Santander and Getnet launch Pix by Approximation

Santander and Getnet, the payment technology company owned by Santander Group's PagoNxt, announce the launch of Pix by Approximation through Google Pay. The new feature allows customers to make payments even more quickly and securely from Google Wallet, just by bringing their mobile devices closer to the enabled machines.

Since its launch in 2020, Pix has established itself as the preferred means of payment for Brazilians. According to the Central Bank, in the first six months of 2024, the number of transactions via Pix exceeded 29 billion, representing growth of 61% compared to the same period the previous year. This progress shows the strength of the system, which has already overtaken traditional methods such as credit and debit cards, which totaled 24.2 billion transactions in the same comparison period. Pix is increasingly becoming the most widely used payment method in Brazil.

With Pix by Approximation, Santander's individual customers will be able to make transactions automatically just by bringing their cell phone closer to the machine, using Google Wallet, without the need to open the bank's app or scan QR Codes. On the other hand, Getnet's corporate customers will be able to offer this new payment solution on their machines, adding more ease, convenience and security to the consumer experience. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology ensures advanced security through encryption and biometric authentication, protecting user data.

In addition, the speed of transactions will ensure faster service and a smoother shopping experience, in line with the growing demand for innovative and simplified solutions. The rollout to Santander customers will be carried out in groups and is expected to end in mid-March. 

According to Izabella Belisário, director of payments and individual services at Santander, "the new functionality reinforces Santander's commitment to offering payment solutions that combine innovation, convenience and security, always with a focus on improving the customer experience".

For Mayra Borges, Getnet's Vice President of Business, this innovation represents an important step in the evolution of digital payments in Brazil. "This technology applied to Pix not only makes the customer's day-to-day life easier, but also brings standardization and an important improvement to our consumer experience. This means that any user with access to an Android device with NFC will be able to pay with Pix by swiping at Getnet machines with the same payment experience they already have with their card," says the executive.

"The arrival of Pix by Approximation for Santander and Getnet customers is a milestone and we are happy to offer even more convenience and technology to the transaction routine of millions of Brazilian customers who use Google Wallet and the other Google Pay surfaces," says Natacha Litvinov, Head of Payments Partnerships at Google Pay in Latin America.