# Brightwell Navigator — Send money home > Crew payroll and international money transfer app for seafarers. (iPhone/iPad app by Brightwell Payments, Inc..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightwell-navigator/id1202097542 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Brightwell Payments, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/560322859) - Category: Finance - Price: Free - Rating: 4.00/5 from 284 App Store ratings · 268 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 16 · 98 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-05-10 - Data updated: 2026-08-24 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightwell-navigator/id1202097542/reviews.md ## What is Brightwell Navigator? #1 Crew-only payroll app that lets you spend or send your money worldwide. The Brightwell Navigator mobile app is used by 100,000+ crew members on cruise ships worldwide to receive their pay and send money. The Brightwell Navigator app allows you to transfer your money internationally from the same place you receive your pay. Choose from multiple convenient ways to send money. - Send directly to you or your family member's bank account utilizing Brightwell's competitive exchange rates. - Send cash for pickup to 130+ countries at Western Union, MoneyGram, or Transfast pickup locations, all within the app. - Set up automatic transfers to a bank with every payroll to ensure your money is always where you want it when you need it. Keep your money secure. - Protect your money with our secure video selfie login method or by using an authenticator app. - Advanced security and fraud prevention features allow you to lock or unlock your payroll card with the click of a button. - FDIC insured (USD accounts only) and protected by Visa/Mastercard Zero Liability. Get help when you need it. - Login to message support directly from the app. - Customer service assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ## Key features - Receive and manage payroll - Send money internationally - Direct bank transfers - Cash pickup options - Automatic transfer setup - Secure login methods - Card lock/unlock feature ## What do users think of Brightwell Navigator? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🚀 Fast and responsive customer support - 👨‍💼 Knowledgeable and helpful support staff - 💳 Convenient card replacement and activation - 🌍 Easy international money transfers - 📱 User-friendly app interface for basic functions - 🔒 Security features and fraud protection - ⏰ Quick issue resolution by support team - 💰 Low transfer fees for some services - 🎯 Reliable for seafarers and crew members - 📧 Email support system with follow-ups **Cons** - 😤 Facial recognition login is unreliable and slow - 🐢 Money transfers take excessive time - 💸 High exchange rates and excessive fees - 🚫 Limited country options for transfers - 📵 App frequently crashes and has errors - 🔐 Poor security with account hacking incidents - ⏳ Customer support response times are inconsistent - 🚷 Restricted payment methods and blocked transactions - 📊 Limited transaction history retention - 🔄 Frequent app updates causing functionality issues - 💬 Support team provides scripted responses - 🌐 Card blocked in certain countries without notice - ⚠️ No real-time transaction notifications - 🔌 App compatibility issues with older devices - 🎭 Facial recognition fails for people of color **Commonly reported bugs** - Facial recognition fails repeatedly and requires multiple attempts - App crashes and displays 'Something went wrong' error - Login screen freezes and times out - Balance display shows as temporarily unavailable - Money transfers fail with error messages - App closes when adding bank accounts - Camera functionality not working properly - Face check feature produces blurred video captures - Notifications not being sent for card activity - App incompatible with certain iPhone models - Connection timeout errors during transactions - Incorrect password recognition after updates - Transfer to debit card feature malfunctioning - Western Union integration issues after updates - Profile display showing white screen with errors **Most requested features** - Apple Pay and digital wallet integration - Native Face ID support for iOS users - Simplified login process without facial recognition - Real-time transaction notifications via SMS/email - Downloadable account statements and statements history - Extended transaction history (10+ years) - Card-to-card transfer functionality - More currency options for Western Union transfers - Saved recipient information for faster transfers - 24/7 phone support availability - In-app transaction categorization and details - Multiple authentication methods beyond facial recognition - Expanded country coverage for transfers - Better fraud alert system with immediate notifications ## Recent user reviews (10 of 268) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightwell-navigator/id1202097542/reviews.md ### 1/5 — The worst application I have ever used! *2026-06-18, version 3.29.0* Very disappointing app and customer support. The support team does not provide real-time assistance. Every response takes 24 hours or even longer, meaning that a single issue can take weeks to resolve. Instead of actual solutions, you mostly receive generic messages saying that they are “working on the issue.” The app itself is extremely sensitive to any changes or transactions. In my case, I discovered that my ZIP code had been entered incorrectly. I tried to correct it, but after that I was unable to send money or even top up my card. On top of that, every bank account I try to add is automatically rejected, and this issue has been going on for more than a week without any resolution. Access to your own money should not depend on waiting days for each reply from customer support. For a financial application, this level of service is simply