In March, EBANX launched its new content hub, EBANX Insights, packed with expert-crafted stories and in-depth regional analysis of payments trends and the digital economy in emerging markets. Above all, EBANX Insight is a true payments community – a space to bring merchants, partners, and industry leaders into the conversation.

And we kicked off EBANX Insights with a technical article detailing all the aspects that matter when setting up the integration with Pix Automático – or, in other words, why the user experience of the recurrence feature is crucial to its success. 

From choosing the right authorization model to optimizing payment timing, leveraging notifications, and bundling services, every decision impacts customer retention and conversion rates:

Fixed vs. Variable Authorizations – Balancing Flexibility and Churn

Fixed authorizations offer predictability but can lead to churn when pricing adjustments require customers to reauthorize. Variable authorizations, while more flexible, must be carefully set to avoid scaring customers away with high limit caps. The key? Striking a balance that keeps payments seamless while minimizing subscription drop-offs.

Timing Matters – Getting the Payment Window Right

Pix Automático payments must be scheduled 2 to 10 days before their due date. Too early, and customers may reconsider their subscriptions; too late, and there’s a risk of insufficient funds. Fine-tuning this window can mean the difference between a successful payment and a lost customer.

Smart Bundling – Maximizing Retention

Bundling multiple services under a single Pix Automático authorization simplifies payments but comes with a trade-off: canceling one service means canceling them all. Businesses need to assess whether a bundled or individual authorization approach best supports their retention goals.

As Pix Automático reshapes the subscription landscape in Brazil, businesses that fine-tune these elements will stay ahead of the curve.

EBANX's merchants operating in Mexico can now leverage EBANX to integrate Aplazo, a risk-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution in the country. 

This option enables shoppers to divide their purchase costs into interest-free installments, all without the need for a credit card. According to Aplazo's internal data, it currently accounts for an annual online volume of $223 million (15% market share) and a projected annual growth of 100%.

Aplazo has been shown to elevate average ticket sizes by 35% and taps into a fresh customer demographic in the country – notably, 70% of its users do not have access to any other financial product. Also, the platform fosters customer loyalty, with users making four or more purchases annually, thus generating sustained value for merchants.

Another key advantage for consumers is the swift checkout and immediate approval, determined by their bank account history, which effectively opens up access to millions of consumers who are currently underserved by traditional banking. Specifically, Aplazo provides credit approvals in less than five minutes, with typical credit lines ranging from $150 to $225, and offers repayment options of 3 to 8 biweekly installments.

Merchants, on the other hand, benefit from guaranteed payments, allowing them to provide flexible installment plans without incurring financial risks.

Reasons why offer Aplazo

• Get customers who buy more often

  Aplazo’s fees are transparent and reward loyalty. Users who pay on time unlock lower costs over time, encouraging repeat purchases and long-term engagement.

  
  

• Reduce cart abandonment

  Many shoppers leave without buying due to upfront costs. Aplazo removes that barrier, turning hesitant visitors into buyers. 

  
  

• Stand out from competitors

  BNPL is a competitive advantage —most retailers don’t offer it yet. Aplazo helps businesses differentiate, attract more customers, and increase conversions.

Colombia's digital payment sector is rapidly advancing, with Nequi, a long-standing payment partner of EBANX, at its forefront. Boasting 21 million users, this mobile payment platform is particularly influential in providing financial access to unbanked individuals and businesses, facilitating digital transactions and international commerce.

Merchants of EBANX offering the payment method in Colombia have seen an average month-over-month growth of 33% in Nequi's transaction volume since September of last year. This growth underscores Nequi's escalating popularity within Colombia's digital market, a key player in Latin America.

Businesses now constitute a significant portion of Nequi's user base, representing 15% of the total. The platform's expansion has coincided with a dramatic growth in Colombia's e-commerce sector, which has seen a ninefold increase since Nequi's inception. Furthermore, projections indicate an 18% annual growth rate through 2027.

Nequi's role in enabling cross-border transactions is also notable. The platform addresses the prevalent issue of limited credit card ownership among mobile payment users in Colombia, where 48% lack credit cards. Account-based transfers, such as those facilitated by Nequi, are anticipated to experience a 24% annual growth rate.

Originally designed for digital commerce, Nequi has broadened its functionality to include real-world transactions, incorporating features like QR code payments for in-store purchases and the Nequi card for offline use. This expansion has contributed to Colombia's high rate of mobile commerce purchases, which stands at 87%.

“Although Nequi was initially designed to serve the digital commerce needs of users, the service has expanded its capabilities to support brick-and-mortar stores by introducing features like QR code payments for in-person transactions and the Nequi card for offline purchases,” said Eduardo de Abreu, Vice President of Product at EBANX. 

He also attributes Nequi's success to the platform’s instantaneous refund process: “This streamlined approach ensures a hassle-free experience for merchants and helps build customer satisfaction and trust.”