Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

How to open a Nubank account as a foreigner with a CPF (2026)

Step-by-step guide to opening a Nubank account in Brazil as a foreigner. What you need, common issues, and how to get approved on first try.

Why Nubank is the default choice for foreigners

Nubank is Brazil's largest digital bank with millions of customers. No branches, no fees, no paperwork. You sign up on your phone and have a working account in minutes. For foreigners, it is by far the easiest bank to open because the entire process is digital and the app is available in English.

With a Nubank account you get a debit card, Pix payments, international transfers, and a credit card after building some history. Most expats open Nubank within ten minutes of getting their CPF.

What you need to sign up

You need exactly three things: a valid CPF number, a Brazilian phone number that can receive SMS, and a selfie that matches your ID photo. That is it.

Download the Nubank app, enter your CPF, follow the verification steps, take a selfie, and submit a photo of your passport. Most approvals happen within 24 hours, many within minutes.

The phone number is the part that trips people up. You need an active Brazilian SIM card. If you do not have one yet, get a prepaid Vivo or TIM SIM first, which takes about fifteen minutes at any phone shop.

Common issues foreigners hit

Rejection with no explanation. Nubank sometimes declines foreign passport holders on the first attempt. If this happens, contact Nubank support through the app to ask about the reason, then correct what you can and try again.

Address verification. You need to enter a Brazilian address. If your address is very new or not in their database, try entering it slightly differently or use your landlord's address format.

Credit card not offered immediately. Nubank often gives foreigners a debit account first and offers the credit card after a few months of activity. This is normal.

Alternatives if Nubank does not work

Inter is the second most popular digital bank for foreigners. Same concept, fully digital, no fees. Some people find Inter approves them when Nubank does not.

C6 Bank is another solid option with good international transfer features.

Mercado Pago gives you a digital wallet with Pix access even before you have a full bank account.

All of these require a CPF. The CPF is the universal key that unlocks every financial service in Brazil.