The Rise of Real-Time Payments: Pix and Other Methods Lead Emerging Markets

As digital commerce continues to evolve, the demand for fast and seamless payment methods has skyrocketed in emerging markets. A recent study by EBANX, titled "Beyond Borders 2025", has unveiled that real-time payments like Pix, along with other account-based transfers and debit cards, are experiencing rapid adoption rates, positioning themselves as the fastest-growing payment solutions for online transactions.

Explosive Growth of Pix Payment System

Pix, Brazil’s state-of-the-art instant payment system, is expected to achieve an impressive annual growth rate of 35% by 2027. This remarkable expansion can be attributed to changing consumer preferences that favor instant, cost-effective financial transactions. Following closely behind are other account-based transfers anticipated to grow by 28% annually, while debit cards are projected to increase by 24%. This trio of payment methods is crucial for online sales, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior across emerging economies.

João Del Valle, CEO and Co-founder of EBANX, emphasized, "Emerging markets are leading the global shift toward real-time payments, matching local populations' demands for speed and convenience. This isn't just a trend; it reflects an ongoing transformation in the payments industry driven by innovative solutions tailored to consumer behavior."

Envisioning the Future: Pix Automático

An exciting new feature, Pix Automático, is on the horizon, with a planned launch by Brazil's Central Bank in mid-2025. This groundbreaking addition will facilitate automated recurring transactions via Pix, significantly enhancing the user experience for services ranging from streaming platforms to e-learning applications. Reports suggest that this new feature could potentially unlock over $30 billion in online recurring payments within two years, steering Brazil's digital market towards a new frontier.

A Collaborative Payment Ecosystem

The rise of Pix is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Beyond Borders points to other successful payment mechanisms transforming the digital landscape. In India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is expected to grow annually by 16-20%, while mobile money in Kenya and Nigeria is also seeing significant momentum. These developments underline a broader trend where multiple payment methods coexist and elevate the entire ecosystem.

Credit Cards: Retaining Dominance

Despite the meteoric rise of alternative payment methods, credit cards remain a cornerstone of e-commerce in many emerging markets, with continued growth expected at 13% yearly through 2027. Card issuers are enhancing their offerings with new features designed to fulfill the evolving needs of digital consumers. With enhanced security features and innovative solutions, credit cards retain a significant share in sectors such as travel, gaming, and streaming, accounting for 51% to 77% of e-commerce purchases in these areas.

The Transition from Cash to Digital

This shift from cash to digital transactions has reshaped consumption in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. As Del Valle remarked, "Digital payments have penetrated markets once dominated by cash, revealing the immense potential for merchants and financial institutions to innovate and capitalize on this transformation."

In summary, the insights shared in EBANX's Beyond Borders 2025 study reveal the dynamic evolution of payment methods in emerging markets. With Pix leading the charge alongside other payment innovations, it is clear that the landscape of digital commerce is set for continued growth and change, offering exciting opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.