How can I avoid paying account maintenance fees?
You can avoid the maintenance fee with a Basic Bank Account, by having your salary paid in, or by meeting the bank's exemption conditions.
In this guide
Ways not to pay
There are three common routes: opening a Basic Bank Account (if you meet the requirements), having your salary paid into the account, or meeting the bank's exemption conditions — keeping a minimum balance or holding certain products.
The Basic Bank Account
It's an account with the essential services and a maintenance fee capped by law — it cannot exceed, per year, 1% of the Social Support Index (IAS), which in 2026 works out to a maximum of about €5.37. Anyone without another current account can open one.
Why it's worth sorting out
It's a recurring, quiet cost. Avoiding it, or switching to a cheaper account, frees up money every month.
Worked example
A €5/month fee is about €60/year (example figures). On a Basic Bank Account, the yearly fee is capped at a few euros — a gap that adds up over the years.
Sources
Susana Vasconcelos
- Intermediária de crédito autorizada pelo Banco de Portugal n.º 0008496
- Mais de 10 anos na banca