Itaú Unibanco will make banking transactions more flexible via PIX. From November, the financial institution will release a new tool for its individual customers: the payment initiator. Like this, Bank members will be able to make instant payments via the Itaú app, although, also using existing account balances in other banks.
This modification to the PIX tool by Itaú would simplify transactions, allowing the user to speed up demands and save time. Before confirming this feature to the public, Itaú carried out tests with a small base of employees and customers.
Now, the institution has already confirmed that the new feature will be released in the second half of November and that the process will be carried out in stages. First, the benefit will be given to more than 90 thousand Itaú employees. After, the most of 30 Millions of customers will have access to the payments initiator.
Authorization for the bank
So that the Itaú application can have access to other bank accounts, the customer must make a type of authorization to the bank. Like this, will allow the financial institution to make payments for him through Open Finance. This is a tool that allows payment via PIX in virtual commerce, simplifying steps.
Right now, the payment initiator would only be applicable to PIX. But, The Central Bank's idea is to include other forms of payment within the system in the future. Itaú, nonetheless, seeks to use this new resource to attract new customers and become a reference in financial management.
“Customers will be able to count on the experience of Itaú channels to manage their accounts in other institutions more easily. Our ambition is to become the leading financial management channel of choice for our own customers”, says Marcos Cavagnoli, director of Digital Cash Management and Open Finance at Itaú.
Bradesco and Banco do Brasil
Itaú's adoption of this method of making payments is not necessarily new. Nonetheless, points out a market trend. Banks such as Bradesco and Banco do Brasil also already have the operation. Bradesco released payment initiators this October.
Banco do Brasil allows the user to make PIX from other banks without leaving the application for a longer period of time. Just like Itaú, These banks are included in the list of the few financial institutions authorized by the Central Bank to operate as payment initiators. In addition to these banks, BTG Pactual and digital competitors would also have the qualification.
