Pix Payments: How to Transfer Money to Brazil
Pix payments have transformed how money moves inside Brazil. Since its launch by the Central Bank of Brazil in 2020, Pix has quickly become the primary payment rail, used by individuals, businesses, and government institutions.
If you're looking to send money to Brazil, you may come across the term “Pix payments.” Pix itself is a domestic payment system. Funds sent from abroad are processed by a licensed transfer provider – for example Paysend – converted locally, and then delivered to the recipient through the Pix network.
This structure allows international senders to benefit from Pix’s speed and convenience, and Paysend’s fast, secure and simple payment network, while complying with financial regulations.
What are Pix payments?
Pix payments are near real-time, payment system operated by the Central Bank of Brazil. They allow individuals and businesses to send and receive money in real time using simple identifiers called Pix keys. Please note: Money is sent in real time, but funds availability could take up to 3 business days, depending on your recipient’s bank’s processing time.
Pix payments can be used for many purposes, including:
- Paying for goods and services
- Sending money to friends and family
- Paying bills
- Making donations
- Receiving salary or freelance payments
Because Pix operates continuously – including weekends and holidays – payments can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Why Pix is used in Brazil
Pix is used by millions of Brazilians daily for both personal and business transactions.
Several factors explain its popularity:
Speed
Pix payments are processed almost instantly once initiated.
Accessibility
The system works around the clock, including weekends and public holidays.
Ease of use
Users can send money using simple identifiers instead of bank account details.
Security
Transactions are regulated by the Central Bank of Brazil and protected by Brazil’s data protection framework.
Government support
Pix was designed as part of Brazil’s strategy to modernize its financial infrastructure and reduce reliance on cash.
Because of these features, Pix has become integrated into financial life in Brazil.
How Pix works in practice
Pix transfers rely on Pix keys, which act as identifiers linked to a recipient’s bank account or digital wallet.
A Pix key can be:
- A phone number
- An email address
- A CPF (Brazilian tax identification number)
- A randomly generated key
- A QR code
Instead of entering full bank account information, the sender simply enters the Pix key associated with the recipient. Once the payment is confirmed, the funds are transferred immediately through the Pix network.
Both the sender and recipient must have accounts with financial institutions that participate in the Pix system.
How international transfers reach Pix
Although Pix is a domestic payment rail, international transfers can still reach Pix accounts through licensed payment providers.
In practice, the process works like this:
- The sender funds the transfer using a card or bank account through an international transfer provider.
- The provider converts the funds and settles the payment locally in Brazil.
- The recipient receives the funds through Pix, delivered directly to their registered Pix key.
Paysend acts as a bridge between international funding and local Pix delivery. This model allows international payments to integrate with Brazil’s domestic near real-time payment system while meeting regulatory and compliance requirements.
It also explains why transfers can still arrive quickly – once the payment reaches the local stage, Pix delivers it almost instantly to the recipient.
Please note: Money is sent in real time, but funds availability could take up to 3 business days, depending on your recipient’s bank’s processing time.
Here’s how to send Pix Payments with Paysend
Follow these easy steps to send money to Brazil via Pix:
- Sign Up/Log In: Open the Paysend app or website.
- Choose country: Select Brazil from the list of countries
- Choose Pix as the delivery method.
- Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to send in your local currency to see the exchange rate and final amount in Brazilian Real (BRL).
- Recipient Details: Enter the recipient's Pix key. This can be their CPF/CNPJ number, email address, or phone number.
- Payment Method: Pay for the transfer using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer - options differ depending on your country.
- Confirm: Review and confirm the transaction to send funds.
Third-party fees may apply. FX rates are determined by Paysend and may include a margin. Terms & Conditions apply.
Speed and reliability of Pix transfers
Pix payments themselves are processed near real-time within Brazil. However, when sending money from abroad, the total transfer time may depend on several factors, including:
- The funding method used by the sender
- Foreign exchange processing
- The provider’s settlement process
In many cases, any delays occur before the Pix stage, rather than within the Pix network itself. Once the funds reach the local payout stage, Pix typically completes the transfer immediately.
