ARQ Account Offers Low 0.5% Fee for Foreign Currency
The ARQ digital account provides a 0.5% conversion fee for dollars or euros, plus international payment features and investment options, according to a
The ARQ digital account charges just a 0.5% fee for converting Brazilian reais to US dollars or euros. This premium platform also handles international payments and offers a global card for spending abroad.
ARQ's structure is fully digital. It allows users to manage daily finances and foreign transactions through a single app. The service claims its 0.5% conversion rate is the lowest available.
Currency Conversion and Spending
The core feature is foreign currency conversion. ARQ applies a flat 0.5% charge on any amount converted to digital dollars or euros. The report states this is significantly lower than the industry average, which it says typically ranges between 5% and 7% for similar services.
Once converted, the digital currency balance can be used for international payments. Users can also spend it abroad using a global debit card. The source notes that registering through a specific link provides a free physical global debit card.
Investment Options
The platform includes an investment section. Users can invest their Brazilian real balance, earning up to 120% of the CDI rate. Domestic fixed-income products like Treasury bonds, CDBs, and LCIs are also available.
Digital dollar holdings earn an annual yield of up to 4.5%. Also, the app provides access to international stocks and ETFs. This allows for portfolio diversification into global markets without needing another platform.
Account Plans and Benefits
ARQ offers two monthly subscription plans with different benefits and credit features. Credit approval is subject to analysis and involves a waiting list, with the credit line secured by assets held in the user's investment account.
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Cashback (on first $500/month) | Cashback (after $500) | Credit Interest Rate | Free Int'l Transfers | Free ATM Withdrawals (monthly) | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $6.99 | 1% | 0.5% | From 1.5% per month | 1 | Up to $500 | Support 24/7, credit up to $100k in EUR/USD, 120% CDI on BRL balance. |
| Prestige | 2% | 0.5% | From 0.8% per month | 3 | Up to $700 | Metal card, Mastercard World Elite benefits, support 24/7, credit up to $100k in EUR/USD, 120% CDI on BRL balance, 50-100% fee rebate on high spending. |
The Prestige plan includes a metal card and Mastercard World Elite benefits. It also offers a monthly fee rebate: 50% back if the user spends $2,000 in a month, and 100% back if they spend $4,000. Both plans provide 24/7 priority support.
