In default situations, institutions may charge customers default interest, applying a maximum annual surcharge of 3%, in addition to the interest rate applicable to the transaction.

In such situations, institutions may also require a single fee for the recovery of amounts owed. This fee may be charged only once, for each instalment due and unpaid, and may not exceed 4% of the amount of the instalment, with a minimum value of 12 euros and a maximum value of 150 euros.

In addition to this fee, customers may only be charged for expenses with third parties after default and on presentation of the relevant documentary evidence.

Institutions may not charge more than one arrears fee per month, in cases involving instalments of credit agreements from the same bank customer and secured by the same guarantee.