Any Italian Banks For English-Speaking (Typing?) Customers?

I'm looking for an Italian bank that has an English language option on its website, allowing customers/clients to do online banking in English.

Barclays, my original bank, is getting out of Italy and transferred all their individual accounts to Che Banca!--which is a nightmare. Even in Italian (I think they have the wrong punctuation; it should be, "Che Banca???").

Since I'm going to have to change banks again, simply to access my funds and preserve my sanity, I thought I'd look for one that is kind to customers who are less than fluent in Italian.

It doesn't have to be Italian Italian. Deutsche Bank would be fine, I suppose. If if if...

No, I'm not asking you to do research. I'm basically asking my Italian compatriots if their bank has an online English option.
Thanks (gratseeyah meelay).

could not find an option to change language with UBI

I'm not going to be much help but.....
If I remember correctly from some of your posts, I seem to recall you are in the Milan area. Had you looked at the UK bank HSBC which has an office in Milan. I have a relative who used to work for them but he left before he was made redundant - think they may have had a few sticky fingers in the banking crash in 2008 but my guess rather safer than one or two of the italian banks.
When we opened an italian bank account we were strongly recommended to a particular branch "because you can trust the manager there". When he moved to another branch , as it was slightly easier for us to get to, we moved our account with him. He still tries some pidgin english which can be helpful with some of the more obtuse bits of italian banking - I think what I'm trying to say is don't be put off italian banks, but rely more on the personal service you might receive to get you through. I find italian banking really old fashioned, lots of rubber stamps and forms in triplicate, but the staff at our bank are really pleasant and go out of their way to help when we get lost in their bureaucratic systems. Does google translate not help?

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Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated.

The staff at my branch are really pleasant--but totally ineffectual.
I spent 2 hours there last week simply trying to "unlock" my debit card and fill in the online blanks to apply the "strong security" measures so it can indeed be used... as a debit card (I've been unsuccessful using it anywhere online except Amazon.it and it was rejected when I tried to buy a new phone via abbonimento at the Wind store. My IBAN was also declined there because I don't have... strong security!).

The outcome? "Sorry, our link is down, but you can do this at home on your computer!"

That's what I attempted yesterday. It involves using their app to get a One Time Password to log into the online form. You have 30 seconds to type the password, click "send" and hope it's recieved before the 30 seconds expire and a new password appears. It's 6 digits, not rocket science. But every time I tried to plug it in, the website told me I was wrong and I was eventually blocked for being wrong too many times. I did this all with the help of a trusted friend who is absolutely fluent in Italian.

Oh, this has been going on for about 2 months. And let's not forget, this is primarily (allegedly) an online bank!

So, since it looks like I'm going to have to change banks anyway simply to use my money, I'm hoping to find one where I can be confused in my mother tongue.

I sympathise. For our online transactions you have to use that device every time you go online to update your password an d setting up a payment to a new recipient requires inserting all 32 digits of the IBAN code compared to a 6 digit sort and 8 digit account number as used in UK. Don't you just love the food, the wine, the scenery ...... ahhh
Anyway, I'm not over-hopeful that your wish will be fulfilled but do report if you find anything. Any expat sites able to help?

could not find an option to change language with UBI >

Neither did I with Unicredit...

Thanks for checking.

I am now the proud holder of two Che Banca??? accounts, with separate debit cards and IBAN numbers. I have no idea why. Well, actually, I have a sneaking suspicion, but not a happy one.

So I'll go back to my branch tomorrow and your look at the bright side, Mike (the food, the wine, the scenery) will be my mantra throughout what promises to be a protracted and pointless ordeal.

Thanks again. And I will check out HSBC.

There is the Deutsche Bank in Italy and also the Dresdner Bank. Both in Milano. Have a look if they give the possibility to open a normal account for you.

I'll do that, thanks.

Ahem, how long have you been in Italy, Clem? 5 years or so? Do US banks offers their websites in Italian for immigrants who can't be bothered to learn the local language?

Don't you think it would be good if you brushed up your Italian enough for you could use the site? It may take a few peeks in the dictionary at first, but my personal experience is that this kind of forced usages is one of the best ways to learn the language.

Your friend, as always, H_B

I could use the site in Italian. If it worked.
But it doesn't. So I can't.
Even the employees at my local branch haven't been able to get my account up to speed, despite multiple multi-hour visits. And their Italian is fine.

Don't you think it would be good if you brushed up your Italian

Nope.
I'm keeping myself pure. Unsullied by Italian language skills.
For the greater benefit of my students.
It's a tremendous sacrifice on my part, but nothing is too good for my students.

More honestly: I remain embarrassed by how little Italian I speak.
But also honestly, that's not the issue. The issue is: this bank sucks. I don't need an English language banking website. I need a functional banking website. But if there is a functional one that allows me to use my mother tongue... why not?

Do US banks offers their websites in Italian

No. Spanish. The second most important language in the US.
Now, what's the second most important language in Italy...?
(hint: my students in the financial sector share a common opinion)

In general: you're absolutely right, much to my shame.
In this specific instance: not so much.

Your friend, as always,
CFC

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