What is Automatic Pix?
Automatic Pix is a new feature launched by the Central Bank of Brazil to simplify recurring payments. It works similarly to direct debit but leverages the speed and security of the Pix infrastructure. With prior authorization, periodic charges — such as utility bills, tuition, and subscriptions — can be automatically debited from a customer’s account, streamlining the payment process.
Why Offer PagBrasil’s Automatic Pix?
PagBrasil provides multiple integration options for Automatic Pix, tailored to your business needs: through direct API, a Shopify app, payment links, and PagStream®, our proprietary subscription management platform, ideal for businesses looking to streamline recurring billing operations.
How Does Automatic Pix Work?
For the Consumer
The customer selects the recurring payment option via Pix.
Users scan QR code or copy/paste a code to authorize the first payment and future debits.
Once authorized, future payments are processed automatically on the scheduled date.
Customers retain full control and can view or revoke authorizations anytime through their banking app.
For the Merchant (via PagBrasil)
You request recurring debit authorization through PagBrasil (via API, PagStream®, etc.).
PagBrasil manages communication with the customer’s bank and confirms the authorization.
On scheduled dates, the charge is automatically processed for the payer. To ensure full automation for merchants, PagBrasil will offer Automatic Pix via PagStream®.
PagBrasil offers flexibility, such as requesting consent-only flows or retrying failed payments.
Advantages of Automatic Pix for Merchants and Customers
Significant Cost Savings
Pix fees are substantially lower than card transaction fees, reducing operational costs and eliminating the need for early settlement fees.
Reduced Delinquency
Automated debits help prevent missed payments caused by human error, improving revenue predictability.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Customers only need to authorize once. After that, payments are processed automatically, offering greater convenience.
Security and Trust
All transactions are protected by Pix’s security protocols (encryption and authentication). In addition, customers have full control over managing their recurring payments.
Broader Reach and Inclusion
Accessible to the vast majority of Brazilian Pix users, including those without access to credit cards.
Optimized Subscription Management (with PagStream®)
Subscription-based businesses will greatly benefit from integrating Automatic Pix with PagStream®. This combination simplifies plan management, reduces involuntary churn, and centralizes control.
FAQs about Automatic Pix
What is Automatic Pix?
Automatic Pix is a Pix feature that enables automatic recurring payments with prior customer consent. It works like direct debit but benefits from Pix’s 24/7 real-time transaction capabilities.
How Can Automatic Pix Be Used?
It can be used for recurring payments from individuals to businesses, including utility bills (such as water, electricity, phone, and internet), school tuition, and subscriptions for streaming platforms or subscription box services.
When Will Automatic Pix Launch?
Automatic Pix will launch on June 16, 2025, according to Brazil’s Central Bank.
Starting that date, all Pix participants serving as payment service providers for payers (i.e., banks and fintechs where users hold accounts) will be required to offer Automatic Pix to their customers.
This requirement is outlined in BCB Resolution No. 402, dated July 22, 2024, which amends the Pix Regulation.
Specifically, Article 11-S of the updated Pix Regulation mandates: “All participants providing transactional accounts must make Automatic Pix available to their clients, in cases where they act as service providers to the payer.”
Is Automatic Pix Secure?
Yes. The core of Automatic Pix’s security lies in the need for the payer’s explicit authorization before any automatic debit is made by a business or service. This authorization can be canceled at any time, giving the customer full control over recurring payments.
This security feature complements the existing layers of protection already built into the Pix system:
- Encryption: All Pix transactions are encrypted, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of user data.
- Authentication: Users are authenticated by their financial institutions, typically through passwords, biometrics, or other security methods.
- Traceability: Every Pix transaction is traceable, supporting fraud detection and audit processes.
Does Automatic Pix Require Customer Approval?
Yes. No transaction can be processed via Automatic Pix without the payer’s prior approval. Merchants must request and obtain this authorization before scheduling recurring payments.
This is a core security feature of Automatic Pix. Customers have full control over the authorizations they grant and can:
- Select which businesses or services are allowed to initiate Automatic Pix debits
- Set authorization parameters, including maximum payment amounts (if applicable) and payment frequency
- Monitor upcoming scheduled debits
- Cancel authorizations at any time directly through their banking app
Is Automatic Pix Free?
For the payer (individual), Automatic Pix will be free of charge. For the recipient (business), financial institutions may charge fees. However, it’s worth noting that Pix is up to 14 times cheaper than credit cards for merchants.
Can Automatic Pix Be Used for Installment Payments?
No, Automatic Pix does not support installment payments. This functionality will be enabled through Pix Parcelado (Pix in Installments), which is expected to launch in September 2025, according to Brazil’s Central Bank.
Pix fees vary based on the size of the merchant?
Yes, pricing can vary depending on transaction volume and any additional services tied to Pix. However, even for merchants with lower transaction volumes, Automatic Pix remains more cost-effective than both credit and debit cards.
Will the System Retry Failed Payments?
Yes. According to the Central Bank and Banco do Brasil, the system will attempt to collect payment up to three times within a seven-day window, using the same amount each time.
Retries occur in cases such as: operational errors, insufficient funds or exceeded transaction limits
How can a user cancel a recurring Automatic Pix payment?
Payers can access a dedicated section within their bank or wallet app listing all active Payers can access a dedicated section within their bank or payment app that lists all active Automatic Pix authorizations. In this section, they can select the authorization they wish to cancel and submit the cancellation request.
The cancellation must be processed immediately by the financial institution and can be completed up until 11:59 PM on the day before the next scheduled debit.
