How to Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a flexible and accessible credit card in Brazil, learn to apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card is a strong option. 

Designed by the financial arm of Mercado Livre, this card offers practical benefits, no annual fee, and full integration with the Mercado Pago app. 

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Whether you're a frequent online shopper or someone seeking more control over your spending, applying for this card could be your next smart move.

What Is the Mercado Pago Credit Card?

Mercado Pago is the fintech branch of Mercado Livre, one of Latin America’s largest e-commerce platforms. 

The Mercado Pago Credit Card, issued in partnership with Visa, combines the ease of digital banking with the benefits of a traditional credit card.

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This card is accepted worldwide, has no annual fee, and offers cashback options, particularly for purchases within the Mercado Livre ecosystem. 

Users can also track spending and control limits directly through the app, which makes it a popular choice for both experienced credit users and newcomers.

How to Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card: Step-by-Step Guide

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Benefits of the Mercado Pago Credit Card

Before you apply, it’s important to understand why this card has gained popularity in Brazil. Here are some of its most attractive features:

  • Zero annual fee (anuidade grátis)
  • International use: It's a Visa card accepted globally
  • Integration with the Mercado Pago wallet
  • Real-time spending control via app
  • Installments on Mercado Livre with exclusive conditions
  • 5% Cashback in Mercado Livre and discount promotions

Additionally, the card is fully manageable online—there’s no need to visit a bank branch or talk to an agent.

Who Can Apply?

The Mercado Pago Credit Card is available to Brazilian residents who meet basic eligibility criteria. Here's what you’ll need:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Possess a valid CPF number
  • Have a Brazilian mobile number and email address
  • Own a verified Mercado Livre/Mercado Pago account
  • Pass a credit analysis (Serasa/Boa Vista/Credit Score)

You don’t need to have an existing credit card, but users with a healthy credit score and verified transaction history within Mercado Pago are more likely to be approved.

Guide to Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card

Follow these steps to apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card in Brazil.

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your Mercado Pago Account

To begin, you must have a Mercado Pago account, which is Mercado Livre's digital wallet.

Visit mercadopago.com.br and log in or create an account with your CPF and email.

Verify your identity by providing your mobile number and accepting verification codes. Put your correct personal data and billing address.

Step 2: Open the Mercado Pago App

Download and open the Mercado Pago app, available for Android and iOS. This app is essential for all card operations, from applying to managing your balance.

Find the app on Google Playor the Apple Store. Log in using your Mercado Livre credentials

Make sure you’ve granted all necessary permissions. The app’s dashboard will show your wallet balance, services, and promotional offers.

Step 3: Locate the Credit Card Section

Once you're logged in:

Go to the “Cartões” (Cards) section, either in the app or on the web. Select the “Solicitar cartão de crédito” (Request credit card) option

Read the terms and conditions carefully before proceeding. The app will prompt you to confirm your CPF, full name, address, and income range.

Step 4: Submit to a Credit Evaluation

Mercado Pago performs an automatic credit analysis using credit bureau databases like Serasa or Boa Vista.

Some users may receive pre-approved offers, primarily if they have used other Mercado Pago services, like Pix, loans, or the digital wallet.

If you’re not pre-approved, you may still receive an invitation to be reconsidered later, so it’s worth continuing to use your account and building history.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation screen and a follow-up email. Evaluation usually takes up to 7 business days

If approved, your virtual card will be visible in the app immediately.

Your physical card will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 14 business days.

Managing the Card After Approval

After approval, you can manage your spending, due dates, and bills through the app.

Check available balance and total limit, and generate a boleto or pay using your balance. Also, set alerts for purchases and limit usage.

View transaction history in real time to plan your request for a limit increase over time.

You can also enable Google Payor Apple Pay to use the card for contactless payments.

Understanding Interest Rates and Fees

The Mercado Pago Credit Card does not charge an annual fee, but you should still understand the costs:

  • Rotating interest (crédito rotativo): Starts at around 12.90% per month
  • Late payment fees: Includes a 2% penalty plus daily interest
  • Installment interest: Varies based on the merchant and the number of installments
  • Currency conversion fee: 5.38% for international purchases

Users are encouraged to pay their total bill by the due date to avoid interest charges. You can also anticipate payments and split bills directly in the app.

How to Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Tips to Increase Approval Chances

Approval is not guaranteed, but the algorithm favors frequent and trustworthy users of the ecosystem.

Use Mercado Pago regularly, make transactions, pay bills, and send money. Avoid overdue debts.

Receive income into your Mercado Pago wallet. Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card again after 3 to 6 months of improved activity.

Contact Info.

Here is the contact phone number and official address for Mercado Pago Visa in Brazil:

  • Customer Service Phone: 0800 637 7246
  • Corporate Address: Av. das Nações Unidas, No. 3.003, Bonfim, Osasco – SP, ZIP Code 06233‑903, Brazil

Final Thoughts

Apply for a Mercado Pago Credit Card is a practical choice for Brazilians who want a card with no annual fee, digital control, and seamless online integration. 

Whether you're a seasoned Mercado Livre shopper or new to credit cards, this option gives you the flexibility and simplicity you need.

Start your application through the Mercado Pago app today and take control of your financial life in a smart, connected way.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is based on publicly available details from Mercado Pago as of June 2025. Terms and features may change. Always consult the official website or app before applying for any financial product.

Lucas W. Morgan
I’m Lucas W. Morgan, a contributing writer at OldBarberShop.com.au, where I cover stories that blend tech trends, job insights, smart money tips, and daily-use apps. With a background in Media and Communications and over a decade working across content strategy and digital writing, I aim to simplify the way Australians engage with tools that shape their finances, careers, and lifestyle. Whether it’s reviewing a new payment service or sharing tips for landing a remote role, my goal is to deliver content that’s timely, practical, and always worth the read.

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