Updated April 2026

How to Open a Bank Account in Brazil as a Foreigner (2026)

Moving to Brazil and need a bank account? You are in the right place. This guide covers everything: which banks accept foreigners, what documents you need, how to avoid common mistakes, and why getting your CPF first makes the entire process painless. Whether you are a digital nomad, expat, or student, this is the complete walkthrough for 2026.

Brazil has some of the best digital banking in the world

Brazil's fintech scene is genuinely ahead of most countries. Apps like Nubank have over 90 million customers and are regularly ranked among the best digital banks globally. No monthly fees, instant transfers, beautiful interfaces. You can open an account from your couch in 10 minutes.

The only thing standing between you and all of this is a CPF. Every bank in Brazil requires one to open an account. No exceptions. It is the first thing they ask for, before your passport, before anything else.

If you have spent any time in Europe or the US dealing with traditional banks, Brazil will surprise you. The digital banking experience here is genuinely world-class. Opening an account is fast, the apps are well-designed, and the fees are either minimal or nonexistent. The key is having that CPF number ready before you start.

For context, Brazil has over 800 fintech companies. The Central Bank actively encourages competition and innovation, which is why digital banks have been able to disrupt the traditional banking sector so effectively. As a foreigner, you benefit directly from this competition through better products, lower fees, and easier onboarding processes.

The best banks for foreigners in 2026

Nubank is where most foreigners start. The app is available in English, there are no monthly fees, and you can sign up entirely through your phone with your CPF and passport. Most people have a working account within 10 minutes. Nubank also offers a credit card (subject to approval), savings features, and investment options all within the same app. Their customer service is highly rated and available through the app's chat.

Inter is the second most popular choice. Similar to Nubank but with investment features and a marketplace built in. Also free, also has an English interface. Inter stands out for its cashback program on purchases through its marketplace and its integration with shopping partners. If you plan to do a lot of online shopping in Brazil, Inter's ecosystem can save you money over time.

C6 Bank accepts foreigners and offers a global account that lets you hold dollars and reais in the same app. Great if you receive income in USD. C6 also provides a debit card that works internationally, making it a solid choice if you travel frequently between Brazil and other countries. The ability to hold multiple currencies without conversion is a genuine advantage for remote workers.

Traditional banks like Bradesco, Itau, and Banco do Brasil will open accounts for foreigners but require a branch visit, more paperwork, and sometimes charge monthly fees. Most expats skip these entirely. The experience at a traditional bank branch can be frustrating: long waits, Portuguese-only staff, and forms you need to fill out by hand. Unless you have a specific reason (like a company requiring a certain bank), stick with digital options.

What you need to open an account

For digital banks (Nubank, Inter, C6): your CPF number, your passport, and a Brazilian address. The entire process happens on your phone. You download the app, enter your information, take a selfie for verification, and wait for approval. Most approvals happen within minutes, though some can take up to 24 hours.

For traditional banks: your CPF, passport, proof of Brazilian address (utility bill or rental contract), and proof of income. Expect 1-2 hours at a branch. Some traditional banks also require your visa documentation and may ask questions about the purpose of your stay.

The difference is night and day. With a CPF, you download Nubank and you are banking within minutes. Without one, you are stuck using your international card and watching 3-5% disappear on every transaction in foreign fees.

A common question from foreigners: can you use an Airbnb address? Yes, most digital banks accept any Brazilian address during sign-up. You can always update it later when you move to a permanent address. The address is mainly used for sending your physical card if you request one.

Step-by-step: opening a Nubank account

Since Nubank is the most popular choice, here is exactly how the process works:

• 1. Download the Nubank app from the App Store or Google Play
• 2. Tap "Open your account" and enter your CPF number
• 3. Fill in your personal details (name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, email)
• 4. Enter a Brazilian address (your current address, even if temporary)
• 5. Take a photo of your passport (data page)
• 6. Take a selfie for identity verification
• 7. Wait for approval (usually 5-30 minutes)
• 8. Set up your Pix key once approved

That is it. No branch visits, no scheduling appointments, no waiting in line. The entire process happens on your phone, and most people are banking within the hour.

Pix changes everything

Once your account is open, you unlock Pix. This is Brazil's instant payment system and honestly one of the most impressive things about living here. Rent, restaurants, street vendors, splitting bills, paying your barber. Everything uses Pix. It is free, instant, and works 24/7.

Your CPF number becomes your Pix key. When someone asks "what is your Pix?", you give them your CPF. It is that simple. No bank account numbers, no routing codes, no IBAN. Just your CPF.

Without Pix, you are the person at the restaurant asking "do you take card?" while everyone else just scans a QR code. Most small businesses and street food vendors only accept Pix or cash. Getting set up means you stop being a tourist and start living like a local.

Pix also makes receiving money easy. If you freelance or do any work locally, clients can pay you instantly to your Pix key. No invoicing delays, no transfer fees, no waiting for payments to clear. The money arrives in your account in seconds, any time of day, any day of the week.

Getting money into your Brazilian account

Once your account is open, you will want to fund it. There are several ways to move money from your international accounts into your Brazilian bank:

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most popular option among expats. You send money from your home currency and it arrives in reais in your Brazilian account, usually within a day. The exchange rates are transparent and fees are low compared to traditional bank transfers.

Remessa Online is a Brazilian service specifically built for international transfers. Competitive rates and fast processing. Many long-term expats prefer it for regular transfers.

International wire transfers work but are slower and more expensive. Your home bank and the receiving Brazilian bank both charge fees, and the exchange rate is usually worse than dedicated transfer services.

If you are a remote worker receiving payments in USD or EUR, C6 Bank's global account lets you receive in foreign currency and convert to reais when the rate is favorable. This flexibility can save you a meaningful amount over time.

Common mistakes to avoid

Foreigners run into a few predictable problems when opening bank accounts in Brazil:

• × Trying to open an account without a CPF. This never works. Get your CPF first, then open your bank account. The order matters.
• × Name mismatches. Your name in the bank app must match your passport exactly. If your passport says "Jonathan Robert Smith", do not enter "Jon Smith." Even small differences can cause your application to be rejected.
• × Poor selfie quality. The identity verification selfie needs good lighting and a clear background. Many rejections happen because of blurry or poorly lit photos.
• × Using a VPN. Some banks flag accounts opened through VPNs. Turn off your VPN before signing up.

Frequently asked questions