unacceptable. I cannot recommend this app. ### 5/5 — Ken E *2026-06-16* Ken is a very supportive team member who helped me resolve my issue quickly and efficiently. What I really appreciate is how responsive the team is—they reply very quickly whenever assistance is needed. Their prompt support makes a big difference and provides great peace of mind. This is not the first time I have needed help, and every time I have had an issue, Ken and the team have always been available to assist. Their professionalism, dedication, and excellent customer service are truly appreciated. Thank you so much, Ken, for all your support! ### 5/5 — Quick Customer service *2026-06-15* Maureen , was amazing & very quick in replying and assuring with the issue !! So far it’s been easy using the app and very user friendly ### 5/5 — Excellent customer support *2026-04-01, version 3.26.0* Excellent customer service .Fast and accurate assistance was provided by Jemeca - super smooth experience. ### 4/5 — Service *2026-03-24, version 3.26.0* Customer support is good ### 1/5 — Bad like so so bad *2026-03-24, version 3.26.0* The app is slow , and that face recognition should be optional not a forced thing, the customer service is just horrible they take long it’s just a mess ### 1/5 — Mr brightwell sucks *2026-03-03, version 3.26.0* I hate your app! I love working at sea but you shipsmoney actually know what they’re doing. Get rid of your “special” face recognition. I want to use my phone biometrics and make you stupid broken app work with poor satellite internet! We work on ships you bunch of fools! ### 5/5 — Отзыв *2026-02-28, version 3.26.0* Служа подержите очень хорошая и быстрая ### 1/5 — WORST BANK EVER *2026-01-31* Giving 1 star because there's no option to give -1000. If you actually want to use your money, don't leave it here. Even the best option they came up with, which was to send money to another debit card, they ruined. Almost 200 countries in the world and there are only 49 countries available to choose from. A joke, to say the least. ### 2/5 — In these days Send Money on demand doesn’t work *2026-01-29* Until last month it was working properly, but since a few days ago the Send Money On Denand to Bank Account doesn’t work anymore. Even with this last update. Please fix this annoying issue. ## Frequently asked questions about Brightwell Navigator ### What does the Brightwell Navigator app do? The Brightwell Navigator app is designed for cruise ship crew members to receive their payroll, manage their funds, and send money internationally. It offers various convenient ways to transfer money, including direct bank deposits and cash pickups in over 130 countries. ### What are the key features of Brightwell Navigator? Key features include receiving and managing payroll, sending money globally with competitive exchange rates, options for direct bank transfers or cash pickup at locations like Western Union and MoneyGram, setting up automatic transfers, and robust security measures like video selfie login and card lock/unlock. ### Is Brightwell Navigator free to use? Based on the provided information, the app itself is free to download and use. While there might be standard transaction fees associated with money transfers, the app does not appear to have a subscription cost or in-app purchase model for its core functionality. ### How secure is my money with Brightwell Navigator? The app prioritizes security with features like video selfie login or authenticator app support, advanced fraud prevention, and the ability to lock or unlock your payroll card instantly. USD accounts are FDIC insured, and transactions are protected by Visa/Mastercard Zero Liability. ### Who is the target audience for this app? This app is specifically designed for crew members working on cruise ships worldwide. It caters to their need to easily access, manage, and send their earnings to family or for personal use across different countries. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.31.0 — 2026-08-21 WINS! Enjoy faster performance and fixes to the Navigator experience with this newest version. Now remitting money home is easier than ever. ### 3.30.0 — 2026-07-09 WINS! Enjoy faster performance and fixes to the Navigator experience with this newest version. Now remitting money home is easier than ever. ### 3.29.0 — 2026-06-17 WINS! Enjoy faster performance and fixes to the Navigator experience with this newest version. Now remitting money home is easier than ever. ### 3.28.0 — 2026-05-27 WINS! Enjoy faster performance and fixes to the Navigator experience with this newest version. Now remitting money home is easier than ever. ### 3.27.0 — 2026-04-22 WINS! Enjoy faster performance and fixes to the Navigator experience with this newest version. Now remitting money home is easier than ever. ## Apps similar to Brightwell Navigator | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [GoTyme Bank \| Philippines](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotyme-bank-philippines/id1637067963) | 4.5 (116) | Free | Finance | | [UnionBank Online](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unionbank-online/id1242291412) | 4.8 (3,667) | Free | Finance | | [BDO Online](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bdo-online/id1551584630) | 4.6 (8,170) | Free | Finance | | [BDO Pay](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bdo-pay/id6450918577) | 4.8 (1,242) | Free | Finance | | [BCA mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bca-mobile/id551587254) | 2.6 (277) | Free | Finance | | [Virtual Pag-IBIG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-pag-ibig/id6444034285) | 2.8 (13) | Free | Finance | ## Related topics [brightwheel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/brightwheel) · [brigitwheel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/brigitwheel) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*