Brazil’s central bank is considering stronger international links for Pix, its widely used instant payment system, as the platform faces growing scrutiny from the US. The regulator said it is assessing connections between Pix and similar payment systems in other countries to support faster and more affordable cross-border transactions.
In its latest Pix report, the central bank said linking instant payment platforms could reduce costs, speed up transactions, expand access and improve transparency in international payments. The position is stronger than its 2023 report, which said Pix “may in the future” be integrated with international instant-payment systems.
Authorities are now discussing bilateral connections as well as participation in multilateral payment hubs. In July, the central bank said it had signed information-sharing agreements on Pix with 65 foreign counterparts, including Germany, Canada, South Africa and Turkey.
Pix has become the dominant electronic payment system in Brazil. Launched in late 2020, it enables real-time transfers through banking apps. Person-to-person payments are free, while merchants generally pay lower transaction costs compared with traditional card-based payments.
The system has brought tens of millions of people into the financial system and reduced the share of debit and credit card payments, affecting global card networks such as Mastercard and Visa.
Pix has also become part of a trade dispute with the US. The administration of US President Donald Trump cited the payment system in a trade investigation completed in July. The investigation raised concerns about the central bank’s role as both operator and regulator and contributed to new 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports.
The central bank reiterated that Pix is critical public digital infrastructure.
Pix transactions increased 25.7% in 2025 from the previous year, reaching nearly 80 billion transactions. Their total value exceeded 35 trillion reais ($6.87 trillion). Consumer-to-business payments accounted for 43% of all Pix transactions in 2025, compared with 6% in 2020, highlighting the system’s rapid growth as a major retail payment method.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.