Carregosa NextGen: What it is, who it’s for, and how to get started
At a glance:
• Carregosa NextGen is the segment of Banco Carregosa for clients aged 18 to 30. It combines savings with guaranteed capital and investment in global markets within a single regulated account.
• It is intended for those who want to start saving (fixed-term deposits or PPRs) and gradually evolve into Shares, ETFs and Funds.
• How to get started: open an account in minutes, 100% digital and free, with authentication via Digital Mobile Key.
For years, banking spoke a language that wasn’t yours: complicated, distant and designed for those who already had wealth. Carregosa NextGen exists to change that logic. It is the segment of Banco Carregosa dedicated to people aged 18 to 30 who want to start saving and investing with the solidity of a bank with 193 years of history and the agility of a 100% digital platform.
Here you will find what Carregosa NextGen is, who it is for, how much you need to get started, how each product compares, how your money is protected, and how to open an account in just a few minutes.
In 30 seconds: what is Carregosa NextGen
Definition
Carregosa NextGen is the segment of Banco Carregosa aimed at clients aged 18 to 30. It combines a current account, savings solutions (fixed-term deposits and PPRs), access to financial markets (shares, ETFs and investment funds) via the GoBulling Investor platform, and partnerships with external providers. Banco Carregosa is registered with Banco de Portugal under no. 0235 and with the CMVM under no. 0169.
Carregosa NextGen is organised around four pillars that correspond to the natural journey of those who begin to manage their money independently:
1. Saving with Fixed-Term Deposits and Personal Savings and Retirement Plans (PPRs), with guaranteed capital or tax benefits.
2. Investing in Shares, ETFs and Investment Funds in global markets.
3. Trading through GoBulling Investor, Banco Carregosa’s proprietary platform.
4. Enjoy exclusive benefits through our protocols (including the partnership with Deco PROteste).
The difference compared to a purely digital broker is structural: when you open a Carregosa NextGen account, you become a client of a regulated and supervised bank, and not just a user of an app. Your account is a Banco Carregosa current account.
Who is Carregosa NextGen for (and who it isn’t for)
Honesty here will save you time. Carregosa NextGen is not for every profile.
It makes sense if...
• You are between 18 and 30 years old and want to start saving or investing in a structured way.
• You are looking for capital-guaranteed solutions for your first savings (Fixed-Term Deposits).
• You want to complement your savings with access to financial markets when you are ready, without changing institutions.
• You value the security and supervision of a regulated bank (BdP and CMVM) over fintech apps without a full banking licence.
• You are looking for long-term tax efficiency through a PPR (deductions in your income tax return and reduced taxation on withdrawal).
• You prefer digital tools without losing the possibility of speaking to a human representative.
It doesn’t make sense if...
• You are looking for very short-term trading with aggressive leverage (CFDs, high-margin forex) — Carregosa NextGen was not designed for this profile.
• You only want a fee-free account/card with no interest in saving or investing — minimalist digital banks will be simpler.
• You are over 30: the Carregosa NextGen segment has an age limit, although Banco Carregosa will continue to support you with other solutions.
• You expect guaranteed returns on investments in shares or funds: no capital markets product offers this, and Carregosa NextGen strictly follows this principle.
Important to remember
The right starting point is not "Which is the best product?”, but "What is my Investor Profile?”. You can discover your Investor Profile in this article we have prepared for you. European regulation (MiFID II) requires the bank to assess your profile (conservative, moderate or dynamic) according to the service provided before allowing you to access certain products. This assessment is an integral part of the account opening process.
Carregosa NextGen: How much do you need to get started
Opening a Carregosa NextGen account is 100% digital and free, with authentication via Digital Mobile Key. The minimum amount to start saving with a Fixed-Term Deposit is €1,000. To invest in Shares or ETFs via GoBulling Investor, the minimum amount is the price of a single unit of the chosen asset.
The premise "I need a lot of money to get started” is the main myth that keeps young people away from the markets. In practice, the NextGen entry point is divided into clear tiers:
| I want to start... | Recommended Carregosa NextGen product | Minimum amount |
|---|---|---|
| Making my first savings work for me | Fixed-Term Deposit (Welcome Boost) | €1,000 |
| Building a disciplined monthly savings plan | Grow On deposit (with top-ups) | €1,000 initial + €500 per top-up |
| Investing in diversified ETFs | ETF via GoBulling Investor | Price of 1 ETF unit (varies, typically €10 to €100) |
| Investing in Shares | Share via GoBulling Investor | Price of 1 share (varies according to the stock) |
| Building a tax-efficient retirement savings plan | PPR Carregosa NextGen | According to the conditions of the subscribed PPR |
Please note
There are no costs to open an account. The maintenance conditions, transaction fees and spreads applicable to each product are set out in the Banco Carregosa Price List, available on the institutional website, in accordance with Banco de Portugal regulatory requirements.
