PIX — Brazil's national instant payment system — has transformed how Brazilians move money since its launch by the Banco Central do Brasil in November 2020. For crypto users in Brazil, PIX has become the most practical way to buy and sell digital assets in Brazilian reais. This guide covers what PIX is, how it connects to the crypto market, and how to use it step by step.

What PIX is and why it became dominant

PIX is a real-time payment system created and operated by the Banco Central do Brasil. Unlike bank wire transfers or card payments, PIX settles in under 10 seconds and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays. It can be used for person-to-person transfers, payments to businesses, and government transactions.

Adoption has been extraordinary. By 2025, PIX accounted for approximately 42% of all e-commerce transactions in Brazil, according to Worldpay Global Payments Report 2026 data. In January 2025 alone, PIX processed over 5.4 billion transactions. The system is now expanding internationally, with acceptance in Argentina, Chile, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

Key facts about PIX in 2025–2026

• PIX processed more than 63 billion transactions in 2025, up significantly from previous years

• PIX accounts for 42% of Brazilian e-commerce value and 34% of point-of-sale transactions in 2025 (Worldpay GDR 2026)

• PIX is free for individuals — no transaction fee for personal payments

• PIX Automático, launched in 2025, introduced recurring automatic payments via PIX — similar to direct debit

• PIX is now accepted in Argentina, Chile, Portugal, Spain and the United States

• All Brazilian banks and fintechs regulated by the Banco Central are required to offer PIX

How to buy cryptocurrency with PIX: step by step

Step 1: Select the cryptocurrency and amount

On the FastCoins platform, navigate to the Buy section. Choose the asset you want to purchase — Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH) or another supported asset. Enter the amount in BRL you want to spend. The applicable rate is displayed before you confirm.

Step 2: Choose PIX as your payment method

Select PIX from the available payment options. The platform will display a PIX key or QR code to send your payment to. PIX keys can be a CPF number, phone number, email address or a random key.

Step 3: Enter your wallet address

Provide the wallet address for receiving your cryptocurrency. Verify the address and the network carefully before confirming — crypto transactions are irreversible.

Step 4: Complete identity verification if required

Identity verification may be required in accordance with Brazilian and EU regulations. This typically involves submitting a CPF number and a government-issued photo ID.

Step 5: Send the PIX payment from your bank or app

Open your bank app. Scan the QR code or enter the PIX key provided by the platform. Enter the exact amount shown in your order and confirm the payment. PIX transfers settle within seconds.

Important: send the exact amount shown in your order. Even a small difference may require manual review and cause delays.

Step 6: Receive your cryptocurrency

Once the platform confirms receipt of your PIX payment, the cryptocurrency is sent to your wallet address.

What to know when using PIX for crypto

• PIX is available only for transactions in Brazilian reais (BRL)

• PIX is free for individual users — some crypto platforms may apply their own service fees

• Daily PIX limits vary by bank — most banks set limits between R$10,000 and R$100,000 per day for individuals

• PIX transactions are final — there are no chargebacks

• PIX Automático (launched 2025) allows recurring crypto purchases on a schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PIX safe for crypto transactions?

PIX is operated by the Banco Central do Brasil and is used by virtually all Brazilian financial institutions. When buying crypto with PIX, choose a platform that is properly licensed in its operating jurisdiction.

Can I sell crypto and receive BRL via PIX?

Yes. Many crypto platforms, including FastCoins, support PIX for selling cryptocurrency and receiving Brazilian reais. You provide your PIX key and the platform sends the proceeds to your registered bank account.

What cryptocurrencies can I buy with PIX in Brazil?

On FastCoins, you can buy 1000+ digital assets with PIX, including BTC, USDT, ETH, SOL and more. The full list is available on the Currencies page.

FastCoins supports PIX for buying and selling cryptocurrency in Brazil. Visit the buy page and select PIX as your payment method.

→ Buy cryptocurrency with PIX on FastCoins — visit the buy page.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment guidance or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any digital asset. Cryptocurrency involves risk. Always conduct your own research before making financial decisions.