Since its launch, Pix has completely changed the way Brazilians send and receive money. Instant, free, and convenient, it's become part of everyday life—whether it's paying for coffee, splitting a dinner bill, or transferring a salary.

Now, with the arrival of International Pix, a new revolution is beginning. And many people are still trying to understand: What does this change in practice? How will this work? Is it safe? Will it be free?

What is Pix International?

Pix Internacional is a evolution of traditional Pix, with a focus on enabling instant transfers between countries. In other words, in the same way that today you can send money to someone in Brazil in seconds, it will be possible send and receive amounts from other countries, using only your cell phone.

The initiative is being led by Central Bank of Brazil, which is in negotiations with financial institutions in other countries to make the system compatible.

The idea is to create a global instant payments network, starting with Latin American countries, and then expanding to the United States, Europe and Asia.

Why is this important?

Because the traditional international transfers are slow, expensive and bureaucratic.

Today, to send money outside of Brazil (or receive it from there), you need to:

  • Use services like Western Union, PayPal, Wise or banks
  • Pay high exchange and service fees
  • Wait 1 to 5 business days
  • Facing bureaucracy with documents and limits

With Pix Internacional, the promise is do this process in seconds, with much lower fees — or even no fees at all in some cases.

Who will benefit?

1# Brazilians living abroad
Anyone who lives in another country and sends money to their family in Brazil will be able to make instant transfers, paying much less.

2# Brazilian tourists traveling
Instead of buying foreign currency, it will be possible to use Pix to pay directly at local businesses — as long as the country is part of the integrated network.

3# People who work for foreign companies
Freelancers, designers, programmers and other professionals who are paid in dollars or euros will be able to receive directly via Pix, with less cost and more agility.

4# Companies that sell abroad
Small businesses will be able to receive payments from foreign customers directly and quickly, facilitating exports and online sales.

Is it working yet?

Not yet for the general public. But the Central Bank is in the testing phase, in partnership with other countries and financial technology companies.

Some institutions have already started to integrate systems, and the expectation is that the first practical tests will take place still in 2025.

The first partner countries should be:

  • Argentina
  • Uruguay
  • Chile
  • Paraguay
  • United States (in advanced negotiations)
  • Portugal (across the bridge with Brazilians residing there)

The Central Bank's forecast is that the system will be functional for everyone. until 2026.

Will it work with Pix key?

Yes. The idea is to maintain the same logic as the national Pix: you can use email, CPF, phone number, or random code as an identifier.

If the recipient is in a partner country, the transfer will take place automatically, converting the amount into the destination currency — with transparent and instant exchange.

You can pay a friend in Buenos Aires using your banking app, just as if you were paying for lunch in São Paulo.

What about the fees? Will it be free?

There is no official definition yet. But the Central Bank has already signaled that wants to keep Pix Internacional with the same principle as the current Pix: zero or near-zero cost.

The exchange rate will apply, of course, but the idea is that:

  • The quote is fair and without hidden margins
  • The rates are much lower than those charged today by banks and apps
  • The user knows exactly how much they will receive or pay, without surprises

In practice, this could eliminate the reliance on expensive apps for international transfers — and make the Pix is the preferred way to send money abroad.

Will it be possible to use it for international purchases?

Yes. This is one of the most anticipated points.

The expectation is that businesses in partner countries start accepting Pix as a payment method, especially in regions with many Brazilians.

Imagine buying something abroad and paying directly with Pix, without using a credit card, without IOF taxes, without abusive fees. This completely changes the travel experience—and also helps you control your spending.

What about security?

Pix Internacional will follow the same security standards as the current system:

  • Authentication by biometrics, password or facial recognition
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Fraud monitoring
  • User-configurable sending limits
  • Confirmation of recipient data before completion

Furthermore, each country involved must follow rules similar to those of the Central Bank of Brazil, ensuring a safe and transparent environment for users.

What changes in the bank app?

Nothing — at least not yet.

Banks will update their apps to include the option to International Pix, which will be displayed alongside the traditional Pix.

You will be able to:

  • Choose the destination country
  • Enter the recipient's international Pix key
  • View the amount in local currency and destination currency
  • Confirm the conversion and complete the submission

All with the same practicality you are already used to.

How do I prepare to use it?

You don't have to do anything now — but you can do it ahead of time:

  • Keep your data updated in the bank app
  • Use an official Pix key (email or phone) to facilitate international use.
  • Follow news from the Central Bank about partner countries
  • Get a reliable currency exchange app to compare conversions

It is clear, Be wary of fake messages saying that Pix Internacional is now active for everyoneScams are always trying to capitalize on new features. When they become available, banks will notify you through official channels.

Will Pix take over the world?

It wouldn't be surprising if that happened.

With the positive experience in Brazil and the progress of negotiations with other countries, Pix can become the standard for fast payments in Latin America — and even outside of it.

Other countries have already shown interest in creating similar systems, and some are considering integrating their solutions with the Brazilian Pix.

If everything goes well, In a few years, Pix could become the “WhatsApp of payments”, used universally, quickly, safely and free of charge.

See also: Free chatbot for WhatsApp: what it is and how to use it

March 25, 2025