Hype - How to Apply for a Prepaid Card

Hype is a digital banking service widely used across Italy. It offers prepaid cards with IBANs for everyday spending and online payments.

Designed for convenience, it lets you open an account and manage your finances entirely from your smartphone. 

This guide explains how to get started step by step.

What Is Hype?

Hype is an Italian fintech platform that provides digital banking services through a mobile app. 

It offers a prepaid card with an IBAN, allowing you to send and receive money, make purchases, and manage your finances efficiently. 

Designed for simplicity and flexibility, Hype is available to residents of Italy aged 12 and up.

Key Features of the Hype Prepaid Card

The Hype prepaid card offers a range of features designed to simplify your financial management. Here's a concise overview of its key functionalities:

• Italian IBAN Integration: Each Hype account has an Italian IBAN, enabling you to send and receive bank transfers within Italy and across the Eurozone.
• Contactless Payments: You can make secure, quick payments with contactless technology via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Real-Time Notifications: The app sends instant alerts for every transaction, helping you track your spending.
• Expense Categorization: Purchases are automatically grouped into categories to give you insights into your spending habits.
• Cashback Rewards: Earn up to 10% cashback on selected online purchases, depending on your account type.
• Instant Money Transfers: You can send and receive money instantly with other Hype users at no cost.
• Security Controls: The app lets you freeze or unfreeze your card anytime for better security.
• No Hidden Fees: Hype provides clear and transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
• Travel Benefits (Premium Plan): Premium users get extra perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.

Types of Hype Plans

It offers three prepaid card plans to fit different needs. Each one includes practical features, with costs based on what you get. Here's a quick look at the options:

• Hype Basic: Free plan with core features like an Italian IBAN, contactless payments, and spending insights.
• Hype Next: It costs about €2.90/month and offers higher limits, faster support, and more tools.
• Hype Premium: Costs around €9.90/month and adds travel insurance, no foreign fees, and special perks.

Interest Rates and Fees

Hype offers three prepaid card plans—Basic, Next, and Premium—each with distinct features and fee structures. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the interest rates and fees for each Hype plan:

• Interest on Account Balances: Hype prepaid accounts do not accrue interest, as they are not traditional savings or checking accounts.

Monthly Fees:

• Hype Basic: Free of charge
• Hype Next: €2.90 per month
• Hype Premium: €9.90 per month

ATM Withdrawal Fees (in Euros):

• Hype Basic: Free withdrawals up to €250 per month; thereafter, €2.00 per withdrawal
• Hype Next: Unlimited free withdrawals
• Hype Premium: Unlimited free withdrawals

ATM Withdrawal Fees (in Foreign Currency):

• Hype Basic: 3% of the transaction amount
• Hype Next: 1.5% of the transaction amount
• Hype Premium: No fees for foreign currency withdrawals

Instant Transfer Fees:

• Hype Basic: €2.00 per instant transfer
• Hype Next: 10 free instant transfers per month; €2.00 per transfer thereafter
• Hype Premium: Unlimited free instant transfers

Card Issuance Fees:

• Hype Basic: Virtual card is free; physical card available for a one-time fee of €9.90.
• Hype Next: Physical card included at no additional cost.
• Hype Premium: Premium physical card included at no additional cost.

Bill Payment Fees (PagoPA/CBILL):

• Hype Basic: Fees range from €1.00 to €2.15 per transaction
• Hype Next: Fees range from €1.00 to €1.99 per transaction
• Hype Premium: Free bill payments

Cash Reload Fees:

• Hype Basic: €2.50 per cash reload
• Hype Next: €2.00 per cash reload
• Hype Premium: €1.60 per cash reload

Account Top-Up via Another Card:

• Hype Basic: €0.90 per top-up
• Hype Next: Free
• Hype Premium: Free

Requirements to Apply

To apply for this card, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide certain documents. 

These requirements ensure compliance with Italian financial regulations and help verify your identity. Here's what you need to get started:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 12 years old.
• Residency: You need to be a resident of Italy.
• Valid Identification: Provide a valid Italian ID card or passport.
• Smartphone Access: A smartphone is required to download and use the Hype app.
• Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection for the online application process.
• Email Address: A valid email address is needed for account verification and communication.
• Phone Number: Provide a working mobile phone number for SMS verification and account security.

How to Apply for a Hype Prepaid Card

The application process is quick and entirely online. Use the website or app to open your account in minutes. Here’s how to start:

1. Visit the Official Website or Download the App: You can download the Hype app from your device’s app store or access it through a web browser.
2. Choose Your Plan: Based on your needs, select Hype Basic (free), Hype Next (€2.90/month), or Hype Premium (€9.90/month).
3. Register Your Account: Please enter your personal information, including name, email, phone number, and a valid Italian address.
4. Verify Your Identity: Upload a valid ID (passport or Italian ID) and take a selfie for verification.
5. Wait for Approval: Once verified, your account is created, and your virtual card becomes active.
6. Receive Your Physical Card: The card is sent to your address within a few business days.
7. Activate the Card: Use the app to activate your physical card.
8. Load Funds: Top up using a bank transfer, another card, or authorized cash reload points.

Customer Support and Security Features

To assist you with any inquiries or issues related to your card, Hype offers multiple customer support channels. Below are the available contact methods:

Email Support: 

• Email hello@hype.it using the email address associated with your Hype account for assistance.

Premium WhatsApp Support: Hype Premium customers can access priority support via WhatsApp through the Hype app. Live support is available:

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 20:00
• Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 – 19:00

In-App Smart Chat: Use the app’s chat for 24/7 help. For complex issues, a live agent is available during support hours.

• Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

The Bottomline

Hype offers a simple and flexible way to manage your money with a prepaid card that can be fully controlled from your phone. 

Easy signup, transparent fees, and strong security make it a smart choice for everyday use.

If you're ready to start, download the Hype app and apply today.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is based on publicly available sources and may change over time. 

Please refer to Hype’s official channels for the latest updates, terms, and conditions.