Automatic Pix vs. Recurring Scheduled Pix: Understand the Best Option for Each Business

Automatic Pix, a new stage in Brazil's instant payment system, was launched by the Central Bank in June. The functionality promises to impact both individuals and businesses, but it's also raising questions for businesses that used recurring scheduled Pix, who haven't yet figured out which option is best.

For Felipe Negri, CEO of PinbankAs a one-stop bank provider with a complete ecosystem of financial solutions, the answer is highly individualized for each organization. "Both modalities have benefits, but are applied more strategically when designed to solve specific needs. In other words, it's a decision related to the business objectives and types of operations," he says.

Differences between the functionalities
An alternative to traditional automatic debit, Pix automático simplifies recurring payments, such as utility bills, monthly fees, and subscriptions. In practice, companies send an enrollment proposal to clients, who need to authorize the payments. This process is completed only once, directly within the financial institution's app, and can be cancelled or even modified whenever necessary.

In recurring Pix payments, periodic payments are made through customized integrations and automations developed by fintechs and specialized providers. In this mode, the user registers the recipient's details, as well as defining the amounts and scheduling the transaction dates.

According to Negri, this final format acted as an "adaptation" for companies seeking to reduce operational costs and gain greater financial flexibility. "Recurring scheduled Pix payments aren't quite a standardized model like the automatic ones, but they still streamline transactions and reduce expenses. It's an excellent option for payers who seek autonomy and can organize their finances," he explains. 

On the other hand, the executive points out that automatic Pix reduces limitations because it establishes a joint dynamic. "With both parties agreeing and adapting payments and receipts in a way that works for both sides, the solution manages to reduce transactional noise and optimize operations," he adds.

Future of the modalities

New functionalities like these should become increasingly incorporated into the daily operations of companies, considering the success of Pix in the national market: the Central Bank points out that approximately 166 million individuals (PFs) and 19.5 million businesses (PJs) have already used the instant payment method.  

The current timing of payment methods can also influence their use, particularly when considering implementing improvements. While Pix automatic became effective about a month ago, recurring scheduled Pix payments became mandatory nationwide in November 2024.

"Of course, the new functionality proposed by the Central Bank is in the spotlight right now, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that want to modernize their monthly financial transactions and reduce costs," emphasizes the Pinbank CEO. "In this changing landscape, the best of both worlds will be for those who know how to digitally conduct these operations intelligently, leveraging older advantages and exploring promising new opportunities," he concludes.