The 2024 national youth card is a tool dedicated to young people between 18 and 35 years old residing in Italy, which allows them to access discounts and concessions on various cultural activities, restaurant services, accommodation, shops and transport. This article offers a detailed guide on what the national youth card is, what are the requirements to obtain it, what it is for and how to apply
for it.
Table of Contents:
What is the national youth card
The national youth card is a free virtual card that allows Italian and European citizens residing in Italy between the ages of 18 and 35 to obtain concessions to access cultural, sports, recreational and educational goods and services. The card is valid online and throughout the country and can be downloaded directly on the IO app
.
National youth card requirements
To apply for and use the national youth card, young people must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be resident in Italy, both Italian and European citizens.
It is essential to have a smartphone to activate the card through the IO app.
What is the national youth card for
The national youth card offers discounts and concessions on a wide range of goods and services, including:
- Tickets for theatrical and film performances.
- Travel tickets.
- Car sharing and other mobility services.
- Telephone services and internet access.
- Entertainment platforms.
- Purchase of books, publications, audiobooks and ebooks.
- Access to museums, exhibitions and cultural events.
- Sports and recreational facilities.
- Accommodation facilities and psychophysical well-being.
- Participation in cultural events such as concerts and festivals.
The benefits are valid on the national territory and, for those under 31, also at European level.
How to apply for a national youth card
The activation of the national youth card takes place through the IO app. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the IO app from your smartphone store (Play Store for Android or App Store for iPhone).
- Authenticate with SPID or CIE.
- Go to the ‘Wallet’ section of the app and press ‘Add’.
- Select ‘Discounts, Bonuses and Other Initiatives’ and choose the national youth card.
- Follow the steps to complete your request and activate your card.
Activation is immediate if you meet the necessary requirements.
How does the national youth card work
The benefits obtained through the national youth card are individual and nominative. Here’s how to use it
:
- Online purchases: Look for the discount on the IO app, copy the discount code and enter it in the discount field on the merchant’s website.
- Purchases in physical stores: Show your national youth card at the checkout to get the discount.
Each affiliated operator independently regulates the use of discount codes, which cannot be combined with other benefits. There’s no limit to the number of purchases and discounts you can use.
What benefits do you have with a youth card
The benefits vary from 5% to 30% and include discounts on:
- Train, plane and bus tickets.
- Theater subscriptions.
- Accommodations.
- Buying books.
The list of benefits can be consulted on the IO app in the “See benefits” section. The list of operators is constantly updated.
Where to use the 2024 national youth card
The 2024 national youth card can be used for cultural events, cinemas, concerts, books, museums, training courses and subscriptions for online newspapers. After activation on the IO app, just access the “Wallet” section and click on “See concessions” to consult the list that includes all the operators that offer discounts at physical points, through an e-commerce channel or both. The operators’ sheets are updated with details of the active benefits.
Until what age can the national youth card be used
In 2024, boys and girls residing in Italy can use the national youth card starting from 18 and up to 35 years old, to access discounts and concessions on cultural activities, restaurant services, accommodation, shops and transport. Furthermore, the card can be activated at any time of the year
.
When does the card expire
The national youth card loses its validity upon reaching 36 years of age. The expiration date is indicated in the detail of the card, which can always be consulted in the “Wallet” section of the IO app
.
After the age of 30, in any case, you can only take advantage of the benefits promoted on the national territory, since those offered by the EYCA circuit at European level are valid until the age of 31.
Who can use the card
The card is nominal and can only be used by the holder. It is not possible to share the benefits of the national youth card with family, friends and relatives. If this constraint is not respected, the card may be
revoked.
How to deactivate the national youth card
From the CGN detail screen on the IO app, it is possible to deactivate the card. Just click on ‘Deactivate your card’ and confirm. From then on, it will no longer be visible in the wallet. By deactivating the CGN, you also lose the rights related to the EYCA circuit
.
Assistance on the use of the national youth card
For technical issues with card activation or IO app malfunctions, contact IO app support via the question mark icon at the top right of each screen. For other issues, file a complaint with the Department of Youth Policy and the Universal Civil Service via email. The Department will respond within 30 days
.