Sending money to Brazil with Paysend and Pix payout
Digital transfer providers help bridge the gap between international senders and Brazil’s domestic payment infrastructure.
With Paysend, users can send money to Brazil and deliver funds through Pix payouts. This combines international funding methods – such as debit cards, credit cards, or bank transfers – with local Pix delivery.
For the recipient, the experience is simple: funds arrive directly to their Pix-linked account or wallet.
What information do you need to send money via Pix
When sending money to Brazil using a Pix payout, you typically need the recipient’s:
- Pix key
- Name
- CPF number, where required by the provider
Entering the correct Pix key is important. Incorrect identifiers are one of the most common reasons transfers fail or need to be returned.
Pix vs traditional bank transfers to Brazil
Before Pix, many international transfers to Brazil relied on traditional bank wires through the SWIFT network.
Compared with these methods, transfers that connect to Pix through digital providers often offer advantages such as:
- Fast delivery once funds reach Brazil
- Simple recipient details (Pix keys instead of full bank information)
- A streamlined receiving experience
Traditional bank transfers remain available, but Pix has significantly changed how money moves within Brazil’s financial system.
Understanding your options
Pix has transformed the way people send and receive money inside Brazil, becoming the country’s primary near real-time payment network.
For international senders, it’s helpful to understand that Pix itself is a domestic payment rail. Transfers from abroad are processed by international providers, which then connect to Pix locally to deliver the funds.
Understanding this structure helps explain why digital transfer services can provide a fast and reliable way to move money into Brazil’s financial system.
With Paysend, users can send money internationally and have it delivered via Pix payout where available, combining global transfers with Brazil’s near real-time payment network. Please note: Money is sent in real time, but total delivery time may vary depending on funding, FX processing, and provider settlement.
Download the Paysend app to send money to Brazil.
FAQs
Can I send a Pix payment from outside Brazil?
Pix is a domestic payment system operated by the Central Bank of Brazil, so it cannot be accessed directly from foreign bank accounts or cards.
However, international money transfer providers may connect to Pix locally. In this case, the sender funds an international transfer, the provider converts and settles the funds in Brazil, and the payment is delivered to the recipient using Pix as the local payout method.
What is a Pix key?
A Pix key is the identifier used to receive payments through the Pix network. Instead of sharing full bank account details, recipients register a simple identifier with their bank or wallet.
Common Pix key types include:
- Phone number
- Email address
- CPF (Brazilian tax ID)
- Randomly generated Pix key
- QR code
Senders only need the recipient’s Pix key to complete the payment.
Are Pix payments instant?
Pix payments inside Brazil are processed in real time, often within minutes. Please note: Money is sent in real time, but funds availability could take up to 3 business days depending on your recipient’s bank’s processing time.
When sending money from abroad, the overall transfer time may vary depending on factors such as:
- The funding method used by the sender
- Foreign exchange processing
- The transfer provider’s settlement process
Once the funds reach the local payout stage in Brazil, Pix typically delivers them near real-time. Money is sent in real time, but funds availability could take up to 3 business days depending on your recipient’s bank’s processing time.
What information do I need to send money to Brazil using Pix?
To send money to Brazil with a Pix payout, you will usually need, the recipient’s Pix key, the recipient’s name, the recipient’s CPF number, where required
Entering the correct Pix key is important. Incorrect information can cause a transfer to fail or be returned.
Is Pix the same as a bank transfer?
Pix is different from traditional bank transfers.
Traditional transfers in Brazil may take longer and require detailed bank information. Pix payments use simple identifiers (Pix keys) and settle through the Central Bank’s payment infrastructure.
For international transfers, Pix is typically used as the receiving rail once funds have been processed locally in Brazil. Money is sent in real time, but funds availability could take up to 3 business days depending on your recipient’s bank’s processing time.
The materials on this blog are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions of Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC. Blog posts may contain links to content on third-party websites, which are provided for your convenience; please note that linked sites may have a privacy and security policy different from our own, and we cannot attest to the accuracy of information. The Central Bank of Kansas City does not guarantee nor expressly endorse any particular business, product, service, or third-party content.
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