Pix for cross-border operations: Pay-In and Payout in practice

In just five years, Pix has evolved from a local innovation to a global benchmark for real-time payments. Today, more than 76% of Brazil’s population uses the system (Central Bank of Brazil, 2024), which processes over R$1.5 trillion per month and is now the most widely used payment method in the country.

Its success has sparked international discussions around the development of a “Global Pix.” And while this future is still unfolding, global companies can already access Brazil’s Pix ecosystem in a strategic and immediate way, by integrating it into Pay-In and Payout flows. In this article, we explain how this model works in practice here at FacilitaPay, and why Pix has become a key enabler for cross-border operations, offering speed, security, transparency, and full regulatory compliance.

What is Pay-In and Payout in cross-border payments

When a global company expands into a new market, it must manage two core financial operations: receiving payments from local customers and sending funds back to them and/or abroad. These two flows are commonly known in the payments industry as:

• Pay-In refers to the process of collecting funds locally, for example, when a customer pays for a product, service, or investment using a local payment method.

• Payout involves sending funds, whether to process a withdrawal, pay commissions, or transfer money to partners in a country different from the company’s origin.

For these flows to run smoothly, companies need to ensure fast liquidity, traceability, security, and full compliance with local regulations. And it’s precisely these requirements that make local payment integration complex for many international businesses.

How the flow works:

At FacilitaPay, local payment methods like Pix are integrated through a single, customizable API, ensuring efficiency and speed in the processing of financial operations

Pay-In: receiving payments via Pix

1. The local end user accesses your website or platform
2. Completes the payment via Pix (QR Code or Pix key)
3. The payment is processed in real time
4. Funds are instantly settled into the company’s account with FacilitaPay

Payout: sending funds via Pix

1. The end user requests a withdrawal directly on your platform
2. The request is automatically processed through your FacilitaPay account
3. The amount is converted into Brazilian reais (BRL)
4. Funds are sent via Pix to the end user’s local bank account in Brazil
   

As we always emphasize, regulatory compliance is essential, and each country has its own specific requirements. In Brazil, Pix can only be used in Brazilian reais (BRL), and any currency conversion must be performed by institutions authorized by the Central Bank, according to Resolution BCB No. 277/2022 and Law No. 14.286/2021. FacilitaPay is one of these authorized institutions, ensuring security and full compliance throughout every stage of the operation.

Benefits of integrating Pix as a local payment method

Integrating local payment methods goes far beyond convenience. It’s a real competitive advantage, especially for global companies. Here’s what it brings:

1. Greater reach and higher conversion: Over 83% of Brazil’s adult population uses Pix (Central Bank of Brazil, 2025). Offering a trusted and widely adopted payment method significantly increases your chances of converting local customers.
   
2. Instant settlement: Payments are processed in under 10 seconds, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
   
3. Lower operational costs: With lower fees compared to traditional methods and automation of payment processing, Pix significantly reduces operational costs and improves overall efficiency.
   
4. Transaction security: Pix relies on multiple layers of protection, including two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, digital certificates (ICP‑Brasil), and real-time fraud monitoring. Every transaction is fully traceable and secured under protocols defined by the Central Bank.
   
5. Regulatory compliance: Pix operates under strict oversight by the Central Bank of Brazil. As a licensed institution, FacilitaPay ensures full compliance with all KYC, KYB, AML, and foreign exchange requirements.

‘’Pix has been a game changer for enabling instant transfers, helping several businesses start their digitalization journey. In the cross-border scenario, the impact is even greater. With Brazil’s advanced fintech ecosystem, global companies can now connect with local users, receive Pix payments, and instantly convert them to their main currency. This shows how a local payment method can empower the global reach of individuals and businesses alike.’’ Stephano Maciel, CEO, FacilitaPay

The instant payments revolution has already begun. Is your company ready?

The year isn’t even over yet, and Pix has already processed nearly 37 billion transactions, a 27.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (Finsiders; Central Bank of Brazil). When technology meets real market needs, the outcome couldn’t be any different. And this is just the beginning. With new updates and upcoming features like Pix Automático (launched in June 2025), which enables recurring payments, the ecosystem is expanding even further, creating new opportunities for digital businesses, investment platforms, and subscription-based services.

Companies that move early are better positioned to capture real value in the Brazilian market and scale their operations with success. Each country has its own rules and regulatory requirements, and integration can seem complex. That’s exactly where FacilitaPay comes in, bridging global operations with local financial infrastructure through speed, reliability, and full regulatory alignment.

Talk to our specialists and discover how our Pix solutions can help power your business.