Neon SMS Verification

Opening a Brazilian digital account? The Neon SMS verification step confirms your mobile number; see how to receive the code and why a money account needs a lasting number.

Neon is a payment institution founded in 2016 and authorised by the Central Bank of Brazil; it describes itself not as a bank but as an app-based payment account. It offers Pix transfers, a no-annual-fee credit card, virtual cards, loans and CDB investments. During sign-up you create a six-digit app password, receive an SMS code on your mobile number, and then provide a selfie and your address.

The SMS code confirms that the applicant can access the phone. Someone who holds a CPF but has just moved to Brazil and has no local line yet can complete this step with a virtual number. Neon is still a financial account, so the selfie and any document check are done with your own identity; the virtual number only covers the SMS step, and some numbers may be rejected.

If you plan to use your phone number as a Pix key, do not pick a short-lived one: once the number passes to someone else, payments and account recovery are at risk. Tie cards, transfers and credit to a number you will control for the long term. Neon may contact you by e-mail, SMS or in the app, so keep your details current and never share codes with anyone.