Generally, cash must be accepted by merchants. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which are detailed in this article.
“Although as a rule, cash payment must be accepted by merchants, the law allows for certain situations where payments with notes and coins can be refused,” explains DECO PROTeste, citing the following examples:
- when the note’s value is disproportionate to the expense being paid;
- when there is an agreement between the merchant and consumer to use another payment method;
- when the amount to be paid exceeds 3,000 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency;
- in payments exceeding 10,000 euros made by non-resident individuals, provided they do not represent a legal person;
- for tax payments exceeding 500 euros;
- in single payments involving more than 50 coins. In this case, only the State or the Bank of Portugal are obligated to accept them.
Learn what the law stipulates.
08:37 – 03/26/2025
