Pix payment system in Brazil, the instant payment method of the Central Bank of Brazil

Pix payment system in Brazil: the Central Bank's instant payment method

Pix payment is Brazil's instant payment method, launched by the Central Bank of Brazil in November 2020. With a key or a QR code, money reaches another account in seconds, at any hour, and individuals pay no fee. This Brazil Pix payment guide shows how the Pix payment system works, the rules and limits, how to avoid scams, which features exist and where you can pay with Pix, including the online casino market.

Feature	Details
Official name	Pix
Created and regulated by	Central Bank of Brazil (BCB)
Launch	November 2020
Availability	24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Transfer time	A few seconds
Cost for individuals	Free
Users	More than 160 million Brazilians
Ways to pay	Pix key, QR code, Pix copy and paste
Key types	CPF, CNPJ, mobile number, email and random key
Default night limit (individuals)	R$ 1,000.00 per transaction, between 8 pm and 6 am

Advertising. For adults aged 18 and over only.

The Pix payment system: why it changed payments in Brazil

Pix is a public payment infrastructure operated by the Central Bank and offered to customers by banks, fintechs, credit unions and payment institutions. It is not a separate app: it sits inside the app of the institution where you already hold an account.

Before Pix, moving money meant relying on:

TED: a transfer limited to business hours and, at many banks, charged a fee
DOC: settlement only on the next business day
Boleto: settlement of up to three business days
Cards: subject to fees, settlement periods and approval by the card issuer

With Pix, those barriers disappeared for everyday users. The transfer happens in real time, including at night, on weekends and on holidays, and individuals pay no fee.

How Pix has evolved since launch

The Central Bank announced Pix in 2020 and put it into operation in November of that year. New features have been added since:

Stage	What changed
2020	Start of operations, with keys, QR codes and transfers
After launch	Pix Saque and Pix Troco, which let you withdraw cash at shops
After launch	MED, the special refund mechanism for fraud cases
2025	Pix Automático, for recurring charges authorized by the customer
In progress	Payment by tap, new credit options and international payments

The Central Bank and the institutions set the timeline for each feature, so check your bank's app to see what is already available to you.

How a Pix Brazil payment works: keys, QR codes and copy and paste

How does a Pix Brazil payment work in practice? It rests on three elements: the key, the QR code and the copy-and-paste code. Behind them, the DICT (Directory of Transactional Account Identifiers), a Central Bank database, links each key to its account so settlement can happen in real time.

Pix key types

A key is a nickname for your account details, used instead of branch, account number and bank.

Key type	Who can use it	Notes
CPF	Individuals	Linked to the account holder's CPF (tax ID)
CNPJ	Companies and MEIs	Linked to the CNPJ (company ID)
Mobile number	Individuals and companies	Requires a confirmation code by SMS
Email	Individuals and companies	Requires a confirmation code by email
Random key	Individuals and companies	Code generated by the bank, without exposing personal data

An individual can have up to five keys per account. The random key is the best choice for anyone who does not want to share a CPF, phone number or email, for example when receiving money from strangers.

How to make a Pix payment step by step

The path is practically the same in every app:

Open the bank or fintech app and go to the Pix area
Choose to pay by key, QR code or copy and paste
Enter the key, scan the QR code or paste the code
Check the recipient's name and details shown on screen
Enter the amount and confirm with a password or biometrics
Keep the receipt, which carries the unique transaction code (E2E)

Static QR code and dynamic QR code

Type	Characteristics	Common use
Static	Reusable; the payer can type the amount	In-person charges and simple payments
Dynamic	Generated for one specific charge, with amount and identification	Online shops, digital services and formal invoices

Pix security: how the payment system protects transactions

The Pix payment system Brazil uses is supervised by the Central Bank and was designed with several layers of protection. None of them replaces the user's own care, but together they cut the risks considerably.

What protects each transaction

Mandatory authentication: password, biometrics or token before you confirm
Key validation in the DICT: the app shows the account holder before the money leaves
Encrypted communication between the app, the institution and the system
Anti-fraud monitoring by the participating institutions
MED (Special Refund Mechanism): lets you request a refund in fraud cases
Configurable limits: you set how much you can send per transaction and per period

Pix limits

Each institution sets limits within the Central Bank's general rules, and customers can adjust them in the app.

