Brazil — Banking: Online Banks

Why this matters

Digital banks are usually the fastest and cheapest way for a newly arrived foreigner to get a functioning Brazilian bank account for PIX, boleto payments, and receiving local income.

Key facts

• Nubank, Inter, and C6 Bank are the three most commonly used digital banks by foreigners in Brazil; all are free, app-based, and offer English-language support to varying degrees.
• A CPF is a non-negotiable prerequisite — no Brazilian bank, digital or traditional, will open an account without one.
• Account opening typically requires CPF, passport, and a Brazilian address; the process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes via selfie/liveness verification.
• C6 Bank offers a 'global account' allowing customers to hold both USD and BRL, useful for people still managing income in another currency.
• International (foreign-issued) credit cards are generally not required to use these apps, since they issue their own Brazilian debit/credit cards once the account is approved.

Steps

1. Opening an Online Bank Account — Obtain a CPF first, then download the chosen bank's app (Nubank, Inter, or C6 Bank), enter personal details and CPF, upload a passport photo, complete a selfie/liveness check, and wait for approval — typically minutes to a few days.

Costs

• Monthly maintenance fees: Free — Nubank, Inter, and C6 Bank do not charge monthly account fees
• Transfer fees (PIX): Free for PIX transfers on most digital banks

Timelines

• Opening an online bank account: As little as 15 minutes for approval once CPF and documents are ready, though final activation can take up to a few days

Required documents

• CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)
• Valid passport
• Brazilian address (proof of address)

Common mistakes

• Trying to sign up without a CPF, which blocks account creation entirely
• Assuming a foreign address will be accepted — most digital banks require a Brazilian address

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