A recent study by the fintech company Ebanx claims that Brazil's instant payment system, Pix, is set to take over half of the e-commerce transaction market by 2028, surpassing traditional credit card payments. Launched in late 2020 by the Central Bank of Brazil, Pix has significantly reduced cash transactions in the country and has already exceeded the combined number of operations performed with credit and debit cards since 2023. This remarkable growth indicates a changing landscape in payment methods, as consumers increasingly favor the convenience and efficiency of Pix.

The emergence of Pix has not only transformed consumer behavior but has also attracted international scrutiny, particularly from the United States. The U.S. is investigating potentially unfair business practices related to Pix, specifically questioning the dual role of the Central Bank of Brazil as both the operator of Pix and the regulator of the financial system. This investigation highlights the concerns around competition and regulatory oversight in the rapidly evolving digital payment ecosystem, raising questions about how this could impact the future of payment methods in Brazil and beyond.

As Pix continues to gain traction, it poses a significant challenge to established players like Mastercard and Visa, which have long dominated the credit card market. The dominance of Pix in the payment landscape is reshaping consumer preferences, potentially leading to a decline in credit card use as more Brazilians turn to this innovative payment solution. With its growth trajectory, Pix is not just a national phenomenon but also a focal point in discussions about the global shift toward more efficient and instantaneous payment systems, signaling a new era for financial transactions in Brazil and worldwide.