Which Credit Card is Accepted in Portugal? While there are plenty of places that accept credit cards throughout Portugal, it's always a safe bet to carry cash money. That said, Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards throughout Portugal and Europe.

The best credit card for Portugal is any card that features no foreign transaction fees and is widely accepted, such as a Visa or Mastercard. In 2026, Portugal has become an almost entirely "contactless" society, so cards with NFC (Tap-to-Pay) capabilities or integration with Apple Pay/Google Pay are essential. Travel-focused cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X are excellent choices because they offer high rewards on travel and dining—two of the biggest spending categories in Portugal—and provide primary rental car insurance, which is vital for driving in the Algarve or Douro Valley. While American Express is accepted in high-end hotels and restaurants in Lisbon and Porto, it is often not accepted in smaller "tascas" or local shops, making a Visa or Mastercard your reliable "daily driver." It is also helpful to have a card that uses Chip-and-PIN technology, as some automated kiosks for trains or parking in rural areas may still struggle with "Chip-and-Signature" cards common in the U.S.