For many years, investing was seen as an activity reserved for people with high incomes, substantial wealth or advanced financial knowledge. However, the digital transformation of the financial sector has completely changed this landscape. Today, there are several accessible options for those looking to understand how to invest a small amount of money and make a profit, even when starting with modest sums.
The growth of fintech, digital investment platforms, index funds, ETFs and crowdfunding solutions has made investing more accessible than ever. Today, anyone can start building wealth with regular investments of 20€, 50€ or 100€ a month, provided they adopt a consistent strategy that is suited to their financial goals.
The Portuguese landscape
The current macroeconomic outlook in Portugal for the first half of 2026 calls for an urgent rethinking of households’ financial management and savings strategies. According to the latest official statistics published by the Bank of Portugal and the National Statistics Institute (INE), the average savings rate of Portuguese households stood at around 12.1% of their disposable income in 2025, reflecting the significant pressures from the cost of living and private consumption.
Alongside this, year-on-year inflation in Portugal remained at 3.3% in May 2026, with core inflation (excluding energy and unprocessed food) at 2.2%. In contrast, traditional savings solutions continue to offer negative real returns. In April 2026, the average interest rate on new fixed-term deposits by private individuals in Portugal stood at just 1.44%.
In this context, leaving your savings idle in a current account amounts to a continuous loss of purchasing power due to the effect of inflation. For small savers, the search for strategies on how to invest small amounts of money and generate returns is no longer merely a matter of financial optimisation but has become a vital necessity for preserving wealth.
Did you know…?
Leaving money idle in a bank account for many years can mean a gradual loss of purchasing power when inflation outstrips the return on deposits.
Is it possible to invest a small amount of money and make a profit?
The answer is simple: yes.
One of the most deeply rooted myths in Portuguese financial culture is the belief that access to the markets and the creation of wealth is reserved for those with vast fortunes. Today, this paradigm has changed dramatically. Thanks to technological innovation, anyone can structure small investments to make money consistently and with a high degree of technical rigour.
The most important factor is not the initial amount invested, but rather:
The consistency of the investments.
The appropriate choice of financial products.
The time horizon.
The ability to reinvest the returns earned.
According to the Bank of Portugal, establishing sustainable financial habits and developing financial literacy are key factors in the efficient management of personal finances and in making more informed investment decisions.
Why do you no longer need a lot of money to invest?
A few decades ago, investing was often associated with high barriers to entry.
Many financial products required:
High minimum investment amounts.
Significant fees.
Traditional banking intermediation.
Specialised knowledge.
Today, the situation is quite different.
The democratisation of investing is the result of the convergence between digital innovation from financial technology (fintech) companies and regulatory developments in Europe. The development of digital financial infrastructure has reduced transaction fees to historic lows, eliminating prohibitive maintenance costs and making micro-investing viable.
Some examples include:
Index funds with low subscription fees.
ETFs accessible via digital brokers.
Fractional share buying.
Crowdfunding platforms.
Robo-advisers.
Furthermore, the European regulatory framework has strengthened protection for retail investors. Regulation (EU) 2020/1503 established harmonised rules for crowdfunding and collaborative financing platforms across the European Union, increasing transparency and investor protection.
Advantages of starting with small investments
Starting with small amounts offers several advantages, especially for novice investors.
Lower initial risk
Investing small amounts allows you to learn without putting a significant portion of your savings at risk.
Progressive learning
By investing gradually, you gain practical experience in:
Market volatility.
Emotional management.
Risk assessment.
Diversification.
Developing financial discipline
Making regular investments helps to build healthy and sustainable financial habits.
Easier diversification
Nowadays, even with limited capital, it is possible to spread investments across different assets and sectors.
The power of time
It allows you to put the maths of compound interest to work from day one. The total length of time spent in the market is, in most cases, more important for wealth accumulation than the size of the initial capital.
Expert advice
Consistency is usually more important than the initial amount invested. Investing 50€ a month over several years can yield better results than waiting until you have accumulated a large sum to start with.
Basic concepts before you start investing
Before looking at the different ways to invest money, it is important to understand some fundamental concepts.
All investments involve a trade-off between risk and potential return. The better you understand these concepts, the more likely you are to make informed decisions.
What does it mean to invest money?
Investing involves putting capital into a particular asset or project with the aim of achieving future capital appreciation or generating income.
Unlike traditional saving, investing seeks to increase the value of money over time.
Saving
Preserves capital.
