API
Evolution of digital payments in Italy: trends and solutions for businesses
The way we pay has changed. And it will continue to do so at a surprising pace. In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, this evolution is driven by a combination of factors: new technologies, ever-changing consumption habits and an increasingly digital regulatory framework. The result? More and more people choose digital payments both online and in physical stores.
Businesses too – from shops to catering businesses – have had to completely rethink their cash collection and payment management strategies. And they will have to do so again. To keep up with innovation, agile solutions are needed, allowing new payment methods to be quickly integrated into business flows, without compromising security and regulatory compliance.
Having a clear view of how tools such as cards, digital wallets and contactless systems are evolving is not just useful: it is essential for making informed choices, investing in a targeted way and staying competitive in a context where change is now the rule.
Digital payments: the situation in Italy
Transactions based on electronic technologies such as credit or debit cards, bank transfers, electronic wallets such as PayPal and cryptocurrencies are now an integral part of everyday life in Italy. This is true not only for online purchases but also for those in physical stores. According to a recent report by observatori.net of the Politecnico di Milano, in stores almost eight out of ten transactions are contactless, while one in seven is made via smartphone or wearable. Also according to the research, transaction volumes related to the mobile payment are growing too, with an increase of over 70% year on year. At the same time, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model continues to consolidate, surpassing €4 billion in turnover, with online penetration of over 40%.
Awareness of digital payment tools is increasing among both consumers and merchants, who are increasingly receptive to digital solutions. This is also due to the regulatory context. The obligation to issue e-invoices, in force in Italy for several years now, has led to the digitalisation of payment processes and the electronic transmission of tax data to the Sistema di Interscambio (SdI). The ability to use networks that speed up document exchange between countries with different regulations, such as Peppol, has eliminated bureaucratic delays. The POS has given way to software-based solutions that work on smartphones or tablets. And systems such as Stripe, PayPal or Klarna make the shopping experience fast and secure for customers and businesses.
Innovative technologies for digital payment experiences
Digital payments will evolve rapidly and on multiple fronts. Italian organisations have the opportunity to stay one step ahead even of international changes such as the introduction of the ViDA regulation on European VAT. Among the challenges, one stands out: software to be introduced into their business processes so that they can remain - or become - flexible, scalable and secure while complying with regulations.
We at A-Cube develop innovative technologies that simplify the digitalisation of document and accounting processes and the integration of digital payments into business systems. Our solutions do not merely “record” a payment: they enable the entire cycle, from data acquisition to automatic reconciliation with accounting or electronic transmission to the SdI. Here are some practical examples.
Automating cash flows with A-Cube Open Banking
The A-Cube Open Banking API is able to automate collections and payments, integrate accounts and cards and simplify reconciliation. Designed to offer companies advanced and automated management of financial flows, it operates in compliance with the PSD2 regulation. It allows you to:
read daily movements of current accounts and company credit cards (AISP functionality);
enter payment instructions to suppliers or collection requests to customers (PISP functionality);
obtain timely updates on balances and movements;
synchronise ERP systems in real time;
integrate seamlessly with electronic invoicing.
Ideal for automating and simplifying the management of financial flows and improving operational efficiency while complying with regulations.
Generating and transmitting documents with A-Cube Smart Electronic Receipt
For businesses exempt from the obligation to issue e-invoices, at A-Cube we have developed the Smart Electronic Receipt API: a solution that allows you to generate and transmit commercial documents to the Italian Revenue Agency without using a telematic cash register.
How does it work? The A-Cube platform manages the entire process through a simple REST API call with JSON payload, from document generation to electronic transmission right through to receipt of the unique identifier and secure data storage. Smart Electronic Receipt is integrated into the e-invoicing app for Stripe: perfect for e-commerce businesses that want to manage both electronic invoices and digital receipts in a single environment.
Smart Electronic Receipt is already a solution that complies with the upcoming entry into force of the new regulatory standards expected from 2026. It is designed to simplify the digitalisation of receipts and ensure tax compliance in an efficient and scalable way.
Native e-invoicing with A-Cube e-invoicing App for Stripe
Those who use Stripe to manage payments find our e-invoicing App for Stripe particularly useful. This is the integrated solution designed to automate electronic invoicing in compliance with Italian regulations. Available in the Stripe Marketplace, this application allows electronic invoices to be generated and sent to the Sistema di Interscambio (SdI) directly from the Stripe dashboard, turning every transaction into a valid tax document. In particular:
it is integrated directly with Stripe;
it installs easily and is set up in a few minutes, allowing automatic generation of electronic invoices for every transaction;
it gives you the possibility to check the status of each invoice, manage any sending errors and download documents in XML or PDF format, all from the Stripe dashboard;
it allows you to change the tax regime and the invoice format;
it offers the possibility to integrate additional features through A-Cube APIs.
With the A-Cube e-invoicing App for Stripe, companies can simplify the electronic invoicing process, reduce manual errors and ensure tax compliance, all without leaving the Stripe environment.
The future of digital payments with A-Cube solutions
Successfully tackling the digital transformation of payments means choosing reliable, scalable tools that comply with regulations. The A-Cube solutions give Italian companies the chance to stay one step ahead by integrating payments, electronic invoicing and bank reconciliation in a single functional ecosystem, already ready for the changes coming in the next few years.
As an accredited channel with the Italian Revenue Agency, we at A-Cube guarantee full compliance with Italian tax regulations and offer secure, up-to-date infrastructures to meet current and future regulatory challenges. In addition, our support team is ready to assist at every stage of the integration and management process. To find out how to digitally transform your payment and tax flows in a simple and compliant way, email us at info@acubeapi.com.
