Portuguese Phrase
As transferências nacionais costumam ser grátis.
Meaning
The sentence states that domestic (within‑the‑country) money transfers are usually free of charge. The verb 'costumar' adds a nuance of frequency – they are not always free, but it is the norm.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about banking services, mobile‑payment apps, or any situation where you want to inform someone that sending money inside the country typically does not incur a fee.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Astransferênciasnacionaiscostumamsergrátis.
Definite article (As)
The plural feminine article 'as' agrees with the noun 'transferências', which is also feminine plural.
Noun + adjective (transferências nacionais)
'Nacionais' is an adjective that follows the noun and agrees in gender and number.
Verb 'costumar' (costumam)
'Costumar' means 'to usually happen' and is conjugated in the present indicative third‑person plural to match 'as transferências'.
Infinitive after 'costumar' (ser)
When 'costumar' is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive form.
Adjective 'grátis'
'Grátis' is an invariable adjective meaning 'free' and is commonly used in informal contexts.
🗨In Conversation
Você sabe se a minha conta tem taxa para enviar dinheiro para outra pessoa?
Do you know if my account charges a fee to send money to someone else?
As transferências nacionais costumam ser grátis, então você pode usar o PIX sem se preocupar.
Domestic transfers are usually free, so you can use PIX without worrying.
✕Common Mistakes
As transferências nacionais são grátis.
While grammatically correct, 'são grátis' loses the nuance of frequency that 'costumam ser grátis' conveys.
As transferências nacionais costumam ser gratuito.
Using 'gratuito' is formal; 'grátis' is the natural everyday word in Brazil.
A transferência nacional costumam ser grátis.
The adjective must agree in number with the noun; use the plural form when talking about transfers in general.
↔Alternatives
As transferências dentro do país são geralmente gratuitas.
Transfers within the country are generally free.
Normalmente não há cobrança nas transferências nacionais.
There is normally no charge on domestic transfers.
Em geral, as transferências nacionais não têm custo.
In general, domestic transfers have no cost.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the instant payment system PIX, launched in 2020, made most domestic transfers free for both individuals and many businesses. Traditional bank transfers (TED/DOC) may still have fees depending on the institution and the time of day. When speaking to older generations, you might hear 'gratuita' instead of the more colloquial 'grátis'.