Updated April 2026

Best Banks for Foreigners in Brazil (2026)

Brazil has one of the most advanced digital banking ecosystems in the world. But which banks actually accept foreigners? Which ones have English interfaces? What are the hidden fees? This is the definitive ranking for 2026, based on real experience opening accounts at every bank on this list.

Every bank requires a CPF. No exceptions.

Before we get into rankings, there is one universal requirement: a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Fisica). This is Brazil's individual taxpayer ID number. Every bank, digital or traditional, asks for it as the first step of account registration. No CPF, no bank account.

The good news is that getting a CPF takes about 30 minutes at a Correios post office or Receita Federal office. You need your passport and a simple form. Once you have it, the banking world opens up.

1. Nubank: the clear winner for most foreigners

Nubank is where the vast majority of foreigners in Brazil end up, and for good reason. Over 90 million customers, consistently rated the best digital bank in Latin America, and an interface that is genuinely well-designed.

Why it wins:

• ✓ English interface (one of the few Brazilian banks that offers this)
• ✓ Zero monthly fees for the checking account
• ✓ Sign up entirely through the app with CPF + passport (no branch visit)
• ✓ Instant Pix setup once your account is approved
• ✓ Credit card available (subject to approval based on credit analysis)
• ✓ Investment features built into the app (CDB, funds, crypto)
• ✓ Customer service through the app's chat (responsive and helpful)

The process: Download the app, tap "Open your account", enter your CPF, fill in your details, take a passport photo, take a selfie. Most accounts are approved within 10 minutes. You can be banking the same day you get your CPF.

Limitations: International transfers to Nubank are possible but not seamless. The exchange rate is not the best for receiving USD or EUR. If you regularly receive international payments, pair Nubank with Wise or C6 Bank's global account.

2. Inter: the feature-rich alternative

Inter is often called "Nubank's biggest competitor" and the comparison is fair. Similar ease of use, also free, but with a broader feature set that some people prefer.

Standout features:

• ✓ Zero monthly fees
• ✓ Built-in cashback marketplace (earn cashback on purchases from partner stores)
• ✓ Investment platform with more options than Nubank (stocks, ETFs, fixed income)
• ✓ Inter Global account for USD holdings
• ✓ Insurance and loan products in the same app
• ✓ English interface available

Best for: Foreigners who want an all-in-one financial app. If you plan to invest in Brazil, do a lot of online shopping, or want cashback on everyday purchases, Inter has more to offer than Nubank in these specific areas.

Limitations: The app can feel cluttered compared to Nubank's clean design. There are a lot of features, and the learning curve is slightly steeper. Customer service is good but not quite at Nubank's level.

3. C6 Bank: best for multi-currency needs

C6 Bank carved out a niche that matters a lot to foreigners: the ability to hold multiple currencies in a single account. If you earn in USD or EUR and spend in BRL, C6 deserves serious consideration.

Standout features:

• ✓ C6 Global: hold USD, EUR, and GBP alongside BRL in the same app
• ✓ International debit card that works abroad without extra conversion fees
• ✓ Convert between currencies at competitive rates inside the app
• ✓ Zero monthly fees for the basic account
• ✓ Carbon-neutral card (if that matters to you)

Best for: Digital nomads and remote workers who receive income in foreign currencies. The ability to hold USD and convert to BRL when the rate is favorable is genuinely useful. Also good for people who travel between Brazil and other countries frequently.

Limitations: No English interface. The app is in Portuguese only, which can be frustrating. Google Translate handles most of it, but for day-to-day banking, this is a real drawback compared to Nubank and Inter.

4. Wise: the international transfer specialist

Wise is not a Brazilian bank, but it deserves a spot on this list because it solves a problem that Brazilian banks handle poorly: getting money into Brazil from abroad.

Why foreigners use it:

• ✓ Best exchange rates for USD/EUR to BRL transfers
• ✓ Brazilian account details (you get a real BRL account with Pix)
• ✓ Multi-currency wallet holding 40+ currencies
• ✓ Transparent fees (no hidden markup on exchange rates)
• ✓ Debit card that works in Brazil and internationally

Best for: Receiving international payments and converting them to BRL at the best rate. Many foreigners use Wise as their "bridge" between their home country finances and Brazil, then transfer BRL to Nubank or Inter for daily spending.

Limitations: Wise requires a CPF to set up the Brazilian BRL account features. It is not a full replacement for a Brazilian bank. You cannot get a Brazilian credit card through Wise, and some local services specifically require a local bank account.

5. Traditional banks: Bradesco, Itau, Banco do Brasil

The big traditional banks will open accounts for foreigners, but the experience is dramatically different from digital banks. Think branch visits, paperwork, waiting in line, and monthly fees.

When traditional banks make sense:

• ✓ Your employer requires a specific bank for salary deposits
• ✓ You need a large credit facility or mortgage
• ✓ You prefer having a relationship manager at a physical branch

What to expect: Monthly fees of R$20-50. Branch visit required (1-2 hours). Portuguese-only staff at most branches. More paperwork (proof of address, proof of income, sometimes visa documentation). The apps have improved but are still behind Nubank and Inter in design and usability.

For 95% of foreigners, there is no reason to go with a traditional bank. The digital options are better in every way that matters for daily banking.

The recommended setup

After talking to hundreds of foreigners living in Brazil, the setup that works best for most people is:

• 1. Nubank as your primary daily bank (Pix, debit card, paying bills, receiving local transfers)
• 2. Wise for receiving international income and converting at good rates
• 3. C6 Bank or Inter as a secondary account for specific features (multi-currency, investments, cashback)

All of these are free to open and maintain. Having multiple accounts costs nothing and gives you flexibility. The only requirement for all of them is a CPF.

How to open your first account

• 1. Get your CPF (30 minutes at Correios or Receita Federal)
• 2. Download Nubank from the App Store or Google Play
• 3. Tap "Open your account" and enter your CPF
• 4. Enter your personal details (name as on passport, date of birth, email)
• 5. Enter a Brazilian address (even an Airbnb works for initial registration)
• 6. Photograph your passport and take a selfie
• 7. Wait for approval (usually 5-30 minutes)
• 8. Register your Pix key and start banking

From getting your CPF to having a fully functional bank account with Pix takes about an hour total. Brazil's digital banking makes it one of the easiest countries in the world to set up financially as a foreigner.

Frequently asked questions