IOF (Tax on Financial Transactions) is a Brazilian federal tax that may apply to currency exchanges and international purchases. But with AstroPay, you don’t always have to pay it. Here’s how it works:
When the IOF is 0%
You don’t pay IOF in any of the situations below because AstroPay pays the IOF for you:
When converting BRL to another currency (like USD or EUR) using AstroPay.
When using your BRL balance to make international purchases with the Global Astrocard.
Sending money from Brazil to abroad using your BRL balance
Good to know: This means you can pay or send money internationally using BRL without the 3.5% IOF, because AstroPay pays it for you.
When the IOF is 0.38%
A 0.38% IOF fee is charged only in the situation below:
You convert foreign currency into BRL (e.g., USD to BRL).
This is currently the only case where IOF applies for Brazilian users on AstroPay.
Do you ever pay 3.5% IOF?
No. With AstroPay, you never pay 3.5% IOF, even when using your card for international purchases. because AstroPay pays it for you.
Quick summary
Transaction type | IOF charged |
BRL → foreign currency | 0% |
Foreign currency → BRL | 0.38% |
International purchases using BRL balance | 0% |
International purchases with AstroPay Card | 0% |