Buying train tickets in advance is a common topic here. The amazing Ron in Rome has a new posting on changes to the Trenitalia website and how it's now easier than ever to buy tickets online. Check it out. http://tinyurl.com/RIR-trenitalia
I have no problem with the ticketless option, in fact I prefer it! That's less I have to bring with me and I don't have to worry about losing it, because I can log into my trenitalia account on any computer to retrieve it if necessary If you chose the ticketless option where you get the receipt on the train, all you need to do is give the conductor a number, which I will have in my email on my phone. In addition, you can print a PDF of your receipt, which has the required number on it. I plan to keep copies of the print outs in my carry on luggage.
You're right, its so easy now. I bought a MiniFare the other day for Milan to Venice on a Monday morning and saved 70%! The only card they aren't accepting is Amex. They only accept Italian issued Amex cards for now.
Hoorah! It's about time.
Wow. I hadn't tried it yet because we don't leave until May, but I'm going to give it a shot now and see about those Mini fares.
Hate to be glass empty, but other than the ticketless option, I'm not sure much has changed in terms of credit card acceptance. I'm gonna hold-off on celebrating until there are more reports of US visa/mc cards being accepted.
I was also successful buying Trenitalia tickets last week and got nice Mini fare discounts. Initially the card was rejected but it was my bank that rejected it (I got a "possible fraud" email from them). So the website is definitely sending the credit card information through and not rejecting it outright. Once I registered my card through the "Mastercard Securecode" process (similar to "Verified by Visa"), I was able to buy the tickets without any problems.