Situation	How it works
During the day	The per-transaction and daily limit is set by the bank and you can change it
Night period (8 pm to 6 am)	The default for individuals is R$ 1,000.00 per transaction, adjustable by the customer
Requesting an increase	It can take some time to take effect, as a security measure
Minimum amount	The system sets no minimum

Common Pix scams and how to protect yourself

Most scams do not break into the system; they trick the person. The most common ones:

Fake QR code: a tampered code on in-person charges or in messages
Fake call center: calls from "bank employees" asking for data or transfers
Phishing: sites and messages that imitate banks and services
Fake receipt: an edited image showing a payment that never arrived
Fake plea for help: messages from "relatives" asking for an urgent Pix

To protect yourself, always check the recipient's name, never share passwords or codes received by SMS, be wary of urgency, and confirm that the money actually reached your account before handing over a product or service. If you are scammed, tell your bank immediately and ask it to open a MED.

Advertising. For adults aged 18 and over only.

Pix payment features

The system keeps gaining features. The main ones are these:

Pix Automático: recurring charges

It lets the customer authorize a recurring charge directly at the bank, with no credit card. It is used for monthly fees, subscriptions, utility bills and other services billed periodically. The customer can follow and cancel the authorization in the app.

Pix Saque and Pix Troco (cash withdrawal and change)

Option	How it works
Pix Saque	You pay the shop by Pix and receive the amount in cash
Pix Troco	You pay for a purchase by Pix with a larger amount and receive the difference in cash

Both options widen access to cash in regions with few branches or ATMs.

Pix by tap and other features

Payment by tap uses the phone's NFC technology and is being adopted by institutions. Instalment payments and international transfers are also under development at different stages. How far each one reaches depends on Central Bank rules and on bank adoption.

Pix and Open Finance

Open Finance lets customers share their data and start payments between different institutions, with their authorization. In practice, Pix is the payment backbone of that environment:

Payment initiation: an authorized app can start a Pix from your account
Unified view: follow accounts from different banks in one place
Personalized offers: financial products based on your history, when you allow it
Money management: integration with spending-tracking apps

All data sharing depends on the customer's consent, which can be withdrawn at any time.

Pix payment method compared with other ways to pay

Criterion	Pix	TED	Credit card	Boleto
Speed	Seconds	Depends on the time of day	Immediate at purchase	1 to 3 business days
Availability	24/7	Business hours	24/7	Paid in apps, settled on business days
Cost for individuals	Free	Fee at many banks	Annual fee, interest and IOF tax in some cases	Usually free
Receipt	Immediate	Immediate	Statement	Delayed settlement

Pix did not replace every payment method, but it took the place of everyday transfers, payments to self-employed workers and a good share of small purchases.

Pix for companies and entrepreneurs

For shop owners, freelancers and MEIs, Pix combines fast receipt and low cost compared with other methods.

Tool	What it is for
Pix Cobrança	Charge with a dynamic QR code, similar to a boleto
Pix Automático	Recurring debit authorized by the customer
Pix API	Connects receiving to management systems and online shops
Reconciliation	Reports to check what was received

Unlike individuals, companies can be charged per transaction or by package, depending on each institution's policy. Compare the terms of banks and fintechs before choosing where to open a business account.

Where to use Pix

Supermarkets, shops and services, via QR code
Online shops and marketplaces
Taxes, fees and public services
Water, electricity, phone and internet bills
Transfers between people and splitting expenses
Subscriptions and digital services
Online entertainment, including casinos and betting sites aimed at the Brazilian public

Pix payment app in Brazil: download it and use Pix on your smartphone

There is no single "Pix payment app" to download. Pix is a payment system run by the Central Bank of Brazil, and you use it inside the app of your own bank or fintech. So the Pix payment app Brazil residents use every day is simply the app where their money already sits. The Central Bank has never released an app called Pix, and an app that claims to be "the Pix app" is not from the Central Bank.

Pix payment app download: how to get it

Download the app of your bank or fintech from the official app store (App Store or Google Play)
Open an account, which usually needs a CPF, a document and a selfie for the identity check
Turn on a strong password and biometrics (fingerprint or face)
Go to the Pix area and register a key, or use the account details the app gives you
Set your limits, including the night limit, in the security settings

There is no separate Pix payment app download: if you already have a bank app, Pix is usually inside it. Get apps only from the institution's official store page, check the developer name and be wary of apps with few reviews.

Which apps offer Pix in Brazil

Type of app	Good to know
Large traditional banks	Full Pix features and branches for support
Digital banks and fintechs	Account opened by phone, often with no branch
Digital wallets	Handy for everyday payments and shopping

Whichever you choose, Pix looks very similar: a Pix area, a way to pay by key, QR code or copy and paste, and a receipt with a unique transaction code. Availability of each feature can differ by institution, so check inside the app.

