ActivoBank Reviews 

Opened an account, after a lot of documentation and video call, they asked me who would be the person to do the first transfer, I gave all information.

After a couple days they call and send an email to ask me for proof of transfer, i responded to that email with the proof and all the information they asked.

Today i recieved another call saying my account will be canceled because I didn't submit the proof by the app.

Unacceptable, in no circumstance I was informed I had to do that, and even after all this I can't even find the menu on the app that allows me to send documents, this is not only a terrible app design, as I should not have to dig around to find such a relevant menu, as it's a lack of consideration for my time.

Now they say they can't do nothing and the account will be closed but i can start a new account if i wish.

No, thank you! I would not recommend this service at all.

A while back I attempted to open an account with Activo on-line. After the video call, they said someone would contact me and I would need to make a deposit. A week later, no one had contacted me, I sent an e-mail and they did call back saying they had NO RECORD of anything!!!

Okay, so I tried again 3 months later. This time they need proof of profession less than 6 months old, even though I repeatedly marked "Retired/Pensioner."
I sent my recent Social Security benefits letter and then finally an old business card. Neither was accepted. I called their "Customer Service" line and she said that I would need to go to a branch (Lisbon) and present my documents there (I live in Tavira). This whole operation is a totally incompetent joke and I do not want them anywhere near my money!!!!!!!!!!! Run away!!!!!!!!!!!!

Follow-up to their request for information:
Activo posted a request for me to provide my Activo account number so they could follow-up on my post. Well, I do not have an Activo account number! I was unable to open an account at Activo due to their request for information that I was unable to provide on-line. Their previous response was to drive to Lisbon (from Tavira) to experience what other have described as a feudal effort, utilizing documents that may or may not be acceptable or adequate. After two attempts at opening an account, wherein their best foot forward would presumably have been presented, I have very serious doubts that their customer service after opening an account will be anything different.

Excellent bank. One of the best in Portugal. I’ve been a client for over 15 years. Don’t look at bad reviews as they are mostly internet trolls.

is a nightmare if you are a foreigner, to do anything you need to go in person because the assistants at the call center are rude and clueless and the app procedures rarely work. I am leaving this bank after tons of wasted time with their useless customer service. After 3 years with them I can say it’s really a nightmare.

Probably a good bank, if you manage to get an account there... Unfortunately, after providing them the documents required on the website, residence permit, IRS, etc. They decline open an account with no reason or questions to me for more documents, etc. Very disappointing.

Poor savings account (nearly no interest).

No cashback.

No points.

Virtually-useless support, contact form only lets you report a limited set of pre-defined issues. Cannot write anything unless you select "Suggestion". If you do, you're limited to 150 characters. If they don't ignore you, they call you once regardless of the issue and your contact preferences. If you send the call to a voicemail message requesting e-mail, they send you a message stating they tried to reach you without addressing your concerns and never contact you again about it.

Had issues using their cards and services abroad, wrote them I cannot use their cards nor services including the app, they replied requesting I call them or write them via the app or website (!).

Provides a toll number for support when you have issues, no e-mail address nor contact form (!).

Otherwise good.

Free account and credit card.

Update (07/21/2025): Cannot add card to Google Wallet. Reported ~1 month ago before travelling. Already returned and it still doesn't work.

I wish I could give these people a negative number.
Over a month after having followed all the process steps to open the account on line, including the Video call, and after multiple phone calls to inquire as to the status of my account with the same amount of promises to call me back, NOTHING.
These people are jokers and DO NOT DESERVE TO BE IN BUSINESS.

Subject: Account Closure Request Due to Ongoing Issues

Dear Active Bank,

After years of disappointing experiences, I have finally decided to close my bank account. I would like to highlight the latest issues I encountered during my travels, which have led to this decision.

Over the past six months, my debit and credit cards have been repeatedly blocked. Each time I contacted customer support, it took days for the issue to be resolved. Additionally, I needed to update my phone number to receive notifications and use 3D-secure features. The process required either visiting an ATM in Portugal or submitting a change request via support. Initially, I was told the update would take 48 hours, but this turned into 5 business days, and ultimately 6 days. Despite the lengthy procedure supposedly for "security reasons," when I finally received the call, the staff member did not ask any security questions and simply confirmed the update.

A month ago, the chip on my debit card stopped working, leaving me unable to withdraw cash in countries where cash is essential. Customer support informed me that they could not assist me and that I needed to request a new card to be sent to my address in Portugal.

In contrast, on Monday, 20th May 2024, I opened a Revolut bank account. Within hours, I made my first deposit and requested a card to be sent to my current address in South Africa. I received the card today, 23rd May 2024.

Active Bank claims to "simplify," but my experiences suggest otherwise. Obtaining a new card while abroad with Active Bank is like trying to build a spaceship for Activobank. The outdated and rigid procedures, combined with poor customer support, have made banking with Activobank an incredibly horrible experience.

You will eventually be go out of business. Its just a matter of time.

So terrible. Nothing works. So many headaches to make a simple
Transfer, as soon as it was possible I transferred all my money out and will never put another cent into that account. I highly recommend you avoid them

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the service provided by Activo Bank. My recent attempt to open a bank account turned into a frustrating and time-consuming ordeal, ultimately resulting in a complete waste of my time and effort.

