In recent years, Brazil has revolutionized the way payments are made thanks to its PIX system. A payment option that has become part of everyday life for millions of Brazilians since its launch in 2020. Whether it’s to shop in a store, pay for coffee, or send money to relatives.

But what makes it so appealing? Why is it so popular?

To find the answer, you first need to understand what PIX is and how it works—and we explain it here. By the end, you'll understand why it has become essential in Brazilians’ daily lives.

PIX Brazil: What is it and why is everyone using it to pay?

What is PIX and how does it work?

It’s an electronic payment system launched by the Central Bank of Brazil to send and receive money. Its main advantage is that it operates in real-time 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Unlike traditional transfers like TED or DOC, Pix payments are free for individuals. It also allows money to be moved between accounts in seconds—no delays or banking restrictions.

How does PIX work?

It works similarly to digital wallets: from your phone, without cash, and with instant confirmation.

To get started, you can register a PIX key, which acts as a simplified identifier. It can be:

• A phone number.

• Email address.

• CPF/CNPJ (tax identification number).

• A random key.

That way, there’s no need to enter long bank account details to send or receive money.

Is PIX available to foreigners too?

Yes, the system includes a roaming service that allows foreigners to pay without needing a Brazilian bank account. It works through apps integrated with the PIX infrastructure, like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

How to pay with PIX in Brazil

If you're traveling to Brazil and don’t want to use international credit cards—or they're not accepted—you can try PIX. You just need an account with a provider that offers the service and access to their mobile app.

The rest is simple.

Let’s say you’re making a purchase:

1. At checkout, choose PIX among the available payment options.

2. Open your banking or fintech app where your PIX key is registered.

3. Select the option to pay with PIX and scan the QR code, or if you prefer, copy and paste the provided code.

4. The app will show the transaction details for review. Once confirmed, authorize the payment.

5. Both the store and the app will notify you that the payment was successful.

The process is similar whether you're using a mobile phone or a PC. The same applies to remittances: you scan a QR code or enter the recipient’s PIX key—whether it's their phone number, email, or CPF.

Just remember it must be done through a service compatible with the system, such as our DolarApp.

PIX Brazil: Where can you use it?

The system can be used almost anywhere in Brazil. Today, a wide variety of businesses accept this payment method due to its speed, so you can find it available at:

• Supermarkets

• Stores

• Restaurants

• Gas stations

• E-commerce platforms

• Transportation companies

• Delivery services

It is also a common payment option between individuals, for example, to split accounts or make different types of remittances. Both within Brazil and from abroad through PIX-compatible services.

Additionally, it can be used to pay bills, taxes, and public services directly from your banking app or digital wallet.

What explains PIX’s success?

PIX payments have gained widespread adoption thanks to a combination of factors that have made it massive and trustworthy, such as:

No cost for consumers

You don’t need to be a business owner to send or receive money without fees using PIX. Anyone can use it, which has encouraged its adoption in daily life.

For regular users, PIX doesn’t represent any cost. Unlike some businesses, which may pay small fees.

Speed and ease of use

Making a payment with PIX takes just a few seconds. All you need to do is scan a QR code or enter the recipient’s key.

There are no complex steps or wait times. Therefore, it’s a fast solution for both personal and business payments.

Adapted to all types of transactions

PIX doesn’t impose a fixed limit on the amount you can transfer. In other words, it works just as well for small payments between individuals as for high-value transactions between companies.

This flexibility has been key to its adoption at all levels.

Greater payment security

ince transactions are made from your bank or fintech app using your phone, the risk of fraud is minimized. There’s no need to share sensitive banking information, and the entire process is backed by the Central Bank of Brazil.

Instant confirmation

One of PIX’s biggest attractions is that transactions are validated in real time. This is an advantage for those selling products or services and who need confirmation that the money has arrived. At the same time, buyers receive instant proof of payment.

DolarApp: Pay like a Brazilian

DolarApp is the fintech you need to create your PIX account and pay simply and quickly in Brazil. It doesn’t matter whether you’re paying businesses or individuals—you can do it using your USDc or EURc balance by:

• Scanning a QR code generated by the recipient.

• Entering a PIX key (phone number, email, CPF, or random key).

• Using the recipient’s bank account details.

How to start?

1. Update DolarApp to the latest version from your App Store or Google Play.

2. Go to the Brazil – PIX section from the “Send” tab, or tap the “Scan QR” button.

3. Enter the details by scanning the code, entering the PIX key, or inputting the account data.

4. Choose which balance you want to use (USDc, EURc, ARS, MXN, COP).

5. Confirm and you’re done! The payment is made instantly.

Does it have any cost?

DolarApp doesn’t charge you any fees to make payments via PIX. However, you will need to pay the Brazilian government’s Financial Transactions Tax (IOF), which is equivalent to 0.38% of the amount sent.