Pix payment on a smartphone in Brazil

Open the app and tap Pix
Choose to pay with a key, a QR code (use the camera) or copy and paste
Check the recipient's name on screen
Enter the amount and confirm with a password or biometrics
Save the receipt

A Pix payment smartphone Brazil setup needs only three things: an account, the institution's app and a screen lock or biometrics you trust.

Delivery app Pix payment

Many delivery apps accept Pix at checkout, although availability can vary by app, city and restaurant. Look for Pix among the payment options, choose it, and the app shows a QR code or a copy-and-paste code, usually with a time limit. Pay it in your bank app and return to the delivery app, where the order is confirmed once the payment is recognized.

Never pay a Pix to a stranger who contacts you outside the delivery app. Fake "courier" messages asking for an extra Pix are a common scam.

Pix payment for visitors and foreigners

Pix is built for the Brazilian banking system. To send or receive a Pix you normally need an account with a participating Brazilian institution and a CPF (or a CNPJ for a company). Visitors and foreigners without them usually cannot use Pix directly.

Living in Brazil: with a CPF you can open an account at a bank or fintech, often by phone, and use Pix like anyone else
Short visits: some payment services and travel cards let foreign-issued cards pay Pix QR codes, but availability, fees and exchange rates vary, so check with the provider before you travel
Paying a Brazilian business from abroad: the business usually needs to offer another method, such as an international card

Rules and offers change, so confirm the current options with your bank or card provider.

Pix in digital entertainment and online services

Pix reached digital entertainment the way it reached retail: as a payment method in reais, with no card and no currency conversion. Today, many gaming and betting platforms aimed at Brazil accept Pix for deposits and withdrawals.

Advertising. For adults aged 18 and over only.

Pix at online casinos: how the integration works

From the user's side, the process is the same as any other Pix: the platform generates a QR code or a copy-and-paste code, you pay in your bank's app, and the balance is credited within moments. On withdrawal, the money goes to the registered Pix key, which must be under the account holder's own CPF.

Why platforms adopt Pix

Fast confirmation, so you can start playing soon after the deposit
No Pix fee for individual players
Traceability, useful for anti-money-laundering checks and identity verification
Wide reach, since a large share of Brazilians use Pix

How to deposit at a casino with Pix

Log in and open the Cashier or Deposit section
Choose Pix and enter the amount, respecting the platform's minimum
Scan the QR code or copy the generated code
Pay in your bank's app and confirm with a password or biometrics
Wait for the balance to be credited, which usually takes from seconds to a few minutes

How to withdraw by Pix

Step	What happens
1. Request the withdrawal	You enter the amount in the withdrawals section
2. Enter the Pix key	The key must be in the account holder's name
3. Identity check (KYC)	The platform may ask for a document and proof of address
4. Processing	The time depends on each operator's policy
5. Receiving the money	The amount lands in the account tied to the key, within seconds of approval

Pix itself is instant. The wait is the operator's internal review, especially on the first withdrawal.

Casinos that accept Pix

Advertising. For adults aged 18 and over only. An operator appearing in the table is neither a recommendation nor a guarantee that it may operate in Brazil. See the legal note below and check the official SPA list.

The table lists some operators that accept Pix in the Brazilian market. Amounts and times are indicative and can change, so check the terms on the official site before depositing.

Casino	Minimum Pix deposit	Withdrawal time	Welcome bonus
1xSlots	R$ 5.00	Up to 48 hours	Welcome package
Winebet	R$ 10.00	Up to 12 hours	Progressive bonus with free spins
Bet365	R$ 15.00	Up to 24 hours	Bet credit depending on the deposit
Betjam	R$ 20.00	Up to 24 hours	Bonus on the first deposit
Bodog	R$ 30.00	Up to 72 hours	Bonus on the initial deposit

What to check before depositing

Licence and reputation: look for the licence number in the footer and for independent reviews
Key under your CPF: withdrawals must go to a key held by the account holder, with the same CPF as the registration
Bonus rollover: see how many times the bonus must be wagered before withdrawal
Times and limits: compare the minimum deposit, minimum withdrawal and approval time
Support in Portuguese: real customer service makes problems easier to solve

Legal situation and responsible gambling

Fixed-odds betting and online games in Brazil were regulated by Law No. 14,790/2023 and overseen by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance. The Central Bank regulates Pix but does not license casinos.

