Brazil's Pix Mandate: How Instant Payments Are Killing Cards — and Creating New Opportunities

[BadB]

An analysis of Brazil's transition from Cards to Pix and its impact on cross-border operations

Introduction: Real-Time Revolution​

In 2020, Brazil launched Pix, an instant payment system that has transformed the country's financial ecosystem in just four years.

By 2026:

• 89% of Brazilians use Pix daily,
• 67% of all transactions are processed through Pix, not cards,
• Banks are cutting back on issuing cards, especially debit cards.

This isn't just "convenience" . It's a strategic shift that dismantles old methods and creates new opportunities — for both legitimate businesses and those who understand the system from the inside.

In this article, we'll explore how Pix works, why it's replacing cards, and how this impacts cross-border transactions.

Part 1: What is Pix?​

Technical definition​

Pix is a real-time instant payment system developed by the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB).

Key features:

• Instant transfers (24/7, including holidays),
• Zero fees for users,
• Identification via QR code or key (CPF, email, phone),
• Linked to a bank account, not a card.

Example:
To pay for coffee, you scan a QR code → confirm through your banking app → money is debited in 3 seconds.

Part 2: Why Pix Kills Cards​

Three reasons for abandoning cards​

1. Speed and convenience

• Card: 2–5 seconds + PIN/CVV entry,
• Pix: 3 seconds + confirmation in the app.

2. Zero commissions

• Card: 2-5% commission for merchants,
• Pix: 0% for users, <1% for merchants.

3. State support

• Mandatory implementation for all banks from 2020,
• Tax incentives for businesses accepting Pix.

Statistics (2026):

• Debit card issuance in Brazil has fallen 42% since 2020,
• The number of card transactions decreased by 35%

Part 3: How this affects Non-VBV cards​

Decrease in card quality​

Banks are stopping investing in debit cards because:

• Demand is falling,
• Resources are redirected to Pix.

Consequences:

• Weak support for 3D Secure (banks do not update their systems),
• Low quality CVV (often generated automatically),
• Short lifespan (cards are blocked after 7-14 days).

Paradox:
Pix kills cards - but makes the remaining Non-VBV cards more vulnerable.

Part 4: New Opportunities for Cross-Border Operations​

Two strategies​

1. Using weakened cards

• Brazil Non-VBV cards still work on international platforms (Steam, Razer Gold),
• Reason: Banks do not update 3DS for cards that are rarely used within Brazil.

Good luck in 2026:

• Steam Wallet: 75–80%,
• Razer Gold: 70–75%.

2. Legal entry into the Brazilian market

• Register a MOTO business in the UAE/Georgia,
• Accept Pix through partner banks (e.g. Banco Inter API),
• Sell digital products directly to Brazilians.

Example:

• Selling courses/software for BRL through Pix,
• Conversion to USD via Wise,
• Profit: $5K–$10K/month – legal.

Part 5: Why Pix Isn't a Threat to Cross-Border Carding (Yet)​

Three reasons​

1. Pix only works within Brazil.

• No international integration (unlike SEPA Instant),
• You can't pay for Steam using Pix.

2. Cards are still required for international purchases

• Brazilians continue to use cards for foreign websites,
• Banks do not block international transactions.

3. Poor card control

• The focus of the controller is on Pix, not on the cards,
• Fraud monitoring for cards has been reduced.

Window of opportunity:
2026 is the last year when Brazil Non-VBV cards will be effective.

Part 6: The Future: When Pix Becomes a Threat​

Risk chronology​

Year	Event	Consequence
2025	Banks are cutting back on card issuance	Fewer new Non-VBV cards
2026	Implementation of Pix Internacional (pilot with Argentina)	The gradual replacement of cards in Latin America
2027+	Pix integration with SWIFT GPI	International payments via Pix → cards will become unnecessary

Forecast:
By 2027, Brazil Non-VBV cards will no longer exist as a mass product.

Part 7: Practical Recommendations​

For carders:​

1. Use Brazil Non-VBV cards now - while they still work,
2. Focus on digital goods (Steam, Razer) - physical goods are almost dead,
3. Don't invest in long-term strategies with Brazilian cards — the window will close by 2027.

For legal businesses:​

1. Register a MOTO business in the UAE,
2. Connect Pix reception via partner APIs,
3. Sell digital products to Brazilians — the market is growing at 25% per year.

Rule:
Pix is not a threat. It's a signal to adapt.

Conclusion: Evolution, not the end​

Pix doesn't "kill" opportunities — it redirects them.

Those who understand this evolution will find new paths — whether exploiting weakened cards today or building a legitimate business tomorrow.

Final thought:
The real opportunity lies not in resisting change, but in embracing it.
Because in the world of finance, revolution is the best time for professionals.

Stay informed. Stay adaptive.
And remember: in the world of Pix, speed is your greatest asset.