An important integration is taking place in the Italian banking sector between Bper Banca and Banca Popolare di Sondrio. The project, which will lead to the merger by incorporation of the Lombardy bank from 20 April 2026, represents a historic step for both credit institutions.
The declared objective is to combine tradition and territorial roots with the solidity and national dimension of Bper, guaranteeing operational continuity and an expansion of available services.
What are the main changes for customers
Despite the change in ownership of the institution, the economic conditions applied to the products of Banca Popolare di Sondrio for its 6 million customers will not undergo automatic changes linked to the merger.
In particular, financing such as mortgages and loans will continue their normal contractual life until the scheduled maturity. The debits of the installments will continue automatically, although they may take place on new IBANs assigned following the integration of the banking systems.
Changing IBANS: what customers must do
An important practical change concerns the change of the Iban. With the migration of accounts from Banca Popolare di Sondrio to Bper, customers will receive a new Iban associated with their accounts. This step will also be managed automatically by the bank to avoid interruptions in payments and credits.
Payment instructions such as bill debits will be updated or migrated directly from the system, so as to guarantee the continuity of daily operations. This means that the customer will not, in most cases, have to manually intervene to reconfigure their payments. However, you will have to provide the new Iban, for example, to the employer for salary crediting.
Payment cards and home banking credentials
Even on the card and digital services front, the change will be progressive. The debit and credit cards issued by the old institution will continue to work, but over time they will be replaced or updated with new instruments issued by Bper.
Particular attention is dedicated to the home banking service. The transit of customers from the former Banca Popolare di Sondrio platform to the Bper site will take place gradually. New credentials and new authentication systems will be needed. In this way, new users will be able to use the digital services of a group of national importance, with a possibly better experience, even if it will require a normal adaptation period.
Customer service and support
To accompany customers in the transition, assistance channels have been activated via telephone, app and directly in the branch.
It will be possible to contact Bper directly by calling 059 4242. Furthermore, from the app Smart Banking you will be able to access the function Hey Bperthrough which it will be possible to choose whether to receive support via telephone or chat and book a consultation on the available products. Furthermore, on the bank’s website there is the section Talk to uswhere there are all the useful references for assistance.
Through the Bper Online Branch, which can be contacted by telephone or via the web, many remote operations can be carried out, including:
- consultation of the balance and movements;
- sending and revoking bank transfers;
- telephone and prepaid card top-ups;
- checking your loan installments;
- securities trading operations;
- payment of bills and F24;
- subscribing to payment cards;
- insurance;
- loans and mortgages.
Furthermore, the FAQ sections and information portals are constantly updated to clarify any operational doubts.
Possible service interruptions reduced to the limit
In the phases immediately preceding and following the merger, Bper announced the possibility of temporary operational limitations.
This will concern any slowdowns or restrictions in services due to technical data and service migration activities. However, these activities are planned with the aim of ensuring as much continuity as possible and minimizing disruption.
A gradual change
Beyond the technical aspects, the merger is presented as a growth opportunity for customers. Joining a larger banking group like Bper allows access to a wider range of products and services.
The basic idea is to maintain the proximity relationship typical of Banca Popolare di Sondrio, but enriching it with the skills and dimensions of a national bank. For customers of the former Banca Popolare di Sondrio, the transition to Bper Banca represents an important change but managed in a gradual and controlled manner.
