As 2025 comes to a close, the epag team is heading into 2026 stronger and more focused than ever. Understanding the latest LatAm payment trends is key to this, and our growth has been driven by one core belief: partnership goes beyond payments. It’s about helping businesses grow smarter and with confidence.
In this Q4 insights report, we are diving into the key LatAm payment trends shaping the e-commerce landscape, from a critical update on Brazil’s PIX to new market opportunities in Ecuador and the booming gaming industry.
The “Buzz Button” Explained: No New Risk for Merchants
You may have seen the buzz about a new PIX refund button in Brazil and wondered what it means for merchants.
The simple answer is: nothing changes for you.
This button does not create a new chargeback risk and does not apply to purchase disputes. It is simply a digital shortcut for an existing bank-to-bank refund process (called MED).
Here’s what merchants need to know:
- It Targets Fraud: The process is designed only for confirmed fraud cases where the receiving account belongs to a criminal, not for honest merchants.
- No Change in Process: Previously, a user had to go to their bank branch to initiate this process. The new button just makes it easier to start the same process online.
- Proof is Required: Users still need to provide proof and a police report to proceed.
LatAm Payment Trends: Ecuador Market Spotlight
Ecuador is a market that should be on every merchant’s radar when analyzing LatAm payment trends. The country’s dollarized economy simplifies cross-border settlements, and its digital adoption is growing rapidly.
Key Market Stats:
- Population: ~18 million
- Mobile Penetration: 80%
- Economy: Dollarized
The Payment Landscape:
- Local Cards: Visa and Mastercard dominate online purchases. Processing with local acquiring ensures higher approval rates and smoother transactions.
- Transfers & Cash: Bank transfers, such as through Banco Guayaquil, and cash-based networks are also central to the e-commerce ecosystem.
LatAm Gaming: A Market Driven by Passion
Gaming in Latin America isn’t just entertainment; it’s a core part of the culture where communities form and families share experiences. This passion is driving a massive market, estimated at $23.5 billion by 2024. Understanding payment preferences here is a critical part of the LatAm payment trends, as mobile leads the charge with 10% annual growth in South America.
Market Breakdown:
- Brazil: 335M Gamers, $8.7B Revenue
- Mexico: 80M Gamers, $2.6B Revenue
- Colombia: 12M Gamers, $390M Revenue
- Chile: 7M Gamers, $350M Revenue
- Peru: 10M Gamers, $250M Revenue
- Ecuador: 5M Gamers, $80M Revenue
Events: epag at EuroShop 2026
epag will be taking the stage at EuroShop in Düsseldorf (Feb 22-26). Our team will be showing how understanding cultural insights and local payment expertise can bridge Latin America and Europe, creating smoother global connections for European businesses.
Start your next chapter in Latin America with epag by your side. Talk to our team of experts to learn more.
