conta de serviços mínimos bancários

Published 4 November 2026, 03:07

conta de serviços mínimos bancários (basic bank account)

A low-cost account set out in law (Decree-Law n.º 27-C/2000) that every bank taking deposits must open. It includes the account itself, a debit card, the app and transfers. It costs no more than 1% of the IAS a year: €5.37 in 2026. There is one condition: you must not have another current account. The bank may not require a minimum deposit or the purchase of insurance or other products, nor ask for documents beyond the usual ones.

Where you come across it. Opening your first account, a bank refusing to open an ordinary account, a letter about an account being closed, a low income.

Banks do not like this account and offer an ordinary one instead, and sometimes claim it is only for Portuguese nationals, which is untrue. Print out the Banco de Portugal page and take it to the branch. If you replace the card on this account within 18 months, you will be charged for it.

Official website: clientebancario.bportugal.pt

Guides

How banking works in Portugal How to open an account with a Portuguese bank What to do if your bank is closing your account in Portugal