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

Opening a bank account in Brazil as a foreigner has been transformed by the rise of digital banks like Nubank and C6, which accept foreigners with a CPF and Brazilian address — no Brazilian residency visa strictly required. Traditional banks still demand more paperwork. This 2026 guide explains what works in practice.

Required documents

1. Passport with valid Brazilian visa or entry stamp
2. CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) — Brazilian tax number, mandatory
3. RNE / CRNM (foreigner ID card) — for permanent residents
4. Proof of address in Brazil (utility bill, rental contract)
5. Proof of income — sometimes required
6. Initial deposit typically BRL 0–500

Step 1: Get your CPF

The CPF is the universal Brazilian ID number. Without it, no bank, no SIM card, no rental, no anything. Get it:

• From abroad: Apply at the Brazilian consulate in your home country (1–3 weeks)
• In Brazil: Visit any Receita Federal office or partner Banco do Brasil branch (same day)
• Online: Some consulates allow online CPF application

Cost: free.

Step 2: Choose the right bank

Nubank

Brazil’s largest fintech bank. Foreigner-friendly (with CPF), no fees, app-based.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Excellent
• Setup: App-based, 5–15 minutes
• Monthly fee: Free
• Best for: Most expats — default choice

C6 Bank

Digital bank, multi-currency capabilities, popular with international users.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Excellent
• Setup: App-based
• Monthly fee: Free
• Best for: Digital nomads, multi-currency users

Itaú

Largest Brazilian bank, foreigner-friendly with documentation.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Good with full residency
• English support: Available in São Paulo and Rio premium branches

Bradesco

Major Brazilian bank, similar to Itaú.

Banco do Brasil

State-owned, useful for issuing CPF, but slower for accounts.

Inter

Digital bank with broad services, no monthly fee.

Wise

Real BRL account with mid-market exchange rates. Useful for receiving USD/EUR and converting to BRL.

Common mistakes

Trying to open without CPF

No bank in Brazil opens accounts without a CPF. This is non-negotiable.

Underestimating Pix

Pix is Brazil’s instant payment system — free, used for almost everything. All banks support it. Set up Pix in your first day.

Using a tourist hotel address

Most banks require a real Brazilian address (utility bill or rental contract).

Ignoring inflation and FX

The BRL fluctuates significantly. Keep most savings in foreign currency (Wise multi-currency, US accounts) and only convert what you need for spending.

Costs to expect

Item	Typical Cost
Account opening	Free
Monthly maintenance	Free (digital banks) – BRL 30–50/month (traditional)
Debit card	Free
Pix transfer	Free
International wire (in/out)	BRL 50–200
FX margin	1–4%
ATM withdrawal (own bank)	Free

Frequently asked questions

Can I open Nubank with just a tourist visa?

Yes, with a CPF and Brazilian address. Nubank is the easiest option for foreigners on tourist visas.

What is Pix?

Brazil’s universal instant payment system, available 24/7 for free. Linked to CPF, phone number, or email. All Brazilian banks support it.

How long does it take?

Nubank/C6: 1–3 days for approval. Traditional banks: 1–2 weeks.

Can I get a credit card?

Nubank issues credit cards immediately to many foreigners — limit starts low (BRL 200–500) and grows with use.

What about cryptocurrency?

Brazil is crypto-friendly. Major exchanges (Mercado Bitcoin, Binance Brasil) integrate with bank accounts via Pix.

Next steps

1. Get your CPF — apply at the consulate before arriving if possible.
2. Set up Wise for immediate BRL capability.
3. Open Nubank via app — fastest, foreigner-friendly.
4. Activate Pix in your first day.
5. Add Itaú or Inter if you need broader services.

For more on Brazil, see our Brazil country guide and the bank account guide.