Life across borders often means several apps, unclear exchange rates and fees you find too late. According to Nu’s launch announcement, citing World Bank data, more than 300 million people live and work across borders. They lose about 6% to fees and exchange-rate margins.
Nu brings it all into one multi-currency account. It was announced on 10 September 2026. Here’s how one global account works day to day.
Key takeaways
- One account holds digital dollars (USDC) and digital euros (EURC).
- Earn up to 3.5% on USDC and 2.2% on EURC, credited daily; rates can change.
- Send money to more than 35 countries with no Nu fee, though receiving banks may charge their own.
- Spend with a virtual card and no Nu foreign transaction fee.
What Nu is
Nu is a multi-currency digital account, managed in the Nu App. It’s separate from Nu’s local operations.
Your account holds two digital currencies designed to hold a steady value, called stablecoins. Digital dollars (USDC) are designed to stay tied to the US dollar, and digital euros (EURC) to the euro.
From that one balance, you can earn, spend, send money and buy digital assets.
Nu comes from Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU), which serves more than 140 million customers worldwide.
Earn while your money waits
Earning is your account’s default state, with no opt-in.
Your balance earns up to 3.5% on digital dollars (USDC) and 2.2% on digital euros (EURC). Returns are credited daily. Rates can change.
There’s no lock-up or notice period, so you can spend, send or convert anytime.
Nu may delay or block a transaction where the law requires it or a security risk is detected.
Spend around the world with a virtual card
First, the limits. There’s no physical card and no cash withdrawals. Digital euros (EURC) are converted to digital dollars (USDC) before you spend.
Your virtual Mastercard draws from your digital dollar (USDC) balance. Use it online or in store wherever Mastercard is accepted, including through Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
Nu adds no foreign transaction fee, conversion fee or international surcharge. Mastercard performs any conversion at its applicable rate. At checkout, choose the local currency so Mastercard converts, not the merchant.
For unfamiliar sites, create a temporary virtual card that expires after 24 hours. You can freeze any card in the app.
Send and receive money across borders
You can send money to more than 35 countries across Latin America and Europe. Your recipient doesn’t need a Nu account.
There are two ways to send:
- To another Nu customer: use their Nu ID, a short handle starting with @.
- To a bank account abroad: enter their local details, and the app asks only for what’s required.
Nu charges no transfer fee, but the receiving bank or local network may charge its own.
Transfers use the real mid-market rate, the midpoint between what buyers and sellers pay. Nu adds no markup. Before you confirm with your PIN, you see the exchange rate and the exact amount received.
Each transaction has a US$1 minimum and a US$10,000 maximum.
Protection built into every step
Here’s how protection works.
Nu Global AG is based in Zug, Switzerland. It’s a member of VQF, a self-regulatory organisation recognised by FINMA. Balances in the Nu App are secured by a default guarantee from a Swiss bank, to the extent required by law.
Biometric recognition, multi-factor authentication and real-time alerts help make your account safer. Every transaction passes multiple security checks.
Real people help through in-app chat, 24/7, in six languages.
Frequently asked questions
Who can open a Nu account?
You need to be 18 or over, with a valid Passport or National ID and address. Sign-up confirms if Nu is available in your region.
Are there any fees?
No monthly, maintenance or annual fees, and no Nu transfer fee. Receiving banks or local payment networks may charge their own.
What are digital dollars?
Digital dollars are USDC, a stablecoin designed to hold a steady value against the US dollar.
Can I buy digital assets?
Yes, a curated selection, at 0.8% per transaction. Prices can rise and fall, so you may get back less than you put in.
This content is part of Nu’s mission to give people back control over their financial lives. Learn more about our products and our story here.
