Nubank is a São Paulo-based digital bank operating in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, built for simple app-first money management across accounts, cards, loans, and insurance.
Founded in 2013, the platform runs entirely online, removes branch visits and unnecessary fees, and keeps your finances under real-time control in the mobile app. As of January 2023, registered users surpassed 34 million across Latin America.
Nubank and Its Card
Nubank is a São Paulo–headquartered digital bank operating in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, focused on simple, app-first money management across accounts, cards, loans, and insurance.
Founded in 2013, the platform runs entirely online, removing branch visits and unnecessary fees while keeping real-time controls in the mobile app. As of January 2023, registered users surpassed 34 million across Latin America.
Nubank Credit Card Options
Need a basic, no-fee card or premium perks and travel benefits? The comparison below clarifies which version fits your spending pattern.
| Feature | Standard Nubank (Purple) | Ultravioleta (Mastercard Black) |
| Fees | No annual fee | R$49/month; waived by spending R$5,000/month or maintaining R$150,000 in eligible investments |
| Cashback | Not included by default; optional Nubank+ adds perks | 1% cashback; unredeemed amounts grow at 200% of CDI until used |
| Card & Management | Plastic card; full control in the app, virtual cards, category tracking | Metal card; the same app control plus premium network benefits |
| Perks & Protections | Real-time notifications, customizable limits, contactless wallets | Travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, lounge access, Mastercard Black privileges |
| Fit | Everyday use without fixed costs | Higher spenders seeking elevated travel and cashback value |
Rates, Fees, and Conditions
High APRs can erase rewards quickly, so explicit knowledge of costs helps keep spending disciplined.
APR and Interest
Interest varies by transaction type and profile, and Brazilian revolving APRs commonly range from roughly 130% to 400% annually.
Statement financing through installments usually carries a lower effective rate than revolving balances, although the exact figures depend on analysis and on-time behavior.
Installment Purchases
Installments (parcelado) display total cost before confirmation, allowing an informed choice on big-ticket items. Transparent pricing in the app shows the monthly rate and final amount, so decisions consider the cash-flow impact, not only the minimum due.
How to Avoid Interest
Full payment of each invoice eliminates interest and preserves the no-fee advantage of the standard card.
Due-date reminders, automatic payments, and category budgets inside the app reduce the chance of rolling balances into costly revolving credit.
Eligibility and Requirements
Approval depends on country rules and credit profile, not brand loyalty alone. A clean application increases the likelihood of an immediate decision.
Basic Criteria (Brazil)
Applicants must be at least 18, reside in Brazil, hold a valid CPF, and have an active mobile number and smartphone to run the app.
Identity verification typically requires RG or CNH, plus an address for delivery and regional compliance checks conducted in-app.
Country Variations
Mexico and Colombia follow localized onboarding in their respective apps, where equivalent personal data and regulatory checks apply. Feature availability, names, and pricing can differ slightly due to local market practices and rules.
Step-by-Step Application
Fast digital onboarding reduces paperwork and saves time during evaluation.
- Download the Nubank app for Android or iOS and start the request flow (“Pedir meu cartão”).
- Enter full name, CPF, email, mobile number, and complete identity capture for verification.
- Undergo a soft credit analysis; an initial limit is assigned according to income and profile.
- Receive the decision in-app; after approval, confirm your address for card delivery.
- Activate the physical card on arrival, enable the virtual card immediately, and configure limits, alerts, and due dates.
Benefits That Matter Day-to-Day
No annual fee on the standard card keeps fixed costs at zero while real-time notifications, category budgets, and instant limit changes maintain control.
Apple Pay and Google Pay compatibility streamlines contactless purchases, and virtual cards protect online transactions by isolating credentials from the physical card number.
Payments Simplified
NuConta integration simplifies bill payment, Pix transfers, and invoice settlement inside one app, creating a single view of money in and out.
Ultravioleta adds 1% cashback that accrues at 200% of CDI until redemption, plus travel protections and lounge access suited to frequent flyers.
Optional Nubank+ on the standard card brings extra perks and partner offers without switching to a metal card.
Exclusive Discounts
Exclusive discounts appear in the app across hundreds of partner stores, and selected promotions apply automatically at checkout. Virtual-card-only offers also surface periodically, creating additional savings on everyday purchases.
Use in Mexico and Colombia
Mexico’s credit card rollout mirrors Brazil’s app-driven model, emphasizing quick decisions, no annual fees on the base product, and modern controls.
Feature names, cashback mechanics, and savings yields can vary due to local regulations, so the in-app terms for each market should guide expectations.
Colombia follows the same digital-first approach, with eligibility and pricing aligned to local compliance and credit data.
Security and Control Tools
Strong app controls reduce fraud risk and keep spending aligned to goals. Instant block and unblock actions stop misuse the moment a card goes missing.
Biometric login and device binding add another layer beyond passwords and PINs. Real-time purchase alerts flag suspicious activity while there is still time to react.
On-demand virtual cards segment online spending and allow quick number rotation. Due-date selection and smart reminders cut missed payments and late-fee exposure.
Customer Support
In-app chat operates around the clock for account and card issues, including disputes and limit reviews. Phone support in Brazil runs 24/7 at 0800 591 2117, and an additional general line is available at 0800 608 6236. Email support responds via [email protected] and [email protected].
The Ombudsman (Ouvidoria) handles escalations on business days at 0800 887 0463 or [email protected].
Corporate headquarters are located at Rua Capote Valente, 39, Pinheiros, São Paulo–SP, CEP 05409-000, and regional teams support users in Mexico and Colombia through localized channels.
Important Disclaimer
Content here is informational and not financial or legal advice. Rates, features, waivers, and eligibility differ by country, profile, and time, and Brazilian APRs often appear higher than those in other markets due to structural factors.
Official app and website terms should be reviewed before applying, particularly for Ultravioleta fee waivers, installment rates, and cashback rules.
Conclusion
Choosing Nubank gives you app-first control, no-fee options on the standard card, and premium travel and cashback benefits on Ultravioleta when the profile fits.
Stay disciplined by paying statements in full, using virtual cards online, and adjusting limits and due dates in the app to keep costs low and credit healthy.
Confirm current fees, APRs, and eligibility inside the app for your country, then apply once the features align with your spending pattern.
