In a significant shift in Brazil's e-commerce landscape, the payment method Pix has overtaken credit cards, becoming the preferred choice for online transactions. A recent study by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br) revealed that 84% of respondents now use Pix for digital purchases, compared to 67% who rely on credit cards.
This trend is indicative of a broader transformation in consumer behavior, particularly among lower-income classes, which traditionally had limited access to credit cards. The adoption of Pix has seen remarkable growth, especially among social classes B, C, and D/E, with reported usage rates of 82%, 86%, and 78% respectively.
Additionally, the study highlighted that online shopping preferences have evolved, with clothing, footwear, and sports equipment now accounting for 71% of digital purchases, up from 64% in 2022. The cosmetics and personal care segment also saw growth, increasing from 34% to 41% of online purchases.
Moreover, there has been a notable rise in payments for online music services, which rose from 13% in 2022 to 19% in 2024. The increasing use of shopping apps has further fueled this shift, with 65% of online shoppers using mobile applications and 22% utilizing social media platforms for purchases.
These developments underscore the rapid digitalization of Brazil's e-commerce sector, driven by the convenience and accessibility of new payment methods like Pix.