Best app for sending money abroad from Portugal

Wise is the best all-round choice for sending money abroad from Portugal, especially when the recipient wants a bank deposit in another currency. It shows the fee upfront and uses the mid-market exchange rate; the exact cost depends on the amount, currencies, and how you pay. (wise.com)

Other good options, depending on your needs:

• Revolut — convenient if you already use it. Its Standard plan has a €1,000 monthly exchange allowance on weekdays; extra charges may apply above that or on weekend exchanges. International transfer fees vary by destination and are shown in the app. (help.revolut.com)
• Remitly — worth checking if you’re sending to family and they need cash pickup or mobile-wallet delivery; availability depends on the destination. (remitly.com)

Quick rule: compare the final amount the recipient will get in Wise and one alternative before confirming—the cheapest option can vary by destination and transfer method. If you tell me the country, amount, and whether the recipient needs a bank deposit or cash, I can narrow it down.

Short answer: For most people sending money abroad from Portugal, Wise is the best default. Revolut is the better pick if you also want a day-to-day account, and Remitly suits sending cash to family in certain countries.

• Wise: Sources consistently describe it as the cheapest option for most transfers. One comparison puts its fees start at 0.41% of the transfer amount, and it uses the mid-market rate, which is the exchange rate you see on Google with no markup. Its delivery is typically 1-3 business days. The main drawbacks are that it has no cash pickup, and it isn't the fastest option.

• Revolut: It can be cheaper for some transfers, especially within Europe. One comparison notes that Revolut can come out ahead if you're sending money to Europe, but for most other locations it will be more expensive to use. Watch the weekend markup: Revolut adds a markup (usually around 1%) to protect themselves against price gaps when the market reopens on Monday. Free allowances also depend on your plan, and beyond those monthly limits, a fair-use fee of around 0.5% applies.

• Remitly: Choose this if the recipient needs cash or a mobile wallet. It offers two delivery speeds: Express (minutes, higher fee) and Economy (3-5 business days, lower fee). Its rates are usually less competitive than Wise's, so it's a better fit for urgent or cash-pickup transfers than for routine sending.

• TransferGo: Worth checking if you fund transfers in euros. It funds from euros, pounds and złoty rather than US dollars, and pays out to more than 160 countries.

Practical tips:

• Compare the total cost on your actual corridor and amount, since fees and rates vary by destination. Each app shows its fee and rate before you confirm.
• Avoid your Portuguese bank for this if you can. Traditional banks are typically €20-€30 per transaction in fees only, so the apps above are usually far cheaper.
• Some of these sources are comparison blogs or affiliate-driven, and some pricing data is more than a year old, so verify current fees in the app before sending large amounts.

For sending money abroad from Portugal, the "best" app depends on your specific needs—such as whether you prioritize the absolute lowest cost, speed, or the ability for your recipient to collect cash.

Digital platforms are consistently more cost-effective than traditional banks, which often charge significantly higher fees and may offer less competitive exchange rates.

Top Recommended Apps

The following services are widely used and highly rated for transfers from Portugal:

• Wise (Best for Transparency and Low Costs):
  • Why it’s great: Wise is often the go-to for many because it uses the real mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and charges a transparent, upfront fee.
  • Best for: Sending money directly to bank accounts internationally where you want to know exactly what you are paying.
• Revolut (Best for Digital Banking & Travel):
  • Why it’s great: If you want a "financial super app," Revolut is excellent. It allows you to hold multiple currencies, spend with a card, and send transfers.
  • Best for: Frequent travelers and those who want an all-in-one account for daily spending, currency exchange, and transfers.
• Remitly (Best for Family Remittances):
  • Why it’s great: Remitly specializes in cross-border remittances (sending money to family) and often provides time-guaranteed delivery.
  • Best for: Sending money to loved ones in countries where they might need funds quickly.
• Western Union (Best for Cash Pickup):
  • Why it’s great: While sometimes more expensive than pure digital players, they have an unmatched global network.
  • Best for: Situations where the recipient does not have a bank account and needs to collect physical cash at a local agent location.

Quick Comparison Table

Important Tips for Saving Money

• Compare Before Sending: No single app is the cheapest for every country or amount. Use the tools within these apps to check the total cost (fees + exchange rate) before you confirm the transfer.
• Watch for Hidden Fees: Always look at the total amount the recipient will receive. Some providers advertise "zero fees" but make their money by offering a worse exchange rate.
• Consider Timing: Fees and exchange rates can fluctuate. If your transfer is not urgent, you may be able to find better timing, though instant transfers are increasingly standard across these platforms.

A note on local apps: If you are looking to send money within Portugal, MB WAY is the most popular and convenient app, but it is limited to domestic use.

Best all-rounder: Wise. It uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows its fee upfront, making it a strong default for sending money from Portugal to a bank account abroad. The exact cost and speed depend on the destination, currency and payment method, so check the quote before sending. ¹

Other good choices:

• Remitly — worth checking if your recipient needs cash pickup or a particular local payout option; available methods vary by destination, and the app shows the total cost before you confirm. ²
• Revolut — convenient if you already use Revolut, especially for EUR transfers within SEPA. Transfers outside SEPA may have fees, and intermediary banks can add charges on some SWIFT transfers. ⁵⁸

Quick rule: compare how much the recipient will actually receive—not just the advertised fee. For a one-off transfer, check the same amount, destination and payout method in Wise and Remitly; for SEPA payments in euros, Revolut may be simplest. Fees and exchange rates change, so confirm the live quote in-app. ¹²⁸