Deposit vs PPR vs ETF vs Fund vs Shares
This is the comparison that Carregosa NextGen makes possible within a single account. Each product serves a different objective.
| Dimension | Fixed-Term Deposit | PPR | ETF | Investment Fund | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed capital | Yes | Depends on the PPR (some yes, others no) | No | No | No |
| Risk* | Very low | Low to medium | Medium | Medium | Medium to high |
| Recommended time horizon | Short (1 day to 1 year) | Long (>8 years) | Medium to long | Medium to long | Medium to long |
| Liquidity | Variable (some can be withdrawn) | Low (penalty for early redemption outside legal conditions) | High (traded on the stock exchange) | Medium (redemption on D+X) | High (traded on the stock exchange) |
| Taxation of income (standard regime) | 28% IRS (Cat. E) | Reduced taxation and tax benefits | 28% IRS on capital gains | 28% IRS on capital gains | 28% IRS on capital gains and dividends |
| Active investor decision | Minimal | Minimal | Low to medium | Minimal (professional management) | High |
* The risk classification is generic and may vary according to the specific product.
Keep in mind
In Portugal, income from capital (interest, capital gains, dividends) is taxed under IRS at the flat rate of 28% (Category E), with withholding at source. PPRs are the only relevant exception for retail investors, benefiting from a 20% deduction on annual contributions in the IRS (with age limits: €400 up to 35 years, €350 between 35 and 50, €300 over 50) and reduced taxation on income when redeemed under the conditions provided by law.
Comparative table of Carregosa NextGen Fixed-Term Deposits
This is a detailed comparison of the four Fixed-Term Deposits available at Carregosa NextGen, placed in the context of the national market.
| Characteristic | Welcome Boost | Next Move | Quick Win | Grow On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross AER | 2.50% | 1.75% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Term | 3 or 6 months | 3 months | 1 to 180 days | 12 months |
| Minimum amount | €1,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 |
| Maximum amount | €150,000 | up to 2x Welcome Boost | €1,000,000 | €500,000 |
| Top-ups allowed | No | No | No | Yes, from €500 |
| Guaranteed capital | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DGF coverage (up to €100,000 per holder) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Usage profile | First savings, maximum initial return | Continuity after Welcome Boost | Short-term liquidity | Disciplined accumulation with top-ups |
| Gross interest on €1,000 over maximum term | €12.50 (6 months) | €4.38 (3 months) | €7.40 (180 days) | €15.00 (12 months) |
| Net interest on €1,000 after 28% IRS | €9.00 | €3.15 | €5.33 | €10.80 |
Market context
In January 2026, the average interest rate on new fixed-term deposits for private individuals in Portugal was 1.34% (Banco de Portugal). The Welcome Boost deposit from Carregosa NextGen offers a gross AER of 2.50%, significantly above the average rate published by Banco de Portugal. All Carregosa NextGen fixed-term deposits have guaranteed capital and are covered by the Deposit Guarantee Fund up to €100,000 per holder and per institution.
When each Fixed-Term Deposit makes sense:
• Welcome Boost: when you are making your first deposit and want to maximise the initial return.
• Next Move: to keep your capital earning interest after the Welcome Boost matures, without going back to the current account.
• Quick Win: when you need potential liquidity at any time but don’t want your money sitting idle.
• Grow On: for those who want to build the habit of making top-ups over 12 months.
PPR: The instrument undervalued by young people
The Personal Savings and Retirement Plan (PPR) is often associated only with retirement and, for that reason, ignored by those under 30. This may be a less tax-efficient decision. PPRs offer three cumulative advantages that no other product replicates:
1. Tax efficiency on entry: 20% deduction on contributions in your IRS return (up to €400/year if you are under 35).
2. Tax efficiency on exit: The effective tax rate on returns can be substantially lower than the 28% applicable to deposits or shares, depending on the holding period and form of redemption.
3. The power of time: Starting a PPR at 22 instead of 50 changes the order of magnitude of the final capital. The effect of compound interest over 40 years is mathematically superior to the same effort over 15 years in favourable market scenarios, although there is no guarantee of results.
The law also provides specific conditions for redemption before retirement (such as payment of mortgage instalments), which makes it more flexible than the name suggests.
