MB Way is preparing to expand its use to several European countries, with new features that include international transfers and, in a next phase, payments in physical and online stores outside Portugal. The change is the result of a joint effort between several European payment platforms and should be implemented in phases until 2027.
According to the news agency, by the end of the year it will be possible to make transfers between users in 13 European countries using just their mobile phone number. Countries covered include Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as markets in northern Europe.
System already expanding
Since mid-2025 it has been possible to send and receive money between users in Portugal, Spain and Italy. This functionality depends on the connection between different platforms, such as MB Way, Bizum and Bancomat, allowing direct operations between systems.
The news agency writes that the extension is the result of a protocol between several entities, including SIBS, Bancomat, Vipps MobilePay and the European Payments Initiative. These platforms represent a total of around 130 million users, which allows the service to scale up.
Tests have already been done
Interoperability between systems was demonstrated at an event held in Lisbon, with officials from the various entities involved. During this presentation it was possible to simulate payments in different countries, showing how systems can communicate with each other.
The same source says that, at a later stage, it will be possible to use MB Way to pay in physical and online stores outside Portugal. This goal is set for 2027, when users will be able to use the same payment method in several European countries.
How will it work in practice
The idea is to allow each user to keep the application they already use in their country, even when they are abroad. In other words, a Portuguese customer will be able to pay with MB Way in a store in another country, as long as this establishment is integrated with a compatible system.
According to the same source, payments should work through already known technologies, such as QR Code or NFC. These solutions will make it possible to replicate the current experience in Portugal, but adapted to an international context. The objective of the entities involved is to reduce the need to use different applications or payment methods when traveling. The integration aims to create a more uniform system, facilitating transactions between European countries.
Growing network
According to Lusa, the expansion will be done gradually, starting with transfers and then moving on to payments. The number of countries involved may increase as more platforms join the system.
When asked about the investment required for this project, SIBS did not reveal any values or associated financial targets. Still, the initiative is presented as strategic for the development of digital payments in Europe. For those who use MB Way, the main change will be the possibility of using the service outside of Portugal without the need for adaptation. The new functionalities should bring the system closer to a European solution, maintaining the current usage logic.
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