Payment Providers in Brazil
Brazil is one of the world's fastest-growing payments markets, transformed by PIX — the instant payment system launched by the Central Bank in 2020. Today PIX accounts for ~40% of online payment volume in Brazil. Cards are dominant but with unique Brazilian features (installment payments are standard). Boleto remains relevant for the underbanked. Local processing fees are dramatically lower than international routing.
Key payment methods in Brazil
The local rails merchants must support to convert Brazil customers.
About payments in Brazil
What is PIX and why is it so popular?
PIX is Brazil's central-bank-operated instant payment rail, free for individuals and very cheap for businesses (~0.2-0.5%). It works 24/7, settles in seconds, and works via QR code, phone number, email or random key. For merchants it's dramatically cheaper than card processing.
How do card installments (parcelado) work in Brazil?
Brazilian consumers expect to split card payments into 2-12 monthly installments at checkout. The merchant receives one upfront payment minus a higher fee (3-7%), and the processor/acquirer handles the installment collection from the cardholder.
Do I need a Brazilian entity to accept payments in Brazil?
Officially yes for direct local processing — you need a Brazilian CNPJ and bank account. However, many international PSPs offer Brazilian local acquiring via Merchant of Record or local entity partnerships, letting foreign companies sell to Brazilian customers without setting up locally.