The launch of automatic PIX by the Central Bank rekindles the debate about the obsolescence of bank slips in Brazil. The tool will allow scheduling of recurring payments, such as school fees, subscriptions, and utility bills, without the need for manual authorizations for each debit.
However, forReinaldo BoessoFinancial specialist, CEO, and co-founder of the fintech TMB, the bank slip will still remain a key element in various contexts of the Brazilian economy. "The boleto, despite its challenges, is still the main means of access to consumption for millions of Brazilians, especially in installment purchases and when there is no revolving credit," says Boesso. According to a survey by the National Confederation of Shop Managers (CNDL), 47% of Brazilian consumers prefer to parcel their purchases and often do so through this method.
A TMBFintech specializing in installment boleto payment solutions, identifies a surge in revenue for companies offering this option. "Those who offer this convenience more often can double their revenue. This happens because they serve a previously excluded audience from the purchasing process due to not having a credit card or sufficient limit," explains the CEO.
Automatic PIX is an advancement, but it has limitations.
The new feature of the Central Bank aims primarily to modernize the old direct debit, whose adoption is still limited. Automatic PIX will be more efficient for fixed amount charges, such as phone plans or gyms. However, according to Boesso, the structure of installment credit requires a flexibility that PIX, so far, does not offer. "When a client enrolls in an installment course or mentorship, there are grace periods, promotions, and negotiations in case of default. The boleto adapts to this reality. Automatic PIX, not," explains the executive.
Another decisive aspect is the financial control by the consumer. Opinion Box research indicates that 63% of Brazilians avoid exceeding their credit card limit to keep a margin for emergencies. In this sense, the boleto appears as an on-demand payment alternative: the consumer pays when they can, within the due date, without automatic debits or surprises.
Financial inclusion and banking reality
Based on data from the Credit Protection Service (SPC Brasil), the average credit card limit in Brazil is only R$ 1,401, while the average ticket for courses and digital products reaches R$ 1,997. "The banking reality of Brazilians requires more accessible options. The boleto allows the customer to have decision-making power over their payments, which translates into greater adoption," comments Boesso.
Furthermore, according to data from Pnad TIC 2023, 88% of the Brazilian population over 10 years old is connected to the internet, a significant advance, but still coexists with pockets of banking exclusion and restricted access to credit. In this scenario, the permanence of the boleto as an inclusive payment solution becomes even more relevant.
Hybrid future
For Boesso, the future of payments will be hybrid, with automatic PIX gaining ground mainly among recurring charges and subscriptions. However, the boleto will continue to be an essential tool in contexts that require customization, flexible installment plans, and financial accessibility.
"Automatic PIX is a commendable advancement, but it does not solve all the market's issues. Financial inclusion requires a variety of payment methods. Ignoring the role of the boleto would overlook a significant part of the Brazilian population," concludes the CEO of TMB.
