Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are rapidly digitizing — and the adoption of digital solutions has been essential in this process. According to a new study by Mastercard, 91% of Brazilian SMEs using digital payment solutions report significant business growth, reinforcing the strategic role of digitization.
The study, which surveyed 150 SME owners and directors in Brazil as part of a regional survey across 14 countries, reveals that 92% of Brazilian SMEs accepting digital payments consider them essential or very important to their operation. The data also indicates that digitalization is not just a competitive advantage — it is a necessity: 64% state that their businesses would not exist without accepting digital payments.
“Digital payments are redefining how SMEs operate, grow, and connect with customers and suppliers. This study shows that digital acceptance goes beyond convenience — it is vital for business sustainability,” says Marcelo Tangioni, President of Mastercard Brasil.
Main insights from the study include:
- Operational efficiency: 95% of SMEs using digital payment methods say the modality saves time and money.
- Untapped demand: among those that have not yet adopted digital acceptance, 86% are interested in implementing the solution, and 57% state they lose customers monthly for not offering this option.
- B2B relationship digitalization: 88% of SMEs use electronic payments to pay suppliers, with 60% having international suppliers.
- More than payment: 99% of companies using digital payment solutions are aware of the additional services offered by their providers — such as credit facilitation (used by 51%), fraud monitoring (48%), and cybersecurity (45%).
What SMEs look for in a digital payment solutions provider?
The most valued characteristics by entrepreneurs are:
- Security (94%)
- Ability to handle multiple payment methods (94%)
- Customer service (92%)
- Reliability (90%) — emphasizing the importance of trust in the solutions offered.
“Mastercard has consistently supported the digitalization of SMEs in Latin America, with initiatives that combine technology, innovation, and financial inclusion – fundamental pillars for the sustainable development of small businesses,” highlights Marcelo Tangioni. In this scenario, Mastercard has invested in specific solutions that support the real challenges faced by Brazilian SMEs, such as:
- Tap on Phone: turns smartphones into payment terminals, allowing small retailers to accept contactless cards and digital wallets in a simple, accessible, and secure way — an innovative solution that reduces barriers to entry and expands digital inclusion.
- Click to Pay: an online payment solution that eliminates the need to enter data for each purchase, offering a smoother checkout experience, with a direct impact on sales conversion and consumer confidence. With just one click, the purchase is completed — an optimized journey that reduces checkout time by up to 50%.
- Mastercard Surpreenda Empresas: loyalty program aimed at entrepreneurs, with benefits and partnerships that support digitalization and day-to-day business activities, such as Docusign, NordVPN, and Spedy. The initiative reinforces Mastercard’s commitment to innovation applied to the needs of SMEs.
