frequent questions
glossary
What is a basic bank account?
Access to the credit intermediary activity
List of authorised credit intermediaries
How to protect yourself from online fraud?
Know your rights when making payments in Europe.
Do you know what the gross domestic product is? What about inflation? (only in Portuguese)
Key tips to protect yourself when choosing online or mobile banking services.
When using banknotes and coins, bank customers should be aware that:
It is not advisable to carry large quantities of banknotes or coins, since cash does not have proof of ownership systems;
Cash is subject to fraud and therefore it is important to be able to identify the features of banknotes and coins in circulation to recognise its genuineness;
Banknotes and coins should be in good condition as they may not be accepted if they are damaged.
A counterfeit banknote or coin has no value and cannot be exchanged.
Bank customers must know the features of euro banknotes and coins to check their authenticity when they are received.
When you receive a euro banknote or coin, you should check the various security features and, if in doubt, compare it with a banknote/coin that you know to be genuine.
All you need to do is to feel, look and tilt the banknote to check its security features.
Learn more about the security features of banknotes on Banco de Portugal’s website.
All you need to do is to feel, look and check the magnetic properties of the coin to detect its security features.
Learn more about the security features of coins on Banco de Portugal’s website.
If you are not sure whether the banknote or coin is genuine, don’t accept it. Remember that fake/counterfeit banknotes and coins are worthless, which means that if you accept one you will receive no compensation.
Contact Banco de Portugal if you need more information.
Politely ask for another banknote or coin and assume he/she is innocent. Explain him/her that they may be in possession of a suspect banknote or coin and suggest that he/she immediately take it to the local police, a local bank or Banco de Portugal. In any case, never put yourself at risk.
Immediately inform the local police or your security officer about the incident.
Try to remember as much as you can about the person that handed you the suspect banknote or coin.
If you think you have accepted a counterfeit banknote or coin by mistake, don’t pass it on to someone else, as this is a criminal offence. Give the suspect note or coin to the local police, a local bank or Banco de Portugal. If it is genuine you will get your money back.
Damaged or deteriorated banknotes and coins may not be accepted.
It is possible to exchange euro banknotes and coins at Banco de Portugal’s cash offices at no cost.
Banco de Portugal replaces mutilated or damaged euro banknotes for a banknote of equal value, fit for circulation, where:
The authenticity of the banknote is confirmed;
In the case of a mutilated banknote, the fragment of the banknote presented is at least 50% or, if less, where the applicant proves that the missing parts have been destroyed.
Neutralised banknotes are banknotes that have been damaged by the action of anti-theft devices installed in ATMs (of the Multibanco network) or in banknote transportation cases.
Neutralised banknotes should not be accepted under any circumstances.
If you are inadvertently in possession of a neutralised banknote, you should go immediately to a police station, Polícia Judiciária, Banco de Portugal or a credit institution.
Banco de Portugal reimburses or replaces euro coins that have become unfit for circulation where:
Their authenticity is confirmed;
The coins presented have become unfit for circulation due to prolonged circulation or an accident.
Site do Banco de Portugal – Como detetar uma contrafação nas notas de euro
Site do Banco de Portugal – Como detetar uma contrafação nas moedas de euro
Site do Banco de Portugal –Notas e moedas > Notas > Troca de notas
Site do Banco de Portugal - Notas e moedas > Moedas correntes > Troca de moedas
Numerário - o que é
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