Sending money internationally has become faster and more affordable in recent years, especially when transferring funds to Brazil. With the rise of the Brazilian PIX instant payment system, UK residents can now send money directly to Brazilian bank accounts in seconds. Services like Remitly, Revolut, and Profee have adapted to this system, offering competitive exchange rates, low fees, and convenient digital platforms.

TLDR: Sending money from the UK to Brazil via PIX is fast, secure, and often cheaper than traditional bank transfers. Remitly, Revolut, and Profee each offer different advantages in fees, speed, and flexibility. PIX transfers typically arrive within seconds or minutes, even outside business hours. Choosing the best service depends on transfer size, urgency, and preferred user experience.

Brazil’s PIX system, launched by the Central Bank of Brazil, has transformed how people receive money domestically and internationally. Instead of waiting days for international bank transfers, recipients can receive funds almost instantly using a PIX key such as a CPF number, phone number, email address, or random key. For UK senders supporting family, paying freelancers, or handling overseas commitments, this innovation has made cross-border payments dramatically simpler.

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What Is PIX and Why It Matters

PIX is Brazil’s real-time payment system that operates 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Unlike traditional bank transfers that rely on intermediary banks, PIX payments are processed instantly between accounts. This system has become extremely popular in Brazil, with millions of transactions occurring daily.

For UK-based senders, this means:

  • Faster delivery times compared to SWIFT transfers
  • Lower processing fees in many cases
  • Convenient recipient access without needing complex banking details
  • Reliable, government-backed infrastructure

International money transfer providers have integrated PIX into their services, making it possible to send GBP and have it converted into Brazilian Real (BRL) instantly upon arrival.

How Sending Money from the UK via PIX Works

The process is typically straightforward:

  1. The sender selects Brazil as the destination country.
  2. The amount in GBP is entered.
  3. The platform displays the exchange rate and fees upfront.
  4. The sender enters the recipient’s PIX key.
  5. Payment is completed using a debit card, bank transfer, or balance.
  6. The recipient receives BRL directly into their Brazilian account via PIX.

Most transfers are completed within seconds to minutes, depending on the provider’s internal processing time.

Remitly for PIX Transfers

Remitly is well-known for international remittances, especially for people sending money to family abroad. It offers two main transfer speeds: economy and express.

Key features:

  • Transfers directly to PIX-enabled accounts
  • Competitive exchange rates
  • Promotional rates for new customers
  • Express option for near-instant transfers

Remitly provides transparent pricing before confirmation, which helps senders understand the exact amount the recipient will receive. The mobile app is user-friendly, designed for quick repeat transfers.

A potential downside is that exchange rate margins may vary depending on the transfer speed selected. However, for those prioritizing reliability and customer support, Remitly is often a strong option.

Revolut for PIX Transfers

Revolut operates as a digital banking platform with multi-currency accounts. It allows UK users to hold GBP and exchange it into BRL before sending.

Main advantages:

  • Interbank exchange rates (within plan limits)
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Ability to manage multiple currencies
  • In-app tracking and notifications

Revolut can be particularly cost-effective for users who already hold a Revolut account and want to optimise exchange timing. However, some plans have monthly exchange limits before additional markups apply.

PIX transfers via Revolut are generally fast, though final speed may depend on compliance checks or bank processing times.

Profee for PIX Transfers

Profee is a specialized international money transfer service gaining attention for competitive rates to Brazil.

Highlights include:

  • Zero-fee promotions for new users
  • Strong exchange rate offerings
  • Simple interface focused on remittances
  • Quick transfers via PIX

Profee is designed primarily for international transfers rather than full banking services, making it straightforward and focused. It may not have as many additional financial features as Revolut, but it often appeals to customers looking for low-cost, direct transfers.

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Comparison Chart: Remitly vs Revolut vs Profee

Feature Remitly Revolut Profee
Transfer Speed Minutes (Express) or 1–3 days (Economy) Usually minutes to hours Minutes in most cases
Exchange Rates Competitive, varies by speed Interbank (within limits) Competitive, often promotional
Fees Varies by method and speed Plan-based, possible FX markup Often low or zero-fee promos
Ease of Use Very user-friendly Best for existing users Simple and focused
Best For Family remittances Multi-currency users Low-cost transfers

Costs and Exchange Rates Explained

When sending money internationally, the true cost lies in:

  • Transfer fees
  • Exchange rate margins
  • Card or payment method fees

Some providers advertise zero fees but include a margin in the exchange rate. Others charge a visible fee but offer better currency conversion. Comparing the total amount received in BRL is often the most accurate way to judge cost-effectiveness.

For larger transfers, even small percentage differences in exchange rates can significantly impact the final amount received.

Security and Regulation

All three services operate under financial regulations in the UK. They use encryption, identity verification, and fraud monitoring systems to ensure secure transactions.

Additionally, PIX itself is overseen by the Central Bank of Brazil, adding another layer of reliability once funds reach Brazilian accounts.

When to Choose Each Service

Choose Remitly if:

  • You frequently send money to family in Brazil
  • You value dedicated remittance support
  • You want speed options

Choose Revolut if:

  • You already use Revolut as your primary banking app
  • You want to optimise exchange timing
  • You manage multiple international payments

Choose Profee if:

  • You want competitive exchange rates
  • You are looking for fee-free promotions
  • You want a straightforward transfer process

Final Thoughts

Sending money from the UK to Brazil via PIX has made international transfers faster and more affordable than ever before. Remitly, Revolut, and Profee each offer viable pathways, depending on user needs. By comparing fees, exchange rates, and speed, senders can ensure their recipients receive the maximum possible amount in Brazilian Real.

As fintech platforms continue evolving, PIX integration is likely to become even more seamless, reinforcing Brazil’s role as a leader in instant payment adoption.

FAQ

1. How fast are PIX transfers from the UK?
Most transfers arrive within seconds to minutes, although initial verification checks may occasionally cause short delays.

2. Do recipients need a special account for PIX?
They need a Brazilian bank account registered with a PIX key such as a CPF, email, or phone number.

3. Are there limits on how much can be sent?
Yes, each provider sets its own transfer limits based on verification level and regulatory requirements.

4. Is it cheaper than a traditional bank transfer?
In many cases, yes. Fintech services often provide better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.

5. Is sending money via PIX secure?
Yes, when using regulated providers like Remitly, Revolut, or Profee, transactions are encrypted and monitored for fraud.

6. Can transfers be reversed?
Once a PIX transfer is completed, it typically cannot be reversed. It is important to verify recipient details carefully before confirming.

7. Which service offers the best exchange rate?
Rates fluctuate regularly. Comparing the final BRL amount received at the time of transfer is the best approach.