In 2025, the number of banks offering free credit cards will increase. According to the latest survey bySOStariffe.it Observatory37% of institutions offer at least one zero-fee credit card, up from the 32% recorded in 2024. Furthermore, the share of cards with a zero-fee fee is expanding, going from 38% to 55% of the total. This is a sign of greater competitiveness in the sector, where institutes are trying to respond to the demand for simple and low-cost products.
Average costs, annual fees and lowest ceiling
Despite the growth of free offers, credit cards maintain an average annual maintenance cost of 27.26 euros for the Classic versions, i.e. the most widespread. Excluding zero-fee cards, the average cost rises to 40.89 euros per year, with values ranging between 20 and 60 euros depending on the institution. These amounts cover basic services such as issuing, processing and securing payments.
The main difference between free and paid credit cards is the monthly limit, i.e. the spending limit allowed. For free cards, the average limit is equal to 1,008 euros, down compared to 1,250 euros in 2024. In 44% of cases, the limit does not exceed 1,000 euros and can reach up to 300 euros. Classic cards, on the other hand, offer an average ceiling of 1,410 euros, with the possibility of increasing at the customer’s request or with the activation of premium cards.
Access conditions and indirect costs
Getting a free credit card is relatively simple today, but it can come with some additional strings attached. In 67% of cases, to obtain the card it is necessary to open a new current account at the issuing bank. Furthermore, many cards include conditions for eliminating the fee, such as reaching a minimum monthly or annual spending threshold. In this way, banking institutions maintain a margin of profitability while offering promotional conditions to the most active customers.
Even free cards incur some additional costs. In particular, a stamp duty of 2 euros per month applies if the bank statement exceeds 77.47 euros. There are also fees on cash withdrawals and an exchange rate surcharge for foreign currency transactions. For cards that allow expenses to be paid in installments – 77% of those are free – the interest on the installment payments must also be considered, which is generally higher than for personal loans.
Resettable fee cards: how they work
In addition to completely free cards, the number of products with resettable fees is growing. These cards have a base cost that is eliminated when certain conditions are met, such as a minimum number of transactions or a monthly spending threshold. This is an increasingly widespread formula because it allows banks to retain customers and reward those who frequently use the card for daily payments. The survey by SOStariffe.it, based on a sample of 24 banking institutions active in Italy, confirms that the free credit card market is expanding, even if the average credit limit is reducing. Most free cards allow for balance payments or installment payments, offering flexibility of use but requiring attention to interest costs.
