Since the dayJune 16, Automatic PIX has officially begun operating as a new phase of the Brazilian instant payment system. Developed by the Central Bank, the feature enables recurring debits — such as monthly payments, subscriptions, and bills — without the need for invoices or cards. The proposal is to offer users a simpler, more transparent, and controllable alternative for recurring payments.
With a single authorization through the banking app, the consumer can schedule automatic payments directly debited from the checking account, without needing to enter card number, CVV, or expiration date. The tool arrives at a time when Pix is already the most used payment method in the country by 73% of Brazilians, according tosurveyfrom MindMiners. Still, traditional methods such as debit card (60%) and credit card (53%) remain the preferred options for recurring transactions.
This protagonism of Pix reflects an important change in behavior, especially among the younger and micro-entrepreneurs. The simplicity of the tool — which eliminates the need for card machines and fees — has been decisive in boosting small businesses, expanding access to the banking system, and encouraging the digitalization of the economy, highlights Murilo Rabusky, the Business Director of Lina Open X.
The simplicity that challenges the traditional market
The PIX Automatic proposal is straightforward: eliminate the complexity of recurring payments. Unlike cards, which require information such as number, CVV, and expiration date, the new system operates 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, the payments occur automatically on the agreed dates. The difference is in the control: the user can cancel, pause, or change values directly from their phone, without bureaucracy.
"These innovations make the system more efficient, secure, and accessible — both for consumers and businesses — and establish Brazil as one of the global leaders in banking innovation. By continuously evolving according to 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 modality for companies is the reduction of default rates and common payment frictions with cards — such as exceeded limits or expired cards. According to industry estimates, until40% of card charge attempts are declined for various reasons.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the flow can encourage adherence to subscription services. Friction at the time of payment is still a bottleneck for retention. Solutions like Automatic Pix help eliminate these barriers.
Despite the advantages, the new modality also faces implementation obstacles. Banks and fintechs need to adapt their systems to operate with the authorization and cancellation infrastructure of Automatic Pix. On the companies' side, it is necessary to invest in technological integration and clear communication with consumers.
Used in social security, health, and education
Even in its early stages, Automatic Pix is already beginning to be adopted in sectors beyond digital retail. In the field of social security, theBrasilprev,in partnership with the fintech Lina Open X, performs the subscription of plans with automatic Pix payment. Educational institutions are also exploring the alternative of charging tuition fees, as well as health clinics and plan operators.
The expectation is that, over time, the new modality may replace both invoices and cards in recurring transactions. The model favors businesses with high recurrence rates, such as gyms, subscription clubs, and online courses.
"Companies that successfully integrate Automatic PIX intelligently will have a significant competitive advantage. Technology not only reduces costs but also improves the customer experience and increases loyalty," concludes the director of Lina Open X.
What lies ahead
The launch of Automatic Pix is part of a broader agenda by the Central Bank to expand the instant payments ecosystem. For 2025, the launch of Pix Parcelado is planned, which will allow dividing amounts into multiple installments directly into the checking account — with or without interest, depending on the agreement with the financial institution.
With this, Brazil is moving towards consolidating a system that offers one-time, recurring, and installment payments — all within the same environment and without the need for a card. It is a change with the potential for significant impact across various sectors of the economy.
