Why is PIX more popular than credit and debit cards in Brazil?

Since it was launched by the Central Bank of Brazil in 2020, Pix has stopped being just an alternative payment method and has become central to the daily financial lives of Brazilians.

Today, Pix is the second most used payment method in Brazil in terms of transaction value, behind only traditional bank transfers such as TED.

This data reveals something important: although it is widely used for small and medium transactions, Pix is already competing in higher-value operations as well.

But why did Pix become more popular and, in many cases, more widely used than credit and debit cards? Let’s explore the reasons.

PIX vs. cards: why did this preference shift happen?

Below are the main reasons that made PIX the preferred payment method for 83% of Brazilian adults.

1. Simplicity and speed

Pix works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. In just a few seconds, money leaves the payer’s account and arrives in the recipient’s account.

There is no need to:

• Enter card numbers

• Wait for card network authorization

• Wait for bank settlement

  
  

In physical stores, customers simply scan a QR code. In online environments, payments are completed almost instantly, which reduces friction and shopping cart abandonment.

2. Strong growth in e-commerce

In e-commerce, the growth has been even more remarkable.

According to data from Ebanx:

• In 2024, Pix payments in online purchases reached 42%

• Credit cards represented 41%

• By the end of 2026, Pix is expected to represent 45% of e-commerce payments

• By 2028, the difference may reach 14 percentage points, with Pix accounting for half of all online payments

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This scenario shows that Brazilian consumers already see Pix as a payment method that is as reliable as cards — and in many cases, more convenient.

3. Lower costs for businesses

Another important factor is cost.

Card payments involve multiple parties, such as:

• Acquirers

• Card networks

• Issuers

• Settlement timelines

  
  

Pix transactions usually have lower fees for merchants and offer immediate settlement. This improves cash flow and reduces reliance on receivables anticipation.

For many businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, this difference is strategic.

4. Financial inclusion

Pix has also expanded access to digital payments.

People who do not have a credit card or who do not have available credit limits can still pay using Pix with just a bank account or digital account.

This has expanded the consumer base in online environments and accelerated its popularity.

5. Credit cards will remain relevant

Despite the growth of Pix, credit cards are not going away.

They are expected to maintain a significant share in e-commerce, especially for:

• Higher-value purchases

• Installment payments

• Subscriptions and recurring payments

  
  

The main advantage of credit cards is interest-free installments, which still plays a major role in Brazilian purchasing decisions.

For more expensive items such as electronics, furniture, or travel, credit cards will likely remain the preferred option.

PIX vs. cards: replacement or coexistence?

The data does not suggest a complete replacement, but rather a shift in prominence.

Pix gained traction because it is immediate, simple, widely accepted, and cheaper for businesses.

Credit cards, on the other hand, maintain their strength in credit-based purchases, installment payments, and higher-ticket transactions.

In the coming years, the most likely scenario is a strategic coexistence between both payment methods, with Pix leading in transaction volume while cards remain relevant for higher-value purchases.