Pix, the instant payment system, not only revolutionized how Brazilians conduct financial transactions but continues to expand rapidly. After reaching the impressive milestone of 227 million transactions in a single day in September 2024, according to Central Bank data, the system has since advanced with new features set to directly impact retail, credit, and access to digital services.
This year, two new features began rolling out: Automatic Pix, ideal for recurring payments like subscriptions and monthly fees; and Proximity Pix, which eliminates the need to open a banking app to make payments. Starting in September, Installment Pix will begin implementation, followed by Guaranteed Pix, expected in 2026/2027.
The new era of recurring payments
The Automatic Pix feature promises to be a practical and inclusive alternative, especially for consumers without credit cards. With it, it will be possible to schedule monthly payments for services like gyms, TV subscriptions, streaming platforms, schools, and insurance plans, with automatic direct debit from the account.
For merchants, this feature aims not only to expand their customer base but also to reduce defaults, as payments will be automatically and directly debited from the customer’s account on a scheduled basis.
Installments without a credit card
Meanwhile, Installment Pix, one of the most anticipated features, will allow consumers to make installment purchases even without a credit card. The transaction will be based on a bank-preapproved limit, with the full amount paid immediately to the merchant and the payment split into interest-bearing installments. In practice, it functions as an alternative to traditional installment plans, with the advantage of occurring directly within the banking environment. For this feature to be available, merchants must be integrated with an enabled payment platform, such as SaqPay, a digital payment solutions provider.
Pix in credit and digital inclusion
Fintechs and digital banks are likely to quickly adopt these solutions, boosting retail sales and offering more accessible alternatives to consumers. Although credit cards still dominate, Pix is expected to gain ground due to lower costs for merchants and greater convenience for users. The main challenge will be technological integration, but the sector is already prepared for this new phase of Pix’s consolidation in the financial ecosystem.
Challenges for internationalization
The expansion of Pix for international transactions still faces regulatory and technical hurdles. The first challenge is that each country needs to evaluate its payment policies to allow local financial institutions to adopt new technologies like Pix. Only after this step can foreign banks access the APIs provided by Brazil’s Central Bank. Additionally, currency conversion issues must be resolved, as it remains unclear whether transactions will be processed in reais with subsequent conversion or directly in the local currency. Standardized exchange rates and system interoperability will be key to enabling international Pix.
A new consumer behavior
With the arrival of features like recurring, installment, and proximity Pix, experts highlight a significant shift in consumer behavior. Brazilians are quick to adopt practical solutions. These updates further establish Pix as a comprehensive system—going beyond transfers—and solidify its role as a leader in the country’s financial ecosystem.