Firstly, despite the convenience promised by their online account opening feature, I encountered numerous technical issues that rendered the process virtually unusable. Despite multiple attempts, the app consistently failed to capture a clear photo of my residence permit, making it impossible to proceed. With no alternative method for document submission, I was left with no choice but to physically visit a branch.

Upon arriving at the bank, I was informed that I needed to schedule an appointment to apply for an account, a requirement that was not in place just a few months ago. The earliest appointment available was a week away, adding further frustration to the situation.

Despite making the necessary arrangements and taking time off work, my appointment was marred by yet another setback. Upon arrival, I was informed that their system was malfunctioning, necessitating another trip the following day.

After finally completing the application process, I was informed that I would have to wait five days for a decision. Disappointingly, this period passed without any communication from the bank.

Upon returning to the bank once again, I was shocked to discover that my application had been declined without any explanation. Despite providing all required documents, including a valid residence permit, the decision appeared arbitrary and neglectful.

In conclusion, I cannot in good conscience recommend Activo Bank to anyone who values their time and expects reliable service. My experience has been characterized by incompetence, inconvenience, and disregard for customer satisfaction.

Ticket system did not send a ticket. No one to ask, in the meantime others got ahead. Unhelpful and unfriendly response from staff.

I am not able to log in to the bank. I called the customer service and they were not able to help me. It's a nightmare!

This week, I am facing a little personal nightmare because ActivoBank keeps my money without adding to my account. I cannot pay the rent and buy groceries. They've received it four days ago on Friday as it was a regular SEPA transfer. Back then, they told me that the bank worked in full capacity regardless the national holiday, and incoming deposits were being credited to accounts.

Monday came and the money was still not in the account. A bank rep confirmed he saw the amount in the system and it would be credited same day.

Tuesday came and they money are still not in the account. Bank reps see the transaction and say it's a second business day after the holiday so it should be there today. It's Tuesday night, the account is empty, the bank keeps charging me lateness fees on the credit bank, and keeps my money without releasing it.

I am not trusting the Portuguese banks ever again. Especially, Activo. I thought this can happen only in American banks.

This is the worst bank ever. I used my account every day, I was receiving salaries and paying with my card, and then one day my account was just closed for no reason with all my savings on it. Not blocked, but closed! With no warning! I found out by accident, because I couldn’t pay by my card. It has been 14 days since then and they still can’t explain me why it happened. They told me they would find a reason and call me in 5 business days but it has been much more already. I call them every day and they just tell me to wait. And I’m not even waiting for them to solve the problem, I’m waiting just to find out the reason! Worst experience ever!!!

I was apprehensive about going to this branch after reading the reviews, but I had a really good experience. The staff were friendly, helpful and spoke very good English. They helped me at every step of the process including activating my card and getting set up on the app. I had a some issues with the process (the customer service rep spelled my name incorrectly over the phone so it took 24 hours to update), but nothing to do with the service at the branch. I could also set up an account with my EU passport instead of a portuguese citizen card. I did go there at off peak times (after lunch and again in the evening) so maybe that helped. I would recommend it for non portuguese speaking expats.

Absolutely useless customer service, I ordered a credit card 1 month ago and still have not received it. Customer service doesn't know where it is because they don't send it with a tracking number and just keep asking me to wait. Or cancel and order a new card which may or may not arrive in a month or more. Typical Portuguese service, logic and standard, completely and utterly useless

Like others have stated, I don't understand why several people have sent in bad reviews about ActivoBank.

I have not has any serious issues with ActivoBank in the 4 or 5 years I have been with them. (Of course, there have been some niggles - make a purchase in a non-Euro currency, and you'll pay extra fees. You can open a free-of-charge Revolut or N26 account if you do business in non-Euro countries)

I applied for a credit card; it arrived in the post a few days later. My wife applied for a credit and debit card, and she's got an email to say they're on the way.

ActivoBank does have a rather clunky system when you need contact them either online or by phone. They need your "customer number", NIF (tax) number, and some of the digits from a 7-digit "multichannel" code. If you write these down before you contact them, you'll save yourself a lot of bother.

Without exception all the people I contacted were polite, patient and courteous - and spoke great English!

This bank doesn't charge fees for your account. Even if it is an online bank, you still have the possibility to talk to advisers in the physical stores. Easy and very foreigner friendly. Recommend!

Very Bad Bank. They dont know what a bank has to do. Keep distance of this bank Guys!!!!!

Called to query about the slice option, the guy answered my question, when I asked to get the information in writing, he put me on hold only to refuse me, to which I politely asked to get his supervisor, he put me on hold again 5 more minutes only to come back and argue with me like a child instead of getting the supervisor, put me on hold again to get the supervisor only to come back and tell he can in fact send the documentation but in order to do that he put me on hold for 10 minutes . 10 MINUTES TO SEND A 2 LINE EMAIL AND HE COULDNT EVEN DO THAT PROPERLY. The customer service standard is a complete joke with activobank.