> ## 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.


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