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 Mastercard study, 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 research across 14 countries, reveals that 92% of Brazilian SMEs that accept digital payments consider them essential or very important for their operations. The data also indicates that digitization is not just a competitive advantage — it’s 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 Brazil.
Key insights from the study include:
- Operational efficiency: 95% of SMEs using digital payment methods say the modality saves time and money.
- Unmet demand: among those yet to adopt digital acceptance, 86% are interested in implementing the solution, and 57% report losing customers monthly for not offering this option.
- Digitization of B2B relationships: 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 additional services offered by their providers — such as credit facilitation (used by 51%), fraud monitoring (48%), and cybersecurity (45%).
What do SMEs look for in a digital payment solutions provider?
The most valued features by entrepreneurs are:
- Security (94%)
- Ability to handle multiple payment methods (94%)
- Customer service (92%)
- Reliability (90%) — reinforcing the importance of trust in the solutions offered.
“Mastercard has been consistently working to support the digitization 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 context, Mastercard has invested in specific solutions that address 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 entry barriers and expands digital inclusion.
- Click to Pay: an online payment solution that eliminates the need to enter data with each purchase, offering a smoother checkout experience with a direct impact on sales conversion and consumer trust. With just one click, the purchase is completed — an optimized journey that reduces average checkout time by up to 50%.
- Mastercard Surpreenda Empresas: a loyalty program for entrepreneurs, with benefits and partnerships that support digitization and daily business operations, such as Docusign, NordVPN, and Spedy. The initiative reinforces Mastercard’s commitment to innovation applied to SME needs.
