Brazil Payment Processing: What you need to know to Succeed in Latin America's Largest Market
As specialists in global payment solutions, we help businesses navigate complex local markets like Brazil — one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic e-commerce environments. Here’s a clear, updated overview of how payments work in Brazil and what strategies smart businesses use to capture market share.
Why Brazil’s Payment Market Matters
Brazil is Latin America’s largest e-commerce market and ranks fourth globally for internet usage. With consumers spending an average of 25.7 hours online each month, it’s a market full of opportunity — but only if you understand how people prefer to pay.
Mobile commerce alone generates $7.6 billion annually, split between:
$3 billion in in-app purchases
$4.6 billion through mobile browsers
To succeed, businesses must offer a mobile-friendly shopping experience backed by the right payment options.
Brazil is the largest e-commerce market in Latin America and the fourth-largest internet market in the world, with a large number of enthusiastic internet users who spend an average of 25.7 hours a month online.When it comes to payment methods, Boleto bancário is one of the most popular cash-based options, with 75% of Brazilian customers preferring to use it. Boleto is a barcoded ticket that can be used at ATMs, bank agencies, post offices, lottery agencies, and through internet banking. This payment method is widely accepted by Brazilian businesses, and it is a convenient option for customers who prefer to pay in cash.
Best Practices for Foreign Businesses If you’re a foreigner or international business operating in Brazil:
Short visits: Use Visa or Mastercard; carry cash for smaller vendors.
Longer stays: Consider local options like Hipercard (by Itaú) for better acceptance and lower transaction fees.
E-commerce merchants: Localize your checkout to support Brazilian-issued cards, Boleto, PIX, and key wallets.
Without local payment adaptation, you risk high cart abandonment and missed revenue.
Top banks
Banco Itaú
Over 99 years, we have built our history, which has been marked by a number of mergers, acquisitions and partnerships that have shaped us into a universal bank. Against a backdrop of intense technological and regulatory changes and a market scenario with new players and different service demands, we are constantly innovating, keeping a careful eye on diversity and laser focus on clients and continuous learning. Our purpose is to stimulate people’s power of transformation. Our vision is to be the leading bank in sustainable performance and customer satisfaction.
Banco Bradesco
Bradesco is one of the largest financial groups in Brazil, with a solid performance focused on the interests of its clients since 1943. In addition to excellence in services, it stands out for being one of the best resource managers on the market, with results built on sustainable foundations.
Banco do Brasil
Banco do Brasil S.A. is a Brazilian financial services company headquartered in Brasília, Brazil. The oldest bank in Brazil, and among the oldest banks in continuous operation in the world, it was founded by John VI, King of Portugal. It is the second largest banking institution in Brazil, as well as the second largest in Latin America after Banco Itaù with the total asset of 379.78 billion dollars.
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Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD)
CGD has been at the forefront of Portuguese economic and social development. Based on a strong corporate culture and the highest ethical standards, rigor and professionalism, CGD has received over the years various awards and is recognized as a highly reliable, solid bank in Portugal’s banking sector, having merited the confidence of its many generations of costumers.
Top payment methods
Key Payment Methods in Brazil:
Here’s a breakdown of the most important methods — knowing when and how to use each is essential for maximizing conversions.
PIX
PIX is an instant payment method in Brazil that has been widely adopted by 32% (67 million) of Brazilians. PIX allows for immediate processing of payments, as opposed to the traditional 3 business days wait. PIX works by generating a code, which can be used to make payment at the closest store or through a mobile app. PIX is versatile, it allows for the transfer of funds between people and companies, payments can be used to make purchases, pay bills, send and receive money. It's a very useful tool for people and companies to manage their finances and make transactions quickly and easily.
ITAÙ
Largest private sector bank in Brazil. Offers online and app-based payment systems. Services include automatic scheduling, payments, transfers, and payment tracking. Receipts are held for up to five years.
ELO
Elo is one of the major domestic debit and credit card brands of Brazil. The scheme supports credit, debit and prepaid transactions, is the third in market share in Brazil following Visa and Mastercard, and has international acceptance over Discover network. The scheme is processed and settled by Adyen over it's own license connection.
MercadoPago
Mercado Pago, is the online payment tool created by Mercado Libre in 2003 that is growing by leaps and bounds. It allows you to sell and buy both in online and physical stores. Mercado Pago is a platforms who owns one of the greatest user bases in Latin American as it is present in 7 countries.
Paypal
Paypal is one of the market leaders in online payment solutions with more than 400 million active customers worldwide, available in 200 countries and in more than 100 different currencies. As faras online shopping payment is concerned, it is the one of the mostused payment method in France.
AURA
Aura is credit card payment solution developed for the brazilian market and one of the most popular online payment methods along with Hypercard and Elo. Aura allows consumers to pay ininstallments by choosing 3,6,9 or 12 monthly installments. The merchants receives payment instantly, but the customer can choose to pay via Aura in 3,6,9 or 12 installments. The card also enables recurring online payments. How does Aura work?
When a customer is ready to complete their purchase at the checkout, they can choose from different payment options. By choosing a credit card as their payment method, they are either directed to a special page or move along your checkout process to a place where they can add their card details. Most of the time, it’s the card brand, cardholder’s name, card number, expiry date, and security code. After putting in all those details, customers can make their initial payment to Aura. This payment is followed by others depending on the payment scheme the customer chooses. Merchants receive funds instantly.
Concluding remarks
The Six Main Payment Methods in Brazil (At a Glance):
Cash
Still widely used, especially in small shops
Mobile Payments
Apps like PicPay, MercadoPago.
Boleto Bancário
Cash-based barcode payment at physical locations.
Cryptocurrency
Growing among tech-forward consumers
Credit/Debit Cards Brazil:
Visa, Mastercard, Amex, plus local brands like Elo, Aura, Hipercard
How We Help Businesses Win in Brazil?
We work with businesses to: Integrate local payment solutions for maximum reach. Optimize checkout experiences for mobile and desktop. Navigate local regulations and partnerships with banks, acquirers, and fintech providers Brazil is a booming market — but only for companies prepared to meet local consumer expectations. With the right payment strategy, you can tap into one of the world’s most promising digital economies.
About us
Processing News is an Online Wikipedia of the payment world. We collect and publish information about payment habits in different countries, describing methods that payers use in their daily life.
We attract website owners and payment professionals on our portal through marketing channels and personal communication. Also we work as affiliates and recommend to the website owners where they can find a PSP who supports their business model and we introduce clients to PSP.
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