, Intesa Sanpaolo, Credem. Avoid independent machines like Euronet, which charge higher fees and push poor exchange rates. Always choose to be charged in euros.

Are banks in Bologna open on Saturday?

Most bank branches in Bologna are closed on Saturday and Sunday. ATMs work around the clock, and a few branches in shopping centres open on Saturday morning.

When are banks closed in Bologna?

Banks in Bologna close on Italy's national holidays and on 4 October, the feast of Saint Petronius, Bologna's patron saint.

Can I pay by card in Bologna?

Yes. Italian law requires shops, restaurants and taxis to accept card payments, and contactless is widespread in Bologna. Carry some cash for small purchases and markets.

Sources and fact-checking

Checked on 2 November 2026 by Ionut Popea following our editorial policy. Fees, codes and rules change; confirm anything important with the bank or authority before acting.

  1. Bank of Italy, list of supervised banks
  2. Italian Government, national public holidays