> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.wepayments.com.br/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding Brazilian Bank Accounts

When sending payments in Brazil, it is important to understand the information required to identify a beneficiary's bank account.

Depending on the payment method, transactions can be processed using either a Pix Key or traditional bank account details. While Pix simplifies the payment process, bank account information is still commonly used for electronic transfers and operational validations.

## Bank Account Information in Brazil

A Brazilian bank account is typically identified by the following information:

| **Field**                 | **Description**                                                                                | **Example**          | **Mandatory** |
| :------------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------- | :------------ |
| **Bank code**             | 3-digit number identifying the bank (e.g., 341 = Itaú)                                         | `341`                | Yes           |
| **Bank branch (Agência)** | Usually 4 digits identifying the branch. If there are 5 digits, only the first 4 are mandatory | `4567`               | Yes           |
| **Branch digit**          | Optional. Not all banks have it                                                                | `9` (from `45679`)   | No            |
| **Account number**        | Identifies the account. Can have up to 15 characters                                           | `38219`              | Yes           |
| **Account digit**         | Always the last number of the account. Must be provided separately                             | `7` (from `38219-7`) | Yes           |
| **Account type**          | `S` for Savings (Poupança) or `C` for Checking (Corrente)                                      | `C`                  | Yes           |

> 💡 In our Dashboard, under the **Banks** option, you have access to the full list of banks with their respective codes.

## PIX Key vs. Bank Details

Before PIX was launched in Brazil, all bank transfers required **bank details** (bank code, branch, account number, and digit). These acted as the "address" for where funds should be sent.

With PIX, a **PIX Key** was introduced as a simplified form of bank details.

| **Feature**      | **Bank Details**                                            | **PIX Key**                                   |
| :--------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
| **Format**       | Multiple fields (bank, branch, account, etc.)               | Single field                                  |
| **Examples**     | Bank `341`, Branch `4567`, Account `38219-7`                | CPF, CNPJ, email, phone number, or random key |
| **Use case**     | Electronic payments (TED, DOC)                              | Instant payments (PIX)                        |
| **Availability** | Found in the beneficiary's bank app or on the physical card | Registered by the account holder              |

> 💡 A PIX Key is always linked to a bank account. You can also make a PIX payment using traditional bank details if you prefer.

## Understanding CPF and CNPJ

In Brazil, taxpayer identification numbers are required for most financial operations.

### CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry)

| **Aspect**     | **Details**                                                                         |
| :------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Who**        | Individuals (Brazilians and resident foreigners who pay taxes)                      |
| **Format**     | 11 digits: 9 base digits + 2 check digits                                           |
| **Example**    | `231.002.999-00`                                                                    |
| **Validation** | Typing errors result in an invalid number (check digits are mathematically derived) |

### CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities)

| **Aspect**     | **Details**                                                                       |
| :------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Who**        | Companies incorporated in Brazil, including foreign companies investing in Brazil |
| **Format**     | 14 digits: 12 base digits + 2 check digits                                        |
| **Example**    | `XX.YAX.532/0001-09`                                                              |
| **Validation** | Typing errors result in an invalid number                                         |

> 💡 Both CPF and CNPJ can be used as PIX Keys.

## Where Can Beneficiaries Find Their Banking Information?

Beneficiaries can usually find their banking information through:

* Their banking application
* Online banking portals
* Account statements
* Banking documentation provided by their financial institution

## Best Practices

Before submitting a payment, always verify that:

* The beneficiary's name is correct
* The CPF or CNPJ matches the account holder
* The bank code is valid
* The account and branch numbers have been entered correctly
* The correct account type has been selected

Accurate beneficiary information helps reduce payment failures and improves processing efficiency.