Banks in Portugal have issued a warning to customers about delays to money transfers made during the Christmas period, advising that funds sent from December 24 onward will only reach destination accounts on Monday December 29.
The delay is due to the temporary closure of the national interbank payment system over the holiday period, a routine pause that affects the processing of transfers between financial institutions. As a result, transactions initiated in the days leading up to Christmas will remain pending until normal operations resume at the start of the following week.
Portuguese banking authorities said the disruption applies mainly to interbank transfers, including standard domestic transfers and some international payments routed through the national system. Internal transfers within the same bank may still be processed, depending on the institution and the type of account involved.
The closure is part of the annual holiday schedule observed the banking sector in Portugal, when payment clearing systems are suspended on public holidays. While digital banking platforms remain accessible, the underlying settlement infrastructure does not operate during this period, meaning transactions cannot be completed until services restart.
Customers have been advised to take the delay into account when making time sensitive payments, such as rent, salaries, invoices or personal transfers. Banks warned that payments scheduled for December 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28 will only be credited once the system reopens on Monday December 29.
Consumer groups say the delay can be particularly inconvenient during the festive season, when many people rely on last minute transfers for holiday expenses or family support. However, they noted that the interruption is not unusual and occurs every year during major public holidays.
Several banks said notifications had been issued through online banking platforms and customer alerts in the days leading up to Christmas. They encouraged clients to plan ahead in future holiday periods making important transfers earlier or using alternative payment methods where available.
Businesses have also been urged to factor in the delay when managing cash flow and payroll. Financial advisers said companies that rely heavily on end of year transfers should ensure payments are scheduled well before holiday closures to avoid disruption.
Normal processing is expected to resume on Monday December 29, with pending transfers then being cleared in order. Banks said no action is required from customers, as transactions will be completed automatically once the system is back online.
While the delay has caused some frustration, banking officials stressed that it is a standard procedural pause and does not indicate any technical problem or security issue. They added that full services will return after the holiday break.
