In recent times, many consumers in Portugal have come across bank committees applied after surveys in automatic ATMs. These charges are not clearly indicated at the time of the operation, arising only later in the bank statement, which has raised doubts about its origin.
The impact of the type of card
These commissions are associated with the type of card used raised. Many cases reported to Deco Proteste refer to cards that combine debit and credit functions, known as dual cards.
Dual cards and unexpected charges
When a dual card is used at terminals that do not follow the traditional operation of the ATM, as is the case with the Euronet network, the operation can be automatically treated as a credit advance, even if the user wants only a simple survey.
In these cases, the bank applies committees provided for in its tariff, as it considers the operation as a credit, which may result in high charges.
Commissions that exceed the four euros
The value of the commission varies depending on the banking institution, with situations where the rate sets around the four euros.
In addition, a percentage may also be applied to the amount raised, which can reach up to 4%, plus seal tax.
Although Euronet terminals have a warning informing that the bank may charge commissions, the message is unclear or explains the reason for the additional costs.
Debit cards are free from commissions
The Portuguese law prohibits the collection of commissions in surveys made with exclusively debit cards in the national territory, even when performed outside the ATM. These cards immediately debit the account values to the order.
On the other hand, credit cards work based on a monthly limit and only charge the amount raised on a later date. Dual cards combine these two features, alternating between them as the terminal used.
It is essential to confirm with the bank
Consumers advise to confirm with your bank if the card they use is only debit, only credit or combines both functions, information that is not always clear on the card.
It is also important to realize in which networks the card can be used, as alternative terminals, such as Euronet, apply different rules of the ATM, resembling the operation of foreign automatic boxes.
More attention when raising money
Despite being a frequent operation for many Portuguese, money lifting now requires more care due to the growing presence of alternative networks.
These networks work differently from the traditional ATM, which can lead to additional costs that are not always evident at the time of operation.
To avoid unexpected charges in apparently simple operations, it is essential that users are aware of the type of card they use and the terminal where they perform the survey.
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