Multibanco is one of the most popular payment methods in Portugal, in part due to how easy it is for both merchants and their customers to use. In essence, it’s a network of ATMs and Point-of-Sale terminals that allow you to make payments in stores, online, or via mobile app. Multibanco is accepted by over 1 million merchants across Portugal and abroad.
For merchants, the Multibanco Network provides the necessary software, equipment, and training. The merchant's account will be charged a fee by Multibanco Network based on how much you sell each month. If you sell over €400 worth of products each month, there will be no charge for accepting Multibanco payments from customers who have an account with Multibanco Bank, the largest bank in Portugal (which also has branches in Brazil).
For merchants who don't meet that threshold, you'll be charged about 0.5% per transaction for accepting Multibanco payments from all customers (including those who don't have accounts at Multibanco Bank). This fee is paid out of pocket by consumers who pay with their card at merchants' businesses; it is not added onto their purchase price.
For consumers, Multibanco is used like most major credit cards. It allows them to make payments through their smartphones, tablets, or computers, and is available in more than 5,000 locations. It works by using a card reader that connects directly to the customer’s phone or tablet via Bluetooth. They can also connect their device directly to the payment terminal if you want.
It's also extremely safe—the system uses card-reading terminals, which means customers keep control of both their card and banking information throughout a transaction. This makes Multibanco an ideal option for merchants who want to keep their customers' information secure while still offering them an easy way to pay.