Nubank Has Launched Consumer Banking in the United States

The fintech company is now offering deposit accounts with tiered interest rates to U.S. customers.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Banking

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stylized steel vault door, symbolizing the institutional framework of a new financial partnership. — Nubank has launched U.S. consumer banking services, partnering with Kansas City-based Lead Bank to provide interest-bearing deposit accounts to American customers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nubank has expanded its services into the United States, allowing consumers to open accounts that pay interest on deposits. The company is partnering with Kansas City-based Lead Bank to provide the underlying regulatory framework for these accounts.

Why it matters

Partnering with an existing, licensed lender allows fintech firms to begin offering deposit services to the public while awaiting the completion of their own lengthy national bank charter processes.

The standard Nu Account offers a 3.50% APY, which can increase to 4.50% for users who maintain a linked Mastercard and complete three purchases every 34 days. These offerings represent a new entry point for Nubank, which already serves over 100 million customers across Latin America.

The players

Nubank

A financial technology company that provides digital banking services and stablecoin management for customers.

Lead Bank

A Kansas City-based, FDIC-insured financial institution that partners with fintech firms to hold deposits.

The details

Nubank manages the customer interface and relationships, while Lead Bank, an FDIC-insured lender based in Kansas City, handles backend regulatory compliance and deposit custody. Beyond standard cash accounts, the company also launched Nu Global to facilitate interest-bearing holdings in USDC and EURC stablecoins, currently offering 3.50% and 2.20% APY respectively.

September 10, 2026: Nubank officially launched consumer banking in the United States.
January 2026: Nubank received conditional approval for a national bank charter.
2027: Nubank N.A. is expected to open its doors to the public.

Money Landscape

This move reflects a common industry strategy where fintech firms operate through partner institutions while navigating the rigorous national bank charter process. Nubank intends to open its own independent institution, Nubank N.A., in 2027 following its 2026 conditional approval.

Consumers looking to open a Nu Account can decide if the 4.50% APY threshold, which requires a linked Mastercard and three transactions every 34 days, fits their existing spending habits. If you are considering moving funds, consult a qualified financial professional to determine how these interest-bearing accounts fit your overall savings goals.

The takeaway

Nubank has entered the U.S. market by leveraging an existing bank partnership to offer high-yield digital accounts. For those interested in new banking options, keep an eye on the 2027 launch of Nubank N.A. to see how the company’s independent service offerings evolve for U.S. households.