Digitalização dos meios de pagamento: uma análise do sistema de pagamentos pix após quatro anos em operação

Abstract

The Brazilian payments ecosystem was deeply transformed by the advent of the PIX payment system, an instant payment system developed and managed by the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil - BCB). In recent decades, with the popularization of digital payment methods, such as electronic transfer systems and credit and debit cards, the country was already undergoing a gradual transition from cash to digital payment methods. However, with the launch of this new system, this process intensified, and several changes occurred. The main objective of this study was to analyze some of the evolutionary milestones of payment technologies, focusing on the PIX system and the transformations that occurred after its launch. To this end, a quantitative, descriptive approach was used, based on the analysis of secondary data obtained through official sources. Four years after Pix's launch, the results indicate that the system has become one of the most popular payment methods in the country. In terms of the number of transactions carried out, Pix is the instrument with the largest share. However, in terms of financial volume transacted, Pix is not yet the instrument with the largest share. Furthermore, several payment methods have significantly lost relevance in terms of number of transactions and transaction volume, such as withdrawals, utility payment (convenio), debit cards, bank payment slips (boleto), checks, and intrabank transfers. Additionally, it is worth highlighting the significant growth of the main channel used for transactions in Brazil: mobile phones, which at the beginning of 2020 had a share of approximately 50% among other channels and by the end of 2024 had already reached approximately 90%.