Nomad vs Ruvo: dollar card comparison for travel

Both Nomad and Ruvo let you spend in dollars abroad, far better than a Brazilian credit card, which adds 3.5% IOF and spread. The difference between them is in IOF, FX and predictability. Planning a US trip? See the dollar card for travel to the US.

Nomad charges 3.5% IOF when you fund the account (1.1% only for investments) and an FX spread of 1% to 2% that varies by loyalty tier (Nomad Pass): it starts around 2% and falls toward 1% as you earn more Nomad Pass points. Add the IOF and it lands around 4.5% to 5.5% all-in. Ruvo charges 0.5% to convert reais to digital dollars (at the commercial rate) and, from there, 0% spread on dollar purchases and 0% IOF.

Picture US$3,000 of spending on a trip. With Ruvo, the only cost is putting dollars in the account, 0.5%, and spending is free: about US$15 total. On Nomad, adding the FX spread (1% to 2%) and 3.5% IOF, the cost lands between US$135 and US$165. And you know the amount up front, in dollars, not later, when the statement closes.

To be fair: Nomad is an established platform, with airport lounges in São Paulo and investment products. Ruvo bets on better support and is adding investments too: with lower FX and IOF as the core edge. For the full account comparison, see Nomad vs Ruvo.

Both Ruvo and Nomad offer international cards, accepted wherever international cards are accepted. Ruvo's card supports Apple Pay and Google Pay and works at ATMs. ATM withdrawals in the US typically carry a $3–$5 fee from the ATM operator; Ruvo does not add a foreign-transaction fee or IOF on top. At merchants, the card draws from your dollar balance — no conversion happens unless the purchase is in a currency other than USD, in which case a 1% conversion fee applies. For most US trips, the card handles the vast majority of spending.

Before travelling, check your virtual card is active in the Ruvo app and request a physical card if you need chip-and-PIN terminals. Enable transaction notifications so you see each charge in real time. Top up your dollar balance via Pix before departure. For hotels, note that some properties place a pre-authorisation hold that temporarily reduces available balance — budget for this if checking in with a card hold. Nomad's card setup is similar; both apps let you freeze and unfreeze the card instantly if it is lost or stolen.

Third-party fees change. Figures reflect public data from mid-2026, confirm current fees on official sites before traveling.