Banco do Brasil and Visa have recently completed Brazil’s inaugural AI-driven payment transaction through the Visa Intelligent Commerce platform and tokenisation technology.

This pilot was carried out in a secure, live environment using Visa’s Intelligent Commerce (VIC) system. During the transaction, an AI agent processed the payment on behalf of a client holding a Banco do Brasil Visa card, without needing real-time human input at every step.

The process leveraged two key security measures: tokenisation, which substitutes actual card data with encrypted identifiers, and dynamic authentication combined with real-time risk assessment via Visa’s global network. These mechanisms enable issuing banks like Banco do Brasil to facilitate agent-initiated transactions while safeguarding sensitive information from exposure.

Visa’s Intelligent Commerce APIs grant AI systems the ability to initiate payments within pre-set parameters approved by the cardholder. The consumer sets boundaries defining what actions can be taken, such as product searches and price comparisons, without needing to authorize each transaction individually. This setup aligns with current regulatory standards.

Background and Significance

The accomplishment coincides with Brazil’s 30th year in the e-commerce sector. It underscores a broader trend towards digital payments and real-time transactions in Latin America, partly fueled by the widespread adoption of the Pix instant payment system introduced by the central bank in 2020.

Following this transaction, Visa has announced plans for authorised agents and merchants to operate within the VIC framework in Brazil. While no specific timeframe has been set, greater integration is anticipated across Brazil’s financial landscape.

A representative from Banco do Brasil highlighted that the initiative enhances customer convenience while maintaining security and reliability. A Visa spokesperson also noted that this transaction indicates Brazil’s preparedness for advanced digital commerce solutions.