Involves low risk.
Usually offers limited returns.
Investing
Aims to generate capital growth.
Involves taking on a certain level of risk.
May offer higher returns in the long term.
For example, keeping 5,000€ in a current account protects your capital against direct losses, but may not protect against the effects of inflation.
By contrast, investing part of that amount in suitable assets can help to grow your wealth over the years.
Risk, return and time horizon
These three concepts form the basis of any investment strategy.
Risk
This refers to the possibility that an investment may not generate the expected returns or may result in losses. To access potentially high returns, it is necessary to accept higher levels of risk.
Return
This represents the potential return obtained from an investment, usually expressed as an annual rate.
Time horizon
This is the period during which the investor intends to hold the capital invested.
The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) points out that there is a direct relationship between risk and potential return: investments that promise higher returns tend to involve greater risks.
For this reason, each investor should define a strategy that is compatible with their risk profile.
The importance of diversification
Diversification involves spreading capital across different investments to reduce exposure to specific risks.
According to the CMVM, diversification is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the negative impact that a single investment can have on the overall portfolio.
Examples of diversification:
Index funds.
ETFs.
Shares.
Bonds.
Crowdlending.
Digital factoring.
Combining different assets can help create a more balanced portfolio.
Investing for beginners: how to start investing with a small amount of money
For those taking their first steps, there are a few key recommendations.
1. Create an emergency fund
Before investing, it is advisable to have a financial reserve equivalent to at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
2. Set financial goals
Ask yourself:
Do you want to supplement your income?
Are you planning for retirement?
Do you want to fund a future project?
Do you want to build wealth?
Your objectives will influence your investment strategy.
3. Identify your risk profile
Not all investors have the same risk tolerance.
It is important to understand whether your profile is:
Conservative.
Moderate.
Aggressive.
5. Understand financial products
One of the most common mistakes is investing without fully understanding the risks and characteristics of the chosen products.
6. Diversify from the outset
Even with limited funds, it is possible to spread your investments across different opportunities and reduce risk concentration.
Did you know…?
The National Financial Education Plan, promoted by the Bank of Portugal, the CMVM and the Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority, identifies financial education as an essential tool for improving the savings and investment decisions of the Portuguese people.
Ways to invest money with limited capital in Portugal
Once you have grasped the fundamental concepts, it is time to look at some of the most accessible options for those wishing to invest a small amount of money in Portugal.
In recent years, the number of retail investors has risen, driven by the digitalisation of financial services, the wider availability of online platforms and growing interest in financial literacy.
According to data from the Bank of Portugal, bank deposits continue to account for a significant proportion of Portuguese households’ financial assets. However, many investors are seeking alternatives capable of generating returns that are potentially higher than those offered by traditional deposits, particularly during periods of higher inflation.
In the next section, we will analyse the main alternatives available in Portugal, including index funds, ETFs, fractional shares and crowdfunding platforms such as Daskapital.
Index funds and ETFs
Index funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are currently one of the most popular options for novice investors.
For those who prefer passive management, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and index investment funds stand out for their extremely low costs and their ability to provide instant diversification, tracking global benchmark indices such as the S&P 500 or the MSCI World.
In the Portuguese market, there are platforms such as XTB that allow you to invest in ETFs without trading commissions (for monthly volumes of up to €100,000) and with a minimum investment of just 1€.
For investors who prefer to delegate the automatic rebalancing of their portfolios to digital managers, robo-advisors are viable solutions:
Revolut (Robo-Advisor): Allows you to invest in diversified portfolios (including options aligned with ESG criteria) from a minimum of just €10, charging an annual management fee of 0.75%.
Openbank (Robo-Advisor): Offers the ‘We invest for you’ service with a minimum subscription of €500 and competitive management fees starting at 0.42% per annum.
Advantages
Lower costs.
High level of diversification.
Ease of management.
Suitable for long-term strategies.
Limitations
They are subject to market volatility.
They require patience and a long-term perspective.
The CMVM points out that the diversification offered by investment funds can help to reduce the specific risk associated with individual assets.
Expert advice
For many novice investors, a diversified global ETF can be a simple way to gain exposure to hundreds or thousands of companies around the world through a single investment.
Investing in the stock market with small amounts
Buying individual shares remains one of the best-known forms of investment. However, it is no longer necessary to buy whole shares.
So-called fractional shares allow you to invest in international companies with small amounts, whilst retaining direct economic rights.