The Complete Guide to Savings and Retirement
Read this article and discover what a PPR is, how it works and whether it is worth investing.
ETFs, Funds and Shares
• ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): You invest in a basket of assets in a single transaction. Immediate diversification, typically low management costs. It may be suitable for investors who want exposure to markets without choosing individual companies.
• Investment Funds: Active management by professional teams. It is often used by investors who want to delegate the decision on asset selection.
• Shares: Direct purchase of stakes in listed companies. Higher return potential and higher risk. It may be suitable for investors who want to decide individually which companies make up their portfolio.
Security, regulation and investor protection
This section answers the question you should ask before any other: what protects your money?
Banco Carregosa is registered with Banco de Portugal under no. 0235 and with the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) under no. 0169. Fixed-Term Deposits are covered by the Deposit Guarantee Fund up to €100,000 per holder and per institution. Financial instruments (Shares, ETFs, Funds) are covered by the Investor Compensation Scheme (SII) up to €25,000 per investor, in the event of the financial intermediary’s inability to return the assets. Banco Carregosa and GoBulling are registered trademarks owned by Banco L. J. Carregosa, S.A..
Layers of protection:
1. Prudential supervision by Banco de Portugal: Banco Carregosa is subject to capital, liquidity and governance requirements of the European Banking Union.
2. Conduct supervision by CMVM: It frames the provision of investment services, ensuring information duties and suitability to the investor’s profile (MiFID II regime).
3. Deposit Guarantee Fund (FGD): Protects deposits up to €100,000 per holder and per institution. Applicable to the four Carregosa NextGen Fixed-Term Deposits.
4. Investor Compensation Scheme (SII): Protects financial instruments held in custody, distinct from deposit protection. The SII does not cover market losses, only the intermediary’s inability to return the assets.
5. Asset segregation: Client assets are accounted for separately from the bank’s own assets, a fundamental principle of the financial intermediation regime.
Risk warning
Guaranteed capital does not mean guaranteed positive real return. If inflation is higher than the net AER of the deposit, there is a loss of purchasing power. Investments in Shares, ETFs and Funds do not have guaranteed capital and may result in total or partial loss of the invested amount. Past performance does not guarantee future performance.
GoBulling Investor: Where you invest in your future
Once you have chosen the strategy that best suits your profile, you need the right tool to take action. This is where GoBulling Investor comes in. It is the Banco Carregosa trading platform specifically designed to be simple, intuitive and modern. It is the place where you manage your entire NextGen ecosystem.
• Everything at your fingertips: Search, execute and manage your investments from your mobile, tablet or computer. The freedom to invest wherever and whenever you want.
• Better informed decisions: Access ratings from renowned analysts (such as FactSet and Morningstar) and explore market trends and thematic investments to identify new opportunities.
• Full control of your portfolio: View your exposure by asset class, sector, country and currency with advanced return statistics.
• Multi-asset investing: In a single interface, you have direct access to Shares, ETFs and Investment Funds.
NextGen Tip
If you still don’t feel comfortable investing with real capital, you can start with the DEMO version, with no real financial risk. It is the ideal way to explore all the platform’s features and test your strategies without any risk.
How to open a Carregosa NextGen account in 6 steps
Account opening is 100% digital, with no need to travel. In accordance with the European electronic identification regime, strong authentication via Digital Mobile Key is required.
1. Preparation and Requirements
Before you start, make sure you meet the basic criteria:
• Age: You must be over 18 years old.
• Residence: You must have tax residence in Portugal.
• Documentation: If you do not use the direct digital route, you will need your Proof of Address (utility bill or tax certificate less than 3 months old).
2. Choice of Opening Method
When you access the portal, you must choose between two routes:
• With Digital Mobile Key (CMD): It is the fastest method for you. Your data is imported automatically, saving you from manual filling and sending several documents.
• Without Digital Mobile Key: Here you will have to fill in all fields manually and upload your documentation.
3. Contact Validation
• Enter your name, NIF, mobile phone and email.
• You will receive a validation code by email and a PIN by SMS. Enter both on the platform to proceed.
4. Definition of Account Holder
• Select whether the account will be only yours or if it will have more holders.
• Critical note: This choice is definitive for the ongoing process. If you change your mind later, you will have to restart everything, so decide carefully now.
5. Acceptance of Conditions and Submission
• You must open and read the legal documents.
• After accepting them, submit your request. If you used the CMD, your work is almost done. Otherwise, follow the instructions they send you by email to sign and return the documents.
