At a Brazilian Bank: Ask About Pix, Cards, and Transfers
Use clear phrases to explain a banking task, check a Pix payment, and ask what to do when a card or transfer does not work.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Start with the service you need: abrir uma conta (open an account), fazer uma transferência (make a transfer), or pedir um cartão (request a card). Banks may handle services differently, so ask which channel or documents apply to your case rather than assuming every branch works the same way.
Name the banking task you need to do
Use conta corrente for a checking account and conta poupança for a savings account. Cartão de débito is a debit card; cartão de crédito is a credit card. These terms help you explain the task even when a staff member asks a follow-up question.
Quero abrir uma conta corrente.
I’d like to open a checking account.
Como faço uma transferência pelo aplicativo?
How do I make a transfer through the app?
Tem alguma tarifa para esse serviço?
Is there a fee for this service?
Ask clearly about a Pix payment
Pix is Brazil’s instant-payment system. You can ask whether a payment arrived with O Pix caiu? (Did the Pix payment go through?). A Pix key may be a phone number, email address, tax ID, or a random key; confirm the recipient and amount before authorizing a transfer.
If you are reporting a problem, describe what you can verify: the transfer appears as pending, the recipient says it did not arrive, or you need help locating the receipt. Avoid sharing a password or security code in conversation.
O Pix ainda está como pendente.
The Pix payment is still showing as pending.
Onde encontro o comprovante?
Where can I find the receipt?
Você pode confirmar o valor e o destinatário?
Can you confirm the amount and recipient?
Put it into practice
Use the name of the service first, then ask about the fee, status, or next step. For Pix, confirm the recipient and amount before you authorize a payment.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Is there a fee for this service”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.