The Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN) created Pix Automatic - a Pix (Brazilian instant payment system) feature that allows for scheduled and automatic recurring transfers. Customers that make recurring payments, such as subscriptions, school fees, rent, and more, will find this feature useful.

With Pix Automatic, you can define a specific amount and frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, and so on.) so that the transfer is automatically executed on a scheduled date without the need for a manual transaction. This automation facilitates financial management and payment punctuality.

PIX Automatic is expected to replace many use cases that boletos and traditional direct debit systems currently handle, making the payments landscape in Brazil more efficient, user-friendly, and digital-native.

Pismo provides a full set of API endpoints to implement this feature.

Key features

• Automatic and recurring payments—Allows users to authorize merchants or service providers to automatically charge them on a scheduled basis—perfect for things like subscriptions, utility bills, or loan repayments.
• Pre-authorization—Payer gives one-time consent for future payments. After that, the merchant can initiate charges at agreed-upon intervals.
• Real-time settlement—Just like regular Pix, funds move instantly—except now it happens without manual approval each time.
• 24/7 availability—Payments can be processed anytime, even on weekends and holidays.
• Security and transparency—All charges are clearly displayed to the user, with options to review, cancel authorization, or limit payment amounts/frequency.

Benefits

• For consumers—No missed payments, more control than traditional direct debits.
• For businesses—Predictable cash flow, lower transaction costs than cards, reduced churn.
• For banks/fintechs—New revenue models via value-added services and better customer engagement.

Scheduled transfers versus Pix Automatic

Pix Automatic use cases

1. Pix Automatic request via API

The receiver sends a Pix Automatic request via API to the payer, who needs to accept the recurrence in their banking app. This is the only use case that does not involve a QR Code.

2. QR Code for recurring payment authorization

A user scans a recipient-provided QR Code to authorize recurring payments via Pix Automatic, without immediate payment.

3. QR Code for authorization with immediate payment

A user scans a QR Code that includes an immediate payment at the time of authorization. This involves a composite QR Code (one location for payment + one location for subscription authorization).

Pix Automatic transaction flow

The following is a simplified flow for a typical Pix Automatic transaction.

Step 1 - Merchant sends payment recurrence request

The merchant (e.g., gym, streaming service) initiates a recurring payment request to the customer’s bank.

Request includes the following:

• Payer identification and data
• Receiver Identification and data
• Payment amount
• Frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, and so on)
• Automatic transactions start date and, if necessary, end date.

Step 2 - Customer receives authorization request

The customer is notified via their banking app to authorize the recurring payment.

Step 3 - Customer authorizes payment

Upon reviewing the details, the customer approves the recurring payment agreement.

Step 4 - Recurring payments executed automatically

On the agreed dates, payments are automatically debited from the customer’s account and credited to the merchant, without further action needed from the customer.

Step 5 - Notifications sent

Both the customer and merchant receive confirmations for each successful transaction.