A major milestone for international retail is here. For years, delivering a seamless, cost-effective payment experience to global tourists has been a persistent challenge. That’s now changing, thanks to a landmark partnership between PagBrasil, Brazil’s leading payment innovator, and Verifone, a global leader in payment technology. Together, they’re bringing Pix—Brazil’s most widely used payment method—to physical retail stores across the United States. More than just a new feature, this collaboration represents a meaningful shift in how global commerce is conducted.
A Strategic Alliance Connecting Markets
This initiative stems from a shared vision: to improve the payment experience for one of the largest international shopper groups in the U.S. Each year, 1.9 million Brazilian tourists spend over $4.1 billion in the country. The opportunity to enhance how they pay—using a method they already know and trust—was clear.
Through this exclusive agreement, Verifone now holds the rights to offer PagBrasil’s International Pix solution to its retail partners. The integration is powered by Verifone’s flexible API, requiring no updates to existing hardware or payment infrastructure—making adoption simple and efficient for merchants.
Pix: Brazil’s Favorite Payment Method Goes Global
To appreciate the significance of this launch, it’s important to understand Pix. Created by Brazil’s Central Bank in 2020, Pix is more than a fast payment method—it’s become a part of daily life. Used by 93% of Brazil’s adult population, it is the most widely used payment method in the country, thanks to its speed, security, and ease of use.
Bringing that same experience to the U.S. retail environment has the potential to reshape expectations. As Verifone’s SVP Madhu Vasu puts it, “This is a game changer for U.S. retailers.”
What This Means for the Future of Cross-Border Payments
While the partnership is between PagBrasil and Verifone, its impact extends far beyond. It offers a glimpse into the evolving nature of retail and the growing role of localized payment experiences in a globalized world.
- Raising the Bar for Customer Experience
Offering international shoppers a way to pay in their local currency, using a method they already trust, removes common points of friction—like foreign exchange fees and card declines. The result is a smoother, more welcoming checkout experience. - Building a More Efficient Payment Ecosystem
Pix can reduce operational costs for merchants, with processing fees lower than traditional card networks and no risk of chargebacks. It’s a strong example of how modern payment systems can streamline operations and improve margins. - Creating Competitive Advantage
As global travel rebounds and major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw millions of visitors to the U.S., retailers that support localized payment methods will be better positioned to attract and retain international customers.
As PagBrasil CEO and co-founder Alex Hoffmann puts it, “PagBrasil wants to be where Brazilians are.” This launch is a bold step in that direction—and a signal of what’s to come for the future of cross-border commerce.
