Why should I use a credit intermediary like FINOVA instead of going directly to my bank?

What do I gain by comparing several banks?

Each bank sets its own spread and terms. A small difference in rate weighs a lot on a 30-year loan.

An example. You borrow €150,000 over 30 years and get three offers: 3%, 3.2% and 3.5%. The repayments are about €632, €649 and €674.

Between the best and the worst, the difference is €41 a month. Over 30 years, that is €14,818. These are example figures, with the rate unchanged for the whole term.

What does FINOVA do that the bank does not?

• Asks several banks for offers with a single application from you.
• Puts the offers side by side, for the same amount and term.
• Explains each bank's ESIS and the draft contract. For home loans, this is a duty of the intermediary.
• Gathers the documents and talks to the banks for you.

What stays the same?

• The bank always decides and lends.
• The contract is with the bank, and you pay your repayments to the bank.
• You get the ESIS at the calculation and at approval.
• The offer is valid for at least 30 days, and you cannot sign in the first 7.

Which banks does FINOVA work with?

FINOVA is a tied credit intermediary, on a non-exclusive basis. It works with the banks it has contracts with, listed on the Intermediary Details page.

You can always ask your own bank for an offer too, and compare it with ours.

What about FINOVA's fee?

It is paid by the bank you choose. A tied intermediary can only be paid by banks. It cannot take money from customers. See Who pays FINOVA?

The loan has its own costs, such as taxes, valuation and registration. You pay them with or without an intermediary.

What if no bank approves?

The bank decides after checking whether you can repay the loan. It does not have to lend, even after a positive assessment. If it refuses because of your credit records at Banco de Portugal, it must tell you why.

Without a loan contract, FINOVA receives no fee.

Can I stop halfway?

Yes, at any time. You only pay third-party costs already incurred, such as the home valuation, if it has been done.

How do I start?

First see how much you can borrow in the home purchase simulator. Then gather your documents. The guide Which documents do I need to prepare to get started? has the list.

Where FINOVA helps

We compare the offers with you by APR and MTIC, and follow the process to the deed. Our fee is paid by the bank.

Sources

• Banco de Portugal — Credit intermediaries: what they are (in Portuguese)
• Banco de Portugal — Carrying out the activity of credit intermediary (in Portuguese)
• Banco de Portugal — How to enter into home loan agreements
• Banco de Portugal — Interest rates in home loans
• Banco de Portugal — Creditworthiness assessment

Sources checked on 22 September 2026.