How to Use PIX in Brazil
Brazil's fastest payment method – explained step by step
Method 1: Scan Merchant QR Code
- 1
👀 Look for a PIX QR code at the merchant
- 2
📱 Open any Brazilian banking app (Nubank, Itaú, Mercado Pago, PicPay)
- 3
💚 Tap "PIX" → "Pagar" (Pay)
- 4
📷 Select "QR Code"
- 5
🔲 Point your camera at the merchant QR code
- 6
👤 Verify merchant name and amount
- 7
✔️ Confirm payment
- 8
🔐 Authenticate (biometric or PIN)
- 9
✅ Instant confirmation!
Method 2: Pay via PIX Key
- 1
Open your banking app
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Tap "PIX" → "Transferir" (Transfer)
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Enter the recipient's PIX key (CPF, CNPJ, phone, email or random key)
- 4
Bank shows recipient name automatically
- 5
Enter the amount
- 6
Add a description (optional)
- 7
Confirm and authenticate
- 8
✅ Money arrives instantly!
Method 3: Request Money (Cobrança)
Merchants and freelancers can generate a QR code with a pre-filled amount. The payer scans it and confirms the payment instantly.
- 1
Open your banking app
- 2
Tap "PIX" → "Cobrar" (Charge)
- 3
Enter the amount
- 4
Generate QR code
- 5
Show or share the QR with the payer
- 6
✅ Receive instant payment notification
PIX Key Types Explained
| PIX Key | Format | Example | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPF | 11 digits | 123.456.789-09 | Individuals |
| CNPJ | 14 digits | 12.345.678/0001-90 | Businesses |
| Phone | +55 + number | +5511987654321 | Easy sharing |
| Standard | name@email.com | Digital users | |
| Random | UUID | 123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-… | Privacy |
PIX Night Limits
🌙 PIX has reduced limits at night
- • Between 8pm–6am
- • Max per transaction: R$1,000
- • Security measure against fraud
- • Limit can be increased in your banking app
- • Requires 24h waiting period after requesting increase
Common PIX Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Chave não encontrada" | PIX key not registered by recipient |
| Transfer limit reached | Night limit (R$1,000) applies 8pm–6am |
| Wrong recipient shown | Double-check the PIX key before confirming |
| CRC error in QR | QR code is damaged or incorrectly generated |
| "PIX indisponível" | Rare outage — try again in a few minutes |
Ready to generate your PIX QR code?
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