You may have forgotten money at the Central Bank

In recent years, the term money forgotten at the BC gained prominence in the news and on social media. Millions of Brazilians rushed to check if they had any funds sitting idle in banks and financial institutions, often without even imagining they might find extra funds. Central Bank (BC) created an exclusive system to facilitate this verification, the Amounts Receivable, and since then, many people have managed to recover forgotten amounts.

But there are still thousands of people who haven't consulted or don't know how to access the system. If that's you, don't worry: in this comprehensive guide, we'll explain who's eligible, how forgotten funds work at the Central Bank, and the steps to recover them right away.

What is the forgotten money at the BC?

Forgotten money is money that, for various reasons, has remained unused in bank accounts or other financial institutions. This can happen when:

  • A checking or savings account was closed, but there was a balance left.
  • There were fees charged in excess or installments paid twice.
  • The client had unused consortium shares.
  • Insurance or private pensions left surpluses.
  • There were amounts remaining from charges or paid off loans.

Before the Central Bank system, these amounts were retained in institutions and were rarely returned. With the Amounts Receivable, consultation and redemption have become simple and accessible to any citizen.

Who is entitled to forgotten money?

Virtually anyone who has had dealings with banks or financial institutions may encounter a forgotten balance. Common cases include:

  • People who had a checking or savings account and closed it without withdrawing the balance.
  • Those who participated in consortia and did not use the entire quota.
  • Customers who paid undue or duplicate fees.
  • People with values related to insurance or private pensions.
  • Heirs of deceased account holders who have not redeemed the linked amounts.

The amount may be small, but it can also be surprising. There are reports of people finding significant sums.

How the Amounts Receivable system works

O Central Bank has created an exclusive platform for checking and requesting withdrawals of forgotten amounts. The process is digital, free, and secure. To access it, you just need to have an account on the portal. Gov.br, at silver or gold level.

The platform works in two stages:

  • Initial consultation: by providing CPF and date of birth (or CNPJ, in the case of companies), the system shows whether there are amounts to be received.
  • Rescue: if there is a balance, the user logs in with the Gov.br account and requests a refund, which can be made directly via Pix.

Step by step guide to checking and redeeming amounts

See the complete step-by-step guide to find out if you're eligible and withdraw today:

1. Access the official website

Enter the address valuesreceive.bcb.gov.br.

2. Make the initial consultation

Enter your CPF e date of birth (or CNPJ, in the case of companies). The system will inform you if there are available funds.

3. Log in to Gov.br

If you have a balance, you'll need to access your Gov.br account with silver or gold status. This ensures greater security.

4. Check the details

The system will show the responsible institution, the type of forgotten amount and withdrawal instructions.

5. Request the withdrawal

If the financial institution has adopted Pix, the amount is automatically transferred to the designated account. Otherwise, you'll need to follow the instructions provided by the bank or financial institution.

6. Keep the receipt

After the request, the system generates a digital receipt confirming the transaction.

What if I don't have a Gov.br account?

A Gov.br account is essential for accessing details of forgotten amounts. If you don't have one yet, you can create one for free on the website. gov.br or via the Gov.br app (available for Android and iOS). Registration is quick and can be validated by accredited banks, facial biometrics, or other authentication methods.

Can I check the values of deceased people?

Yes. Heirs and legal successors can consult and request forgotten amounts linked to the deceased's CPF. To do so, they will need to present documentation proving their entitlement, such as:

  • Death certificate.
  • Identity documents of the heir.
  • Inventory or public deed of division.

The process may vary depending on the financial institution responsible.

Is there a deadline to recover forgotten money?

There is no specific time limit. The funds remain available until they are redeemed by the holder or heirs. However, the sooner the inquiry is made, the faster the funds can be recovered.

It's worth remembering that the Central Bank organizes access in phases to avoid overloading the system. Therefore, those who haven't yet checked should pay attention to the published dates.

Be careful not to fall for scams

With the system's success, scammers began creating fake websites and messages promising quick consultations. To avoid falling victim, follow these tips:

  • Only access the official website of the Central Bank: valuesreceive.bcb.gov.br.
  • Never provide a password or code received via SMS outside the platform.
  • Be wary of WhatsApp messages or links sent by email.
  • Redemption is free: no one can charge a fee to release funds.

Impact of forgotten money on everyday life

Forgotten money can be a financial relief for many families. Even if the amount is small, it can help pay bills, invest, or boost your emergency fund.

Furthermore, the Central Bank system has increased transparency and ensured that financial institutions return amounts that were previously forgotten.

Examples of common situations

  • Maria closed a savings account in 2010 and did not withdraw the balance of R$ 50. Years later, she found this amount in the system.
  • João participated in a car consortium, but withdrew. When he consulted the Central Bank, he discovered he had a balance due.
  • Ana is the daughter of a deceased civil servant and managed to recover funds linked to her father's CPF.

These examples show how anyone can benefit.

Why consult today?

The sooner you apply, the sooner you'll have access to your funds. Often, the funds can be used to pay off debts, invest in education, or even fulfill a personal dream.

Furthermore, failing to consult can make you forget again, losing the chance to recover money that is already rightfully yours.

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Published on September 5, 2025