The picture changed on 25 September 2026, when Provisional Measure No. 1,394 banned operating, offering, intermediating and advertising fixed-odds bets in Brazil, including by companies based abroad that serve people in the country. According to Agência Senado, existing authorizations end 30 days after publication, and Congress has 120 days to vote on the measure, so the rules can still change. This page is informational and is not legal advice.

Casino games are for adults aged 18 and over and are not a source of income. Set a deposit amount that fits your budget, use the limits and self-exclusion offered by platforms, and seek specialized help if gambling stops being fun.

Official Brazilian federal government sources:

List of companies authorized to operate fixed-odds betting (SPA, gov.br): check before depositing with any operator
Responsible Gambling (SPA, gov.br): guidance, warning signs and how to get help

Advertising and informational content, intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. Play responsibly: gambling can be addictive.

The future of Pix

The Central Bank keeps a public roadmap for the system. Among the fronts under discussion:

Payment by tap in more apps and institutions
New instalment payment options
Cross-border payments, with tests and studies under way
Greater integration with Open Finance
Use of Pix by public bodies for more services

Because the schedule and reach of each front can change, the safest path is to follow announcements from the Central Bank and your bank.

Frequently asked questions about Pix in Brazil

What is Pix and who created it?

Pix is the instant payment system created by the Central Bank of Brazil and launched in November 2020. It lets you send and receive money in seconds, every day, through the apps of banks, fintechs and other participating institutions, using a key, a QR code or Pix copy and paste.

Is Pix free?

For individuals, yes. The Central Bank bans fees on Pix transfers and payments made by individuals. Companies can be charged according to the financial institution's policy. With third-party services such as casinos, any fee comes from the operator, not from Pix, and should be described in the platform's terms.

Is Pix safe?

The system requires authentication, validates the key in the DICT, has anti-fraud monitoring and provides the MED for fraud cases. Because the transaction is immediate and the payer cannot cancel it, the main protection is the user's care: check the recipient, do not share passwords or codes and be wary of urgent requests.

What is the Pix limit?

Daily and per-transaction limits are set by each institution and the customer can change them in the app. At night, between 8 pm and 6 am, the default for individuals is R$ 1,000.00 per transaction, also adjustable. Requests to raise limits can take some time to take effect.

Can I use Pix without an account at a traditional bank?

Yes, as long as you have an account at a participating institution, such as a digital bank or a fintech, and a CPF. This kind of account is usually opened by phone, with no physical branch. Without a CPF and an account at a Brazilian institution, you normally cannot use Pix.

Is there an official Pix payment app?

No. Pix is a system run by the Central Bank of Brazil, and you use it inside the app of a participating bank or fintech. To start, do the Pix payment app download for your own bank or fintech from the App Store or Google Play.

Can I pay with Pix in a delivery app?

Many delivery apps accept Pix at checkout, but availability can vary by app, city and restaurant. Look for Pix among the payment options.

Can tourists use Pix in Brazil?

Not directly in most cases, because Pix needs a Brazilian account and CPF. Some payment services and travel cards let visitors pay Pix QR codes with a foreign-issued card, but availability and fees vary, so check with your provider before you travel.

Can I cancel a Pix sent by mistake?

The payer cannot cancel a confirmed Pix. The path is to ask the recipient for a refund. In cases of scam or fraud, the bank can open the MED, but a refund is not guaranteed. That is why you should always check the details before confirming.

Can Pix be used on third-party services, such as gaming platforms?

Yes, as long as the platform accepts Pix. Pix carries the same protections in any payment, and you do not enter card details, you just pay the QR code. The point of caution is the platform: check on the official SPA list whether the operator is authorized, read the withdrawal terms, use two-factor authentication and start with a small amount. Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over only.

How much does a Pix deposit or withdrawal at a casino cost, and how long does it take?

The minimum deposit and withdrawal time vary by operator. In the examples in the table on this page, the minimum runs from R$ 5.00 to R$ 30.00 and the withdrawal time from 12 to 72 hours. Values change over time, so confirm in the platform's cashier before depositing. Pix is instant, but the operator reviews the request before sending, especially on the first withdrawal, when identity is verified. After approval, the money reaches your account in seconds.

Is there a difference between Pix and a credit card at casinos?

Yes. Pix is paid in reais, with no card details, no currency conversion and no risk of the card issuer refusing it. An international card can bring IOF tax, exchange-rate swings and blocks under the issuer's policy. Withdrawals are also usually faster by Pix.