After “Auto Pix,” installments are next step in Central Bank agenda

The Central Bank expects Pix Automático to streamline recurring payments for both payers—whether individuals or businesses—and recipients, such as gyms or residential associations. Similar to direct debit, the new feature enables automatic recurring payments through Pix.

According to BC President Gabriel Galípolo, the tool will give roughly 60 million Brazilians without access to credit cards the ability to pay for recurring services. “It also enhances security for those who already make this kind of payment, such as for subscriptions, by reducing risks like credit card data theft,” he said at an event last week.

For merchants, the new mechanism is expected to cut operational costs. Today, businesses seeking to offer direct debit must negotiate agreements with multiple financial institutions. With Pix Automático, they will only need to partner with one. Lower costs could, in turn, reduce delinquency rates by ensuring more timely, automated payments.

Rodrigo Caldas de Carvalho Borges, partner at CBA Advogados, said adoption of Pix Automático by companies will likely be gradual and sector-specific, depending on operational, technical, and regulatory adaptations. “Uptake should be faster in sectors already familiar with recurring billing models—such as streaming services, internet providers, utilities, and educational institutions,” he said. “For them, Pix Automático presents a natural, lower-cost, and more efficient alternative to direct debit.”

For consumers, the system will offer simplified control via banking apps, including managing authorizations, tracking payments, and issuing cancellations. Before each charge, the payer’s bank will present transaction details, allowing the user to confirm the amount.

The next feature in the Pix pipeline is Pix Parcelado, scheduled for release in September. While some private financial institutions already offer installment options via Pix, the Central Bank wants to create a standardized user experience. According to Renato Gomes, BC’s director of financial system organization and resolution, this includes uniform presentation of credit information to users.

Also under development is MED 2.0, an upgraded Special Return Mechanism that enables users to dispute Pix transactions in cases of fraud or scams via a self-service tool within their banking app—eliminating the need to contact customer service. MED 2.0 is expected to go live in December and become mandatory in February 2026.

Further down the road, between 2026 and 2027, the Central Bank plans to roll out Pix em Garantia, which will allow businesses to use future Pix receivables as collateral for credit operations. This would help reduce the cost of borrowing for merchants, although it would not change how individuals use Pix.