For example, an investor can purchase just a fraction of a share in companies such as:
Brokerage firms with a strong presence and registered in Portugal facilitate this process with minimal barriers to entry:
XTB: Allows the purchase of fractional shares and ETFs from as little as 1€, with no transaction fees within monthly limits.
Revolut: Enables trading in US fractional shares from 1 USD and European fractional shares from 1€.
Advantages
Flexibility.
High potential for capital appreciation.
Opportunity to invest in global companies.
Risks
Greater volatility.
Need for regular monitoring.
Potential for significant short-term losses.
The CMVM recommends that investors fully understand the risks associated with shares before investing, particularly when it comes to individual companies.
Crowdfunding platforms
One of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years has been crowdfunding. This model brings investors together with companies seeking funding, creating investment opportunities linked to the real economy.
The consolidation of crowdfunding represents one of the key areas of innovation and alternative returns in Portugal. Under the uniform framework of Regulation (EU) 2020/1503, platforms operate under strict rules on transparency and investor protection, under the direct supervision of the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
This framework sets out safeguards for inexperienced investors (who make up the majority of small savers), such as:
Knowledge tests and simulations of the ability to withstand losses.
Clear risk warnings and suggested limits on exposure (it is recommended not to invest more than 10 per cent of net assets in this asset class).
A four-day pre-contractual cooling-off period, during which the investor may cancel their commitment without incurring any costs or penalties.
What is crowdlending?
Crowdlending is a form of collective financing based on direct loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or productive projects in the real economy. A number of individual investors pool their savings to meet a company’s financing needs and, in return, receive monthly or periodic repayments of the principal plus the interest rate agreed in the contract. In this way, the investor retains for themselves the financial margin that would normally be captured by conventional banking institutions.
Instead of relying solely on traditional banks, a company can obtain funding through a specialised platform.
Advantages of crowdlending
Accessible investment.
Opportunity for diversification.
Direct link to the real economy.
Attractive potential returns.
Points to consider
There is a risk of default.
Capital may be tied up for a certain period.
It is important to analyse each opportunity individually.
What is crowdfactoring?
Crowdfactoring (or invoice trading) enables SMEs to receive advance payment for short-term commercial invoices. In practical terms, companies sell their outstanding trade receivables at a discount (implicit interest) to obtain immediate liquidity. Investors acquire portions of these receivables and, when the end customer settles the invoice (usually within 30 to 90 days), the investors receive the full face value. It is an excellent vehicle for rapid short-term capital turnover.
Advantages of crowfunding
Generally shorter terms.
Higher capital turnover.
Exposure to real business activity.
Points to consider
Possible payment delays.
Risk associated with the debtors of the invoices.
Need for diversification.
How can you invest a small amount of money on Daskapital?
For investors looking to diversify beyond traditional financial products, Daskapital offers opportunities linked to business financing.
The platform allows you to invest in real-economy projects through regulated crowdfunding solutions.
What is Daskapital?
Daskapital is a European crowdfunding platform authorised by the CMVM under European Regulation (EU) 2020/1503.
The platform stands out in the investment market by offering a minimum investment of just 10€ per project and by applying a policy of 0% operational fees for investors. All funds deposited are fully segregated with NSPAY, an electronic money institution regulated and licensed by the Bank of Lithuania (licence no. 97), ensuring the highest standards of operational custody.
Its aim is to connect investors with companies that need funding to develop their business. This approach allows investors to access opportunities traditionally reserved for financial institutions or professional investors.
How to start investing?
To begin your financial journey with Daskapital, the process is entirely digital, quick and secure:
1. Create an account
Create your user account on the official Daskapital platform.
2. Verify your identity
Submit a clear scanned copy of your National Identity Card or Passport to comply with anti-money laundering guidelines.
3. Suitability Assessment
Complete the suitability questionnaire required by European regulations to assess your risk profile and financial knowledge.
4. Transfer funds
Top up your NSPAY digital wallet via a simple bank transfer.
5. Select opportunities
Choose projects in line with your objectives and risk profile.
Did you know…?
Daskapital offers campaigns and welcome bonuses for new registrations. By entering the promotional code INVEST20 during your first investment and meeting the minimum investment criteria set out in the bonus terms and conditions, you will receive 20€ to invest immediately in new projects on the platform within the first 30 days.
Strategies for making money from small investments
The amount invested is important, but the strategy adopted can have an even greater impact on the returns achieved over time.