6. Activation and Access
• Once the bank validates your account, you will receive your access details via email and SMS.
• From then on, you can transfer your funds and start using the platform.
Carregosa NextGen: Myths vs Reality
There are many myths when starting to invest in Carregosa NextGen. Let’s clarify the most common ones:
Myth: "Banco Carregosa is only for large fortunes.”
Reality: Carregosa NextGen was created precisely to democratise this access. The entry point for deposits is €1,000 and ETFs can be subscribed at the price of a single unit.
Myth: "Carregosa NextGen is an independent investment app.”
Reality: When you open a Carregosa NextGen account, you become a client of Banco Carregosa, an institution with more than 190 years of history, registered with Banco de Portugal (no. 0235) and the CMVM (no. 0169). Your account is a current account, not a fintech wallet.
Myth: "Investing is too complicated.”
Reality: There are products for all levels. A Fixed-Term Deposit is as simple as a savings account. A diversified ETF can be subscribed quickly and easily after profile validation. Complexity only increases if you choose complex products. With the support of our Academia and intuitive tools, you turn curiosity into real opportunities.
Myth: "With little money it’s not worth starting.”
Reality: The effect of compound interest depends more on time than on the initial amount. Starting at 22 with €100/month beats starting at 35 with €300/month after 30 years.
Carregosa NextGen: Next steps
The best time to start taking care of your money is now. You have three paths:
1. Open an account today: Start the Carregosa NextGen online account opening (10 to 15 minutes, with Digital Mobile Key).
2. Explore the platform: Try the GoBulling Investor DEMO version before trading with real capital.
3. Contact the bank: If you prefer to clarify doubts before proceeding, talk to the Carregosa NextGen team.
Carregosa NextGen: Frequently Asked Questions
Before you start, there are always questions, and that’s good. They are what make you make more conscious and intelligent decisions. We answer the most common ones here.
Is it worth investing even with little money?
Yes. The decisive long-term factor is time, not the initial amount. Starting early allows you to take advantage of the effect of compound interest and build a habit, which is the most undervalued financial asset.
Do I need experience in finance to start?
No. Carregosa NextGen was designed for those who are starting to invest, without prejudice to the individual suitability assessment required by applicable legislation. MiFID II regulation ensures that the bank only offers you products suitable for your profile and level of knowledge, and the Carregosa Academy covers the essential concepts.
If I open a Carregosa NextGen account, am I a client of Banco Carregosa?
Yes. The NextGen account is a Banco Carregosa current account, supervised by Banco de Portugal (no. 0235) and by the CMVM (no. 0169).
What is GoBulling Investor?
It is the proprietary trading platform of Banco Carregosa for access to financial markets. Banco Carregosa and GoBulling are registered trademarks owned by Banco L. J. Carregosa, S.A., supervised by the same regulatory entities (BdP and CMVM).
How much does it cost to open and maintain a Carregosa NextGen account?
Opening is free and 100% digital. The maintenance conditions, commissions and spreads are set out in the Banco Carregosa Price List, available on the institutional website, in accordance with the Banco de Portugal Notice on the disclosure of price lists.
Is my money safe?
Deposits have guaranteed capital and are covered by the Deposit Guarantee Fund up to €100,000 per holder and per institution. Financial instruments are covered by the Investor Compensation Scheme (SII) up to €25,000 per investor. Important: this system does not cover market losses, only the intermediary’s inability to return the assets.
Can I withdraw money from a Fixed-Term Deposit before the end of the term?
The conditions for early withdrawal vary by product. We recommend consulting the Standardised Information Sheet (FIN) for each deposit before subscribing.
What happens if I turn 30?
The Carregosa NextGen segment has an age limit, but Banco Carregosa will continue to support you with solutions suitable for other stages of life. The account and investments are not extinguished: they migrate to the appropriate segment.
Can I have a PPR and a Fixed-Term Deposit at the same time?
Yes. The pillars of Carregosa NextGen are complementary and can be combined according to your Investor Profile and your objectives.
How do I know what my Investor Profile is?
The assessment is made during the account opening process, as required by MiFID II. You can complement the self-assessment by consulting the Banco Carregosa article on Investor Profile.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared by Banco Carregosa for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute, under any circumstances, an investment proposal, purchase recommendation or personalised financial advice. Investing in financial instruments involves risks, including the possibility of losing the invested capital. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. We recommend that you consult an account manager or financial advisor before making any investment decision, to ensure that it is suitable for your risk profile and financial objectives. This content does not replace the pre-contractual information nor the Standardised Information Sheet for each product.