Money and you
Difference between CHAPS and Faster Payments
When looking at CHAPs and the Faster Payments service, it pays to make the right decision. Cost is one of the key factors when choosing between these two methods of sending money to a recipient’s bank account. Business efficiency is another point to take into account when looking at recurring bank transfers or one-off payments. To make the right decision, we need to look in depth at these payment types and how they work. What is CHAPS? The question of what a CHAPS payment is is easy to answer. It is the Clearing House Automated Payment System, used for same-day,
Money and you
Italian fintech map: trends and what to look for in 2025
The Italian fintech map for 2025 shows an exciting scene where several key factors are set to capture our attention. To start with, the Bank of Italy oversees the PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2), which has been created to boost the payments market by encouraging innovation and security in the fintech sector. SEPA adoption is ramping up here, with instant credit transfers to be made available this year, creating a new challenge for banking apps that the Italian fintech companies will be looking to resolve. This European country has seen tremendous growth in its digital banking culture. With more people
Money and you
TARGET2 vs. SEPA: key differences explained
When comparing SEPA and TARGET2, it is essential to begin by explaining that both are integral components of the European payment system. They can both be described as foundational systems that allow the European Central Bank to ensure cross-border payments are smoothly controlled and carried out efficiently. The main difference is that SEPA and TARGET2 (T2) have different use cases. One is widely used for retail payment processing, while the other is best classed as a wholesale payment system. By looking in more detail, we can see how commercial banks can use these methods to meet client demands more effectively.
Money and you
Italian neobanks explained: what are they, market overview, and benefits
If you’ve ever seen a neobank in Italy or elsewhere, you’ve discovered the world of digital banks and online payments. This type of online bank is now springing up across the planet and enjoying rapid growth despite not having the physical presence of branches like traditional banks. We’ll be looking at the data to see the top players in the Italian digital banking scene. This is part of a fast-moving trend where millions of customers manage their bank accounts from an app or website, moving billions of pounds, euros, and dollars without visiting a bank branch. What is a neobank?
Money and you
What is an electronic money institution (EMI), and how does it work?
An Electronic Money Institution (EMI) is a type of financial entity authorized to issue, store, and manage electronic money – digital value that is backed by fiat currency and used for electronic transactions. Unlike traditional banks, e-money institutions are not permitted to offer full-scale banking services. However, they can now play a significant role in the modern economy by providing payment services, digital wallets, or facilitating international transactions. In countries that allow electronic money institutions, they are heavily regulated by financial authorities – often central banks – but not always in the same way as traditional banks. EMI must safeguard
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Best digital banking options for digital nomads in 2025
The need to find the best bank for digital nomads has become more important than ever before. Increased work flexibility and global reach have changed our lives, and traditional banks don’t always offer us what we need to handle multiple currencies and avoid hefty foreign transaction fees. With up to 80 million digital nomads currently working from laptops or smartphones across the planet, the idea of opening and using a bank account has changed for many people. These online workers now need to be able to handle their money in different countries and currencies without high currency exchange fees. Digital
Money and you
The best prepaid cards for international travel in 2025
When searching for the best prepaid card for international travel, prioritize convenience and security. These cards let you withdraw cash and pay in stores using local currency at competitive exchange rates. This can help to remove some of the main areas of concern when traveling abroad, such as high foreign transaction fees and a possible lack of security. By choosing a prepaid debit card, you avoid the problem of carrying cash. You also don’t need to use a credit card or a debit card linked to your bank account. Instead, you simply load the prepaid Mastercard or prepaid Visa card
Money and you
Hidden fees and other risks: the disadvantages of using a credit card abroad
The disadvantages of using a credit card abroad haven’t stopped it from becoming an extremely popular way of paying while traveling. While most people are aware that foreign transaction fees are involved, there are other drawbacks to be aware of. It’s certainly convenient to use a credit card abroad since they’re so widely accepted. Credit and debit cards from the major card networks are now accepted in stores and ATMs worldwide. Whether you’re withdrawing cash abroad or paying in a store, using your credit card is simple. Yet, that doesn’t mean that it always makes good financial sense. You don’t
Money and you
What are blockchain payments, and how can businesses use them?
Blockchain payments are part of a financial revolution that is changing how technology is used in many different parts of our lives. The blockchain is used to process crypto transactions that are recorded on encrypted distributed ledgers. It ensures that the transactions can be sent directly and safely from one person or business to another without using an intermediary such as a bank or financial institution. The Bitcoin blockchain is the most famous example of this, as this was the original cryptocurrency, and it has captured the imagination of millions of people across the planet since its launch in 2009.