How to Use PIX in Brazil

Brazil's fastest payment method – explained step by step

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR Code

  1. 1

    👀 Look for a PIX QR code at the merchant

  2. 2

    📱 Open any Brazilian banking app (Nubank, Itaú, Mercado Pago, PicPay)

  3. 3

    💚 Tap "PIX" → "Pagar" (Pay)

  4. 4

    📷 Select "QR Code"

  5. 5

    🔲 Point your camera at the merchant QR code

  6. 6

    👤 Verify merchant name and amount

  7. 7

    ✔️ Confirm payment

  8. 8

    🔐 Authenticate (biometric or PIN)

  9. 9

    ✅ Instant confirmation!

Method 2: Pay via PIX Key

  1. 1

    Open your banking app

  2. 2

    Tap "PIX" → "Transferir" (Transfer)

  3. 3

    Enter the recipient's PIX key (CPF, CNPJ, phone, email or random key)

  4. 4

    Bank shows recipient name automatically

  5. 5

    Enter the amount

  6. 6

    Add a description (optional)

  7. 7

    Confirm and authenticate

  8. 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. 1

    Open your banking app

  2. 2

    Tap "PIX" → "Cobrar" (Charge)

  3. 3

    Enter the amount

  4. 4

    Generate QR code

  5. 5

    Show or share the QR with the payer

  6. 6

    ✅ Receive instant payment notification

PIX Key Types Explained

PIX KeyFormatExampleBest For
CPF11 digits123.456.789-09Individuals
CNPJ14 digits12.345.678/0001-90Businesses
Phone+55 + number+5511987654321Easy sharing
EmailStandardname@email.comDigital users
RandomUUID123e4567-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

ProblemSolution
"Chave não encontrada"PIX key not registered by recipient
Transfer limit reachedNight limit (R$1,000) applies 8pm–6am
Wrong recipient shownDouble-check the PIX key before confirming
CRC error in QRQR code is damaged or incorrectly generated
"PIX indisponível"Rare outage — try again in a few minutes

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