Portugal ATM fees: Non-SIBS machines may charge high commissions

In Portugal, users of certain automated teller machines (ATMs) may face unexpected fees of up to 15 euros for cash withdrawals. While Decree-Law no. 3/2010 prohibits credit institutions from charging commissions for standard withdrawals or deposits, an exception exists for transactions processed as credit.

ATMs not belonging to the national SIBS network, such as those operated by Euronet in tourist areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, often default to credit functions rather than debit. This causes withdrawals to be registered as cash advances, making the associated commissions and interest legal. According to DECO PROTESTE, these costs typically include a base fee of around 4 euros plus approximately 4% of the amount withdrawn, subject to stamp duty.