PIX Keys Explained
Everything you need to know about Chaves PIX
What is a PIX Key?
A PIX key (Chave PIX) is an alias that links to your bank account. Instead of sharing your full bank details (agency, account number, bank code), you share one simple identifier. The PIX system (DICT) maps this key to your actual account securely.
Benefits:
- No need to share sensitive bank details
- Easy to remember and share
- Instant routing to the correct bank
- Can have up to 5 keys per account
All 5 PIX Key Types
CPF
Individual Tax Number
Format
XXX.XXX.XXX-XX (11 digits)
Who
Individual Brazilian residents
Pros
- + Permanent, always with you
- − Shares your tax number publicly
Best for
Trusted contacts, businesses
CNPJ
Business Tax Number
Format
XX.XXX.XXX/XXXX-XX (14 digits)
Who
Legal entities / companies
Pros
- + Official business identifier
- − Public information
Best for
Business payments
Phone Number
Brazilian mobile number
Format
+55 11 98765-4321
Who
Anyone with a Brazilian mobile
Pros
- + Easy to share verbally
- − Changes if you change number
Best for
Quick P2P transfers
Email Address
Standard email
Format
name@email.com
Who
Anyone
Pros
- + Easy to remember
- − Must use exact email
Best for
Digital users, freelancers
Random Key
Chave Aleatória (UUID)
Format
xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx
Who
Anyone wanting privacy
Pros
- + Doesn't reveal personal info
- − Hard to memorize
Best for
Public display, marketplaces
How Many PIX Keys Can You Have?
PIX Key Registration Steps
- 1
Open your banking app
- 2
Go to "PIX" → "Minhas Chaves"
- 3
Tap "Cadastrar Chave"
- 4
Choose key type
- 5
Confirm via SMS/email code
- 6
Key active within minutes!
Which PIX Key Should You Use?
| Situation | Best Key |
|---|---|
| Receiving from strangers | Random Key |
| Business invoice | CNPJ |
| Quick transfer to friend | Phone |
| Online freelancing | |
| Long-term regular transfers | CPF |
| Public display (QR sticker) | Random Key |
DICT – The PIX Directory
DICT = Diretório de Identificadores de Contas Transacionais. The Banco Central do Brasil operates DICT — a secure, encrypted directory that maps all PIX keys to bank accounts.
- Never accessible to the public
- When you type a PIX key, your bank queries DICT
- Returns: recipient name + bank (masked)
- You verify before sending
PIX Key Security Tips
- ✓Use Random Key for public QR codes
- ✓Never share key via suspicious links
- ✓Verify recipient name before paying
- ✓Report wrong keys to your bank
- ✓You can delete and re-register keys