What is parcelado in Brazil?

Parcelado is the Brazilian practice of splitting a credit card purchase into monthly installments, often without interest. Shoppers choose the number of installments at checkout, and the plan runs on their credit card.

How widespread it is

It is one of the defining features of Brazilian commerce, online and in store. In the first half of 2026, interest-free installments represented 43% of credit card value in Brazil, according to the card industry association Abecs. Shoppers expect the option, and many compare merchants on the number of interest-free installments offered.

How it works for merchants

With interest-free installments, the merchant usually absorbs the cost of financing, either by receiving funds over time or by paying to receive them earlier. That makes installment terms a pricing decision as much as a payment feature.

Alongside Pix

Pix, the instant payment system, has grown fast and covers many everyday payments, but parcelado keeps its place for larger purchases where spreading the cost matters.

What it means for payment operators

Selling into Brazil means supporting local acquiring with installment options, alongside Pix and local methods. On a white-label platform, these are activated through contracts with local providers, so your merchants offer what Brazilian shoppers expect at checkout under your brand.