Who hasn't waited in a bank queue for hours to solve a simple problem? Or called customer service and fell into a loop of unresolved answering machines? If these scenes are part of your life, maybe it's time to rethink your relationship with your bank.
Today digital banks are winning over more and more Brazilians. And it's no coincidence. They are more practical, accessible, modern and, more often than not, more economical.
But is it really worth leaving the traditional seat behind? Or is it too early for that change?
What is a digital bank?
First of all, let's align the terms.
Digital banks are financial institutions that run 100% online. This means that you can do everything through the app: open an account, transfer money, request a card, pay a boleto, talk to support, invest and even request credit.
They don't have physical branches. But they have intuitive apps, fast service and solutions designed for modern life.
Examples of digital banks in Brazil:
- Nubank
- C6 Bank
- Inter Bank
- Neon
- PagBank
- Mercado Pago (works as a digital account)
These institutions are authorized and supervised by the Central Bank, just like any traditional bank.
Why are so many people migrating?
Simple: less headache and more control in the palm of your hand.
Many people are switching from traditional to digital banking because they are tired of the fees, the bureaucracy and the difficulty in solving simple things.
What's more, technology has come a long way. Today, you can have a complete account without having to set foot in an agency. And that, for most people, is an enormous freedom.
The advantages of digital banking
1# No fees (or much lower fees)
Most digital banks offer accounts without monthly fees. No maintenance fees, no annual card fees, no transfer fees.
Meanwhile, many traditional banks still charge for simple services such as issuing a statement or making a TED.
If you're looking to save money, this difference will already weigh on your pocket.
2# Ease of use
The app experience is designed to be simple. Everything works with just a few clicks. You can solve in minutes what can take days in a traditional bank.
What's more, service is usually quick via chat - no need to call, wait or explain everything from scratch each time.
3# Card with debit and credit function in the same place
Most digital banks send a physical card that works for both debit and credit (if approved). They also release the virtual card for secure online purchases.
All this with no annual fee and total control via the app.
4# Pix integrated and free
In digital banking, the Pix works more smoothly. There's no absurd daily usage limit, the money drops instantly and the process is quick.
You can copy, paste, schedule and follow up with ease - something that some traditional banks still complicate.
5# Access to investments directly in the app
Forget the idea that only your manager can help you invest. With digital banks, you can invest your money autonomously.
Tesouro Direto, CDBs, funds and even cryptocurrencies are just a few taps on the screen away - with clear information and no catches.
6# Automatic balance yield
In some digital banks, such as Nubank, Inter and PagBank, the money sitting in the account yields automatically. It's as if the account were also a savings account, only with a better return.
In traditional banks, the money sitting in the current account simply doesn't yield anything.
7# Ideal for those who want to keep better track of their finances
The digital banking app usually shows graphs, spending categories, a complete history and even a budget alert.
For those who want to learn how to take care of their money, this helps a lot.
But what about the downsides?
Of course, it's not all flowers. It's important to look at the other side too:
1# Lack of physical agency
If you like to solve problems in person or don't trust digital very much, you may miss having an agency nearby.
But it's worth remembering that, today, almost everything can be solved safely remotely.
2# Service 100% online
Although chat service has evolved, some digital banks are still slow to respond at peak times.
On the other hand, in traditional banks, getting through to the manager isn't always easy either.
3# Low initial limits
Some digital banks release credit little by little as you move your account.
If you already have a high limit at another bank and use it frequently, it may take a while to have the same at digital.
4# Lack of some specialized services
Some digital banks still don't offer all the services that traditional banks do, such as consortia, specific financing or bulk exchange.
If you use these products, you may need to keep at least one traditional account as a backup.
Is it worth changing in 2025?
In most cases, yes. Especially if you:
- You pay fees at your current bank
- You're tired of bureaucracy
- Likes to solve everything on his cell phone
- You want to take more control of your money
- Looking for economy and practicality
You can even start without closing your traditional account. Test it out. Run the digital bank for a while. See if it adapts. If everything goes well, then you can make the complete migration.
Many people have both - and this is also true. They use the digital bank for day-to-day banking and keep the traditional one for specific cases.
What about the elderly or people who don't know how to use the app?
This is a common concern. But little by little, apps are becoming more accessible, with larger fonts, simple commands and humanized support.
What's more, you can always help those who have more difficulty. Teaching people the basics of the app can free them from unnecessary queues and fees.
Technology needs to include - not exclude. And digital banks are gradually moving towards this.
What about security?
Digital banks follow the same rules as traditional banks. They are regulated by the Central Bank and use advanced cryptography.
Of course, you need to do your bit:
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links
By following these precautions, your account will be protected like any other.
What if there's a problem?
All digital banks have chat or email support. And if necessary, you can contact Procon, the Central Bank or even file public complaints on platforms such as Reclame Aqui.
The difference is that, because they are more modern, many solve problems more quickly.
See also: How can technology help education?
March 22nd, 2025
She has a degree in Literature - Portuguese/English, and is the creator of the Escritora de Sucesso website. As a writer, she seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on various subjects. At Trend-Topics, she brings news and content ranging from entertainment to the country's economic situation.
