Residing in Portugal, I’ve experienced firsthand how mobile payment apps in Portugal have transformed our approach to transactions. As we move into 2024, these apps have become essential for managing finances, making it easy to pay for groceries, dine out, or even send money to friends with just a few taps on my phone.
In this article, I’ll share my top ten mobile payment apps that are popular throughout the country. Each app offers unique features that cater to various needs, ensuring a smooth user experience for both locals and travelers. Let’s dive into the best options available to enhance your financial interactions in Portugal!
1. N26
N26 is an international mobile banking app, and was voted as the best bank in the world in 2021, by Forbes. This is primarily a European app that operates in 25 countries around the world. It is one of the leading and best mobile payment and banking apps in Portugal. This app is full of incredible features that include making withdrawals from supported ATMs, instant payments on-locations and instant money transfers.
2. MB WAY
MB WAY is one of the most popular mobile payment apps in Portugal, in terms of the number of users. It is the official digital wallet app SIBC Bank that simplifies bank transfers and digital payments through its app. Use this app, to make payments in-stores or any merchant locations by just scanning QR codes. Moreover, users can also pay via NFC contactless payments methods and online as well. MB Way currently has more than 3.7 million users, making it one of the most used apps in the country.
3. Revolut
Revolut is an all-in-one app that allows you to manage your finances, make payments and transfer funds whenever you want, from wherever you want in Portugal. It is one of the leading mobile payment apps in Portugal in terms of making payments abroad. Revolut is used by both merchants and consumers due to its superb functionality and top-class payment facilitation, both locally and internationally.
4. Millenniumbcp
Millenniumbcp is a simple mobile payment app that specifically focuses on facilitating payments. Whenever you need to pay for something, all you have to do is press the pay option, and your payment will be completed. It is one of the most easy-to-use apps on this list and serves its main function really well. So, use Millenniumbcp and Pay, transfer and send money with ease.
5. novobanco
Introduced by Portugal’s novobanco, it is one of the most innovative mobile banking apps in the country. It is safe, intuitive and fast when it comes to carrying out day-to-day transactions. You can make cashless digital payments through this app via scanning QR codes and NFC contactless technology. Additionally, you can also view detailed information of all your transactions in real-time and even change the general view of this app.
6. BPI APP
BPI APP is the official mobile banking app of Banco BPI in Portugal. This mobile app primarily specializes in making transfers and payments. Use this app to pay predefined beneficiaries, immediate transfers, mobile payments and much more. Moreover, BPI APP allows you to use MB Way to transfer funds, make payments or make withdrawals as well. View all your financial information as well, including all your monthly and annual income and expense summary.
7. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is the most convenient mobile payment app in Portugal for Apple users who want to make online purchases. It is an easy and quick way to make payments online or even in-stores at supported locations. Due to the incredible popularity of Apple, this app payment app has become highly popular in Portugal among residents and tourists. Just link your card to Apple Pay and make countless purchases with Apple Pay.
8. Google Pay
Google Pay is one of the most used mobile payment apps in Europe and is highly popular among tourists in Portugal. Due to its high usability in most European countries, most major stores and websites accept payments via Google Pay. With Google Pay, payments can be made with ease, over the internet, in-app and in-stores. It is one of the most used in-app purchasing apps in Portugal.
9. PayPal
PayPal is a world-recognized money transfer and mobile payment app that is available in more than 200 countries in the world. It is used worldwide, as well as, Portugal to make online payments, international transfers and in-store payments. Additionally, merchants can set up their business account to easily make purchases locally and internationally. It is popular in Portugal for facilitating international payments.
10. Caixadirecta
Caixadirecta is a very innovative mobile payment app that works uniquely. It is a specialized mobile payment app that allows you to make payments or purchases through PDF invoices. Whether it is paying with invoices or making money transfers with just three taps of your phone, Caixadirecta is a standout mobile payment app in Portugal. Additionally, you can also facilitate schedule payments or transfers with Caixadirecta.
Due to the high number of tourists visiting Portugal every year, international digital wallet apps like Revolut and Apple Pay have gained a lot of popularity in the country. But, it is still the local or EU-based mobile payment apps like N26 and MB Way that dominate Portugal’s mobile payment industry.
