Garnished or Blocked Accounts
In certain situations, your bank account may be subject to a garnishment or blocking order issued by a competent authority. On this page, we explain what this type of restriction means, the most common reasons it occurs, and how you should proceed to obtain information or resolve the situation with the relevant authority.
What is it?
Garnished accounts are bank accounts that become fully or partially unavailable due to an order issued by a competent authority (such as the courts, the Office of the Attorney General, the General Tax Administration – AGT, or the Social Security Institute – INSS), with the aim of ensuring the payment of a legally recognised debt.
In other words, when there is a judicial or administrative decision requiring the retention of funds in the account to secure compliance with an obligation (for example: tax debts, alimony payments, or legal proceedings), the bank is legally obliged to block the funds until further instruction from the issuing authority.
How to avoid account blocks?
To avoid having your account blocked or garnished, it is important to remain compliant with your legal and tax obligations. Here are some good practices:
- Settle taxes and contributions (AGT and INSS) on time.
- Comply with court rulings related to alimony, compensation, and other obligations.
- Keep your information up to date with the bank to ensure you receive important notifications.
- Regularly monitor your tax and legal status with the relevant authorities.
- Respond promptly to official notifications to prevent the implementation of enforcement measures.
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What is it?
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How to avoid account blocks?
Garnished accounts are bank accounts that become fully or partially unavailable due to an order issued by a competent authority (such as the courts, the Office of the Attorney General, the General Tax Administration – AGT, or the Social Security Institute – INSS), with the aim of ensuring the payment of a legally recognised debt.
In other words, when there is a judicial or administrative decision requiring the retention of funds in the account to secure compliance with an obligation (for example: tax debts, alimony payments, or legal proceedings), the bank is legally obliged to block the funds until further instruction from the issuing authority.
To avoid having your account blocked or garnished, it is important to remain compliant with your legal and tax obligations. Here are some good practices:
- Settle taxes and contributions (AGT and INSS) on time.
- Comply with court rulings related to alimony, compensation, and other obligations.
- Keep your information up to date with the bank to ensure you receive important notifications.
- Regularly monitor your tax and legal status with the relevant authorities.
- Respond promptly to official notifications to prevent the implementation of enforcement measures.
Informação sobre a restrição de movimentação de contas - Penhoradas e/ou Bloqueadas
Dear Customer,
If your account has been subject to a garnishment order (funds retention) and/or blocking issued by a competent authority — namely, but not limited to, the Office of the Attorney General (PGR), Courts, General Tax Administration (AGT), or Social Security Institute (INSS) — we recommend that you contact the respective authority responsible for the order in order to resolve the situation.
Please note that the Bank will only lift the restriction upon formal notification from the competent authorities.
Additionally, you may visit the branch where your account is domiciled and request the following details: official reference number, case number, and the name of the issuing authority. Example: Case No. XXX, Notice No. YYY, issued by AGT – 3rd Tax Office.