Since the day June 16, Automatic PIX has officially begun operating as a new stage of Brazil’s instant payment system. Developed by the Central Bank, this feature enables recurring debits—such as subscriptions, memberships, and bills—without the need for slips or cards. The goal is to offer users a simpler, more transparent, and controllable alternative for periodic payments.
With a single authorization via a banking app, consumers can schedule automatic payments debited directly from their checking accounts, without needing to enter card numbers, CVV, or due dates. The tool arrives at a time when Pix is already the most widely used payment method in the country by 73% of Brazilians, according to research by MindMiners. Even so, traditional methods like debit (60%) and credit (53%) cards remain the preferred choices for recurring transactions.
“This prominence of Pix reflects a significant behavioral shift, especially among younger people and micro-entrepreneurs. The simplicity of the tool—which eliminates card machines and fees—has been crucial in boosting small businesses, expanding access to the banking system, and driving the digitalization of the economy,” highlights Murilo Rabusky, Business Director at Lina Open X.
The simplicity that challenges the traditional market
Automatic PIX’s proposal is straightforward: eliminate the complexity of recurring payments. Unlike cards, which require details like numbers, CVV, and expiration dates, the new system works with a single authorization in the banking app.
The process is intuitive: the consumer receives an automatic debit proposal from the company, authorizes it once in the banking app, and from then on, payments happen automatically on the agreed dates. The key difference lies in control: users can cancel, pause, or adjust amounts directly via their phones, without bureaucracy.
“These innovations make the system more efficient, secure, and accessible—for both consumers and businesses—and solidify Brazil as one of the global leaders in banking innovation. By continuously evolving based on consumer behavior, Pix reaffirms its role as a driver of inclusion, innovation, and competitiveness in the national financial system,” says Murilo Rabusky.
Competitive advantages over cards
Among the main attractions of the new model for businesses is the reduction in delinquency rates and common friction points in card payments—such as exceeded limits or expired cards. According to industry estimates, up to 40% of card payment attempts are declined for various reasons.
Additionally, the simplicity of the flow may boost subscription service adoption. Payment friction remains a bottleneck for retention. Solutions like Automatic PIX help eliminate these barriers.
Despite the advantages, the new model also faces implementation challenges. Banks and fintechs must adapt their systems to operate with Automatic PIX’s authorization and cancellation infrastructure. On the business side, investment in technological integration and clear communication with consumers is required.
Use in pensions, healthcare, and education
Even in its early stages, Automatic PIX is already being adopted in sectors beyond digital retail. In pensions, Brasilprev, in partnership with fintech Lina Open X, has implemented plan enrollments with payments via Automatic PIX. Educational institutions are also exploring the alternative for tuition fees, as are healthcare clinics and insurance providers.
The expectation is that, over time, the new model may replace both slips and cards in recurring transactions. The model favors businesses with high recurrence rates, such as gyms, subscription clubs, and online courses.
“Companies that manage to integrate Automatic PIX intelligently will gain a significant competitive advantage. The technology not only reduces costs but also improves customer experience and increases loyalty,” concludes Lina Open X’s director.
What lies ahead
The debut of Automatic PIX is part of a broader Central Bank agenda to expand the instant payment ecosystem. Still planned for 2025 is the launch of Installment PIX, which will allow splitting amounts into multiple installments directly from the checking account—with or without interest, depending on negotiations with the financial institution.
With this, Brazil is moving toward consolidating a system that offers upfront, recurring, and installment payments—all within the same environment and without the need for cards. It’s a change with the potential to significantly impact various sectors of the economy.