Reinvesting returns
One of the most effective strategies is to reinvest the returns earned.
By reinvesting:
You increase the capital invested.
You maximise the effect of compound interest.
You accelerate the growth of your portfolio.
Even small amounts can generate significant returns when reinvested consistently over the years. This prevents your cash from lying idle and ensures exponential growth.
Invest regularly
Investing at regular intervals helps to reduce the impact of market fluctuations.
This strategy helps to:
Build financial discipline.
Reducing the risk of investing all at once.
Building wealth gradually.
Diversifying small investments
Diversification remains one of the most important tools for reducing risk.
According to the CMVM, spreading investments across different assets helps to minimise the negative impact that a single investment can have on the overall portfolio.
A diversified portfolio may include:
ETFs.
Index funds.
Shares.
Crowdlending.
Digital factoring.
This spreads the credit risk and ensures the stability and predictability of cash flows for your portfolio.
Mistakes to avoid when investing small amounts of money
Chasing quick profits
Promises of very high returns should be treated with caution.
As a general rule, high returns involve higher risks.
Investing without understanding the product
You should never invest in something you do not fully understand.
Concentrating all your capital in a single opportunity
A lack of diversification significantly increases risk.
Failing to reinvest returns
By not reinvesting your gains, you miss out on a significant portion of the potential of compound interest.
Conclusion
The data for 2026 demonstrate unequivocally that protecting the value of Portuguese households’ money necessarily involves a shift from passive savings to active investments. Thanks to regulatory developments and Regulation (EU) 2020/1503, investing is no longer the preserve of those with substantial capital.
The digitalisation of financial services, the growing range of investment products and the development of crowdfunding platforms now make it possible to start investing with small amounts.
Regardless of the initial amount, the fundamental principles remain the same: invest consistently, diversify, understand the risks and maintain a long-term perspective.
By combining financial education with a suitable strategy, it is possible to turn small amounts invested today into a solid foundation for tomorrow’s financial goals.
Frequently asked questions
Invoice Advance is a crowdfactoring solution for short-term financing that allows companies to anticipate the payment of invoices receivable, obtaining immediate liquidity. Invoice Advance is managed by Daskapital España S.L., a subsidiary of Das Kapital Lda.
In the Invoice Advance collaborative financing model, companies publish the credits they hold on their customers on the Daskapital platform, and investors compete with each other to purchase, at a discount, part or all of the invoice. Through an auction process, they define the amount they wish to invest and the minimum return they require, and companies will be financed by the group of investors demanding the lowest interest rate.
On the invoice due date, the debtors (the company's customers) pay the credit, returning the capital invested to the investors. The profit comes from the difference between the amount invested in the invoice seller and the amount received from the invoice payer, which corresponds to the discount.
Crowdfactoring is a form of collaborative financing in which companies can receive advance payment for receivables owed by their customers through online platforms such as Daskapital.
In this model, investors purchase invoices (partially or in full) at a discount (which translates into a rate of return), advancing their value to companies. This allows companies to quickly obtain the financing they need, while investors earn a financial return by acquiring the right to receive payment of the invoice amount (partial or full) on the due date.
Invoice Advance offers advantages for both investors and companies.
For investors, it allows them to diversify their portfolio with short-term investments and above-average returns, choosing the invoices in which to invest (and the consequent level of risk and maturity) and the minimum rate of return they require, with security and transparency guaranteed by Daskapital, which analyses and verifies the solvency of the payers of the invoices provided by the assignors.
For companies, it guarantees immediate liquidity without resorting to banks, allowing them to finance themselves at even lower interest rates if they are assigning credits on companies with lower risk than themselves, as the associated risk, as perceived by the investor, is that of the invoice debtor.
It can be used by companies as a way to balance the risk level and maturities of their accounts receivable.
Each financing request or investment opportunity is subject to a rigorous risk analysis by Daskapital before being made available on the platform, based on:
- Accounting, financial and commercial data provided by the promoters of the companies;
- Credit information from Iberinform (Atradius Credit and Surety), such as ratios, information on incidents, legal proceedings and other independent data;
- Analytical and statistical models (credit score and limit);
- Document verification and, in some cases, verification of the accuracy of the information provided, among other procedures.
Daskapital requires real and personal guarantees and only publishes projects that meet the minimum criteria for risk and fair profitability. All this information is disclosed and made available in each financing request or investment opportunity.
If you need further clarification, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at support@daskapital.eu.
