Pix Reinvents Recurring Payments — and Corporate Treasurers Take Note

From Treasury Masterminds

Brazil’s central bank is rolling out Pix Automático on June 16, 2025, a recurring-payments feature for the ultra‑popular Pix instant‑payment system. Since Pix launched in late 2020, it has outpaced cash, debit, and credit cards—handling over 26 trillion reais (~US $4.6 trillion) in transactions in 2024. Now, with Pix Automático, Brazilian consumers can authorize everything from utility bills and gym memberships to digital subscriptions with a single one‑time consent

Analysts forecast that this could channel at least US$30billion in e‑commerce payments over the next two years. It also represents a big win for financial inclusion: roughly 60 million Brazilians without credit cards can now tap into subscription‑based services

A European Counterpart: Wero Steps In

In Europe, the Wero digital‑wallet initiative—developed by the European Payments Initiative (EPI)—is positioning itself as a unified, sovereign alternative to US‑dominated payment networks Launched in July 2024 in Germany, it quickly expanded to France and Belgium, and is entering the Netherlands in 2025

While Pix is already offering recurring payments, Wero currently supports only person‑to‑person (P2P) transfers via phone numbers or QR codes. It plans to support subscriptions, e‑commerce, and POS payments through 2026–2027. Thus, Pix leads in recurring payment capabilities—but Wero is steadily catching up, with an eye on European unity and financial autonomy

Competitive Positioning: Pix vs. Wero

FeaturePix Automático (Brazil)Wero (Europe)
Live DateJune 16, 2025Rolled out P2P mid‑2024; subscriptions in 2025–2026
Recurring PaymentsYesPlanned for 2025
Integration with businessesVia Pix‑enabled banks & fintechs like PagBrasilThrough EPI banks, merchants, Worldline, and Revolut soon
ScopeInstant­‑debit subscriptionsP2P now → subscriptions/e‑commerce next
CoverageNational; expanding internationallyPan‑European rollout

Brazil’s centralized approach has enabled Pix to move faster and capture full recurring‑payment coverage. Wero is building its capabilities through a coalition of banks and fintechs, aiming for cross‑border scale.

What Corporate Treasurers Should Know

1. Lower friction in collections

For Brazilian firms—especially SaaS, utilities, and subscription‑based businesses—Pix Automático simplifies recurring billing dramatically. No more “boletos” or complex direct‑debit arrangements; just one upfront consent.

2. Enhanced cash flow predictability

Automated debits help reduce payment delays and defaults—crucial for forecasting liquidity. According to industry estimates, recurring payments via Pix could increase collection volumes by up to 30% versus one‑off slips or QR codes

3. Better inclusivity

Brazilian companies can now serve nearly 60 million consumers who lack credit cards but can use Pix—expanding market reach significantly .

4. European treasury analogies

European treasurers should monitor Wero’s rollout. While some banks and partners like Revolut and Worldline are already integrating Wero for P2P and e‑commerce recurring payments aren’t live yet. But when they arrive, Europe’s treasurers may face similar options and benefits.

5. Strategic advantage & resilience

For multinationals operating in both regions, tie‑ins with Pix and Wero can reduce reliance on global card networks and cut cross‑border payment costs. In Brazil, Pix is already a third‑party‑free system; in Europe, Wero is the stepping stone to greater payment sovereignty.

Outlook: Already Ahead—or Close Behind

  • Pix: A proven success, ecosystem‑wide recurring mandate, inclusive for unbanked or credit‑card‑free users.
  • Wero: Slower start, but rapid progression. With full rollout of subscriptions and merchant integrations expected in 2025–26, Europe’s digital‑sovereign wallet is within sight.

Corporate treasurers should:

  • In Brazil: Integrate Pix Automático immediately to streamline recurring collections and support inclusion.
  • In Europe: Begin sandboxing Wero’s future capabilities—especially recurring payments and e‑commerce—while continuing card and bank‑debit channels.
  • Globally: Build hybrid treasury architectures that leverage instant payments like Pix and Wero to optimize cost, speed, and payment sovereignty.

In payment innovation, Pix has sprinted ahead—and Wero, though a late entrant, is coming in strong. Smart treasurers will track both closely.

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