Febraban data showed that transactions made via Pix increased by 61% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year.R$ 29 billion were transacted in the first half of this year. The number even surpassed other payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, boleto, TED, and checks.
“It is a payment method that makes everyday life easier and faster and has really caught on with Brazilians. That is why we are seeing an increasing number of transactions.”, says the expert.
Another new feature regarding Pix is that Banco do Brasil has already launched contactless Pix in partnership with Cielo. Now, bank account holders can already make purchases by bringing their phone close to the card reader at establishments that have been enabled. Initially, the service will be available only to a selected group of account holders in Brasília and São Paulo, as part of a pilot program. The functionality is officially scheduled to be launched nationwide starting February 2025.
Starting November 1st, new rules and limits for Pix will also come into effect to enhance the security of transactions. Devices that have never had a transfer made with the payment method will have a limit of R$ 200 per Pix and a maximum daily limit of R$ 1,000.
With this, the idea is to prevent scammers from making transactions using a new device of a victim. Therefore, it will be necessary for the user to register in advance with the financial institution to make high-value transactions.
According to the Central Bank, this measure prevents scammers from performing high-value transactions from a new cell phone or computer of a victim, even with the victim's login and password. In this way, anyone who decides to buy a new device, change their number, or use a new Pix key will need to register with the financial institution they use. The novelty only applies to new devices to be accessed and not to smartphones and devices that are already used for Pix transactions.
For Idean Alves, a financial planner, the measures are essential to increase user security and confidence regarding the payment method.
The main goal of the measures is indeed to increase safety to benefit the user. This is also how the number of criminal actions related to Pix is reduced. So it's a great victory for the user, no doubt.", said Idean.
