HiThis is my first post so hopefully it will work

Hi

This is my first post so hopefully it will work okay

On reading someone else's request for info on a bank account I thought it may be useful to start a thread on people's experiences with different banks and accounts. I've just recently opened a current account with Che Banca and so far have been quite impressed so thought I would start it off with the main points:

• it's mainly internet banking with some branches in main cities and towns (although they are continually expanding). Website is www.chebanca.it
• accounts are for Italian residents only and you must prove this by showing an Italian ID card or driving licence (NB if you are an Italian resident you can get an ID card by taking along 3 photos to your local comune).
• there is no English speaking call centre or website as far as I know
• if you already have a current account in Italy you can open the account online or through the call centre and transferring money over from this account will activate it. If you don't have an account you have to go along to a branch to have your identification verified.
• the cost is 1euro per month & the government tax (approx 30euro per year)
• thereafter all transactions are free - including withdrawals from any banks bancomat (not just Che Banca), cash withdrawals and maestro payments abroad, bancomat payments in shops, transfers (including transfers abroad), standing orders etc - the only thing that I've come across (of normal banking transactions) that would have a charge is a same day transfer which costs 5euro
• once you've had the account up and running for a few months you can also apply for a credit card (1euro a month charge I think) and a cheque book
• they also have a deposit account that has no charge to operate (ie no government tax) and you can block money for various periods ie 3, 6, 12 months and get varying rates of interest - from approx 1.5-3.5%. However, if at any point you need the money before the period is up you can withdraw it and you just revert to getting the basic interest rate.

It's obviously not suitable for everyone but as someone who will have a salary paid into an account and rarely ever has to pay in cash or cheques it's perfect. The service so far has been great - I was told everything would arrive within a fortnight and it did (some it by courier service). It required a little extra effort on my part opening it because the nearest branch to me was a half hour drive away but I was told they're planning on opening another branch soon which will be a bit closer - although I don't really anticipate ever having to go into the branch. My favourite part of it is that I'm not tied to any one particular bank for withdrawing cash and also I go back to the UK a lot so will be able to withdraw over there without charges.