On February 10, Brazil's new regulations regarding the Programa de Alimentação do Trabalhador (PAT) come into effect, significantly altering how benefit cards are used for payments. The most notable change is that payments with benefit cards such as meal vouchers, food vouchers, and cultural vouchers must now be processed exclusively through the 'voucher' function on payment terminals. This transition prevents the traditional credit or debit payment options that some establishments had previously allowed.

The Brazilian Association of Electronic Payment Methods (Abecs) has indicated that the 'voucher' option has been fully implemented and operational in the market since it was introduced in 2025. After a transition period, it became mandatory for Visa, Mastercard, and Elo branded cards utilized under the PAT to adhere to these new regulations starting from November of the same year. Understanding this change is key for both consumers and establishments, as they will need to adapt their payment processes accordingly.

These new measures aim to streamline benefit card transactions and improve the management of these vouchers in Brazil. By enforcing a dedicated payment method, the regulations hope to enhance accountability and reduce misuse of benefit funds. As Brazil continues to modernize its payment systems, these changes mark a significant step in the ongoing evolution of financial transactions through electronic means.