With inflation continuing to erode the purchasing power of savings left idle in a current account, the savings account remains one of the simplest tools for earning a guaranteed return without exposure to financial-market risk. Every month the Naxsol Finanza team compares the gross annual rates offered by Italy's leading banks, distinguishing between fixed-term accounts, which offer a higher return in exchange for the sum being unavailable for a set period, and easy-access accounts, which can be withdrawn at any time with no penalty. This guide is useful whether you want to park cash you won't need any time soon, or you're after a small extra return without giving up the ability to withdraw in case of the unexpected. Our star rating takes into account gross rate, term length and withdrawal conditions, not just the highest headline number. On this page you'll find six selected savings accounts, from the highest return on the market to the most flexible solutions for anyone who still wants access to their savings. Every card shows the rate, term and rating, so you can decide within minutes where to put your money to work safely and transparently.
Six savings accounts selected by our editorial team, with rates updated as of July 2026.
Cassa Tirrena
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
Istituto Adriatico
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
NordBanca
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
Banca Meridiana
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
Fineo
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
Credito Lombardo
Representative example: gross annual rate applies to the stated term, subject to the institution's conditions. Subject to conditions. Only for adults (18+) resident in Italy.
The first thing to decide is how much liquidity you need. A fixed-term account, like the Deposito Tirreno 4.20, locks the sum away for a set period, 24 months in this case, in exchange for the highest gross rate among those reviewed. An easy-access account, like the Nord Risparmio Libero, instead lets you withdraw at any time with no penalty, but for a lower return. The right choice depends on the time horizon of your savings: if you already know you won't need that money in the short term, a fixed term gets you a higher return; if you might need cash suddenly, it's better to go for an easy-access account or a shorter term such as the 12-month Deposito Adriatico. Many savers also choose a mix of both, keeping part of their savings in a current account for everyday spending and the rest in a savings account to earn a return.
The rate advertised by banks, such as the 4.20% on the Deposito Tirreno, is always gross: accrued interest is subject to a 26% withholding tax and the stamp duty set out in Italian regulations. On a capital sum of €10,000 invested for 24 months at 4.20% gross, the effective net return drops noticeably once tax is applied, but it still comes out ahead of an ordinary current account, which often pays nothing at all on idle balances. Before signing up, always check whether the stated rate is calculated on a simple or compound annual basis, and whether a minimum capital amount is required to access the best offer. To quickly estimate the net return, start from the gross rate, subtract the 26% withholding tax on the interest and, if the average balance exceeds €5,000, also factor in the annual stamp duty: the result is the return actually credited to your settlement account when the term matures.
Besides the withholding tax on interest, savings accounts with an average balance above €5,000 are subject to annual stamp duty, calculated as a percentage of the average balance. This cost should always be factored into any comparison between products, because it can affect different deposit amounts in different ways. Banks generally state these items transparently in the product's key information sheet, which we recommend always checking before opening the account, along with the early-withdrawal conditions in case of unforeseen needs.
The savings accounts reviewed on this page are offered by institutions authorised by Banca d'Italia and members of the Interbank Deposit Protection Fund, which guarantees deposited sums up to €100,000 per depositor, exactly as with a traditional current account. Opening an account online generally requires an ID document, your Italian tax code (codice fiscale) and a settlement current account to receive the capital and interest at maturity. If you don't yet have a settlement account, you can compare our current account options, or, for credit needs, our personal loans comparison. Always check, before signing up, that the bank is authorised by Banca d'Italia and that the product actually falls within the Interbank Fund's protection, information you'll always find in the key information sheet handed over before signing.
A common mistake is choosing an account based purely on the highest gross rate, without considering the term length: a high return over 24 months isn't always the best choice if you expect to need cash before maturity, since early withdrawal almost always means a reduced accrued rate. A second mistake is forgetting the stamp duty and the 26% withholding tax when calculating the expected return, comparing gross rates as if they were already net. Finally, many savers put all their available cash into a single fixed-term account, without keeping an emergency reserve in a current account or an easy-access account: in the event of a sudden need, this can force a penalising early withdrawal. Before signing up, always check the early-withdrawal conditions described in the key information sheet, so you don't end up giving up part of your accrued return in case of the unexpected.
| Account | Gross rate | Term | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposito Tirreno 4,20 Best offer | 4.20% | 24 months | ★ 4.8 |
| Deposito Adriatico | 3.80% | 12 months | ★ 4.6 |
| Meridiana Deposito Plus | 3.50% | 18 months | ★ 4.3 |
| Nord Risparmio Libero | 3.00% | Easy access | ★ 4.4 |
| Fineo Salvadanaio | 2.75% | Easy access | ★ 4.1 |
| Deposito Lombardo 6 Mesi | 2.50% | 6 months | ★ 3.9 |
A fixed-term account offers a higher rate in exchange for not being able to withdraw the sum before maturity, while an easy-access account guarantees more liquidity with a lower return.
It depends on the product: some fixed-term accounts allow early withdrawal with a reduced accrued rate, others don't allow it at all, which is why it's important to read the conditions before signing up.
The rates shown on our cards are gross annual rates: accrued interest is subject to stamp duty and the withholding tax set out in Italian regulations.
Yes, deposited sums are protected by the Interbank Deposit Protection Fund up to €100,000 per depositor, exactly as with a current account.
Some banks require a linked settlement current account, while others offer fully standalone savings accounts that can be opened online in minutes.
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