# PIX, boleto and card

> The three payment methods, how each one works for the buyer and for renewals, how long the money takes to become available, the chargeback reserve, saved cards and what the platform fee has to do with it.

The community gets paid by **PIX**, **boleto** and **credit card in up to 12 installments**, processed by Memberfy itself. You don't open a gateway account, integrate an API or keep a contract with an acquirer: you register who receives the money and a bank account, and the platform does the rest.

## Comparison

| | PIX | Boleto | Credit card |
|---|---|---|---|
| For the buyer | QR code or copy-and-paste, in the bank app | Pays at any bank or in the app | Number, expiry date and CVV; upfront or in installments |
| How long the charge is valid | 30 minutes at checkout | Due in 3 days | — |
| When access is unlocked | On payment | When it clears, within 3 business days | On approval, usually right away |
| Installments | Upfront | Upfront | Up to 12× |
| Subscription renewal | A new charge each period | A new charge each period | Automatic, on the saved card |
| Money available for payout | On the day of payment | 1 day after clearing | 30 days after the sale |
| Platform fee | 6.99% + R$ 2.49 | 6.99% + R$ 2.49 | 6.99% + R$ 2.49 |

**The platform fee doesn't depend on the payment method.** Getting paid by PIX, boleto or card doesn't change what the community pays Memberfy. See [Platform fee](/pagamentos/taxa-da-plataforma).

## How it works

### Choosing the methods for each product

On each product and billing option, in the **Payment & Pricing** tab, check **Credit Card**, **PIX** and/or **Boleto**. At least one is required.

| Case | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Low monthly fee (R$ 29, R$ 49) | All three. PIX converts very well in Brazil |
| Expensive mentoring or course (R$ 1,500) | Card (for installments) and PIX |
| A subscription you want to renew on its own | Card up front; PIX and boleto require paying every period |
| An audience without cards | PIX and boleto |

### PIX

The checkout shows the QR code and the copy-and-paste code, and the same code arrives by email (*"Your PIX for … is ready"*). Once paid, the screen updates on its own and access is unlocked. If the code expires unpaid, the buyer gets *"Your PIX for … expired"* and generates another one.

### Boleto

The checkout shows **Open boleto** and the **Barcode**, and the boleto arrives by email. Access starts when the boleto clears: *"Access starts once it clears."* Clearing takes up to 3 business days after payment.

### Card

Card details **never go through the community's servers**: the card becomes a secure token the moment it is typed, and that token is what gets stored. The answer usually comes right away; sometimes the payment processor holds it for review (*"Payment under review"*), and the result arrives later.

For subscriptions, the card used for the purchase is saved and becomes the renewal card.

### Saved cards

Each member keeps cards under **Billing › Credit card**: **Add Payment** adds one (Card Number, Card Holder Name, Expiry Date, CVV) and **Set as default payment method** chooses the one that renews subscriptions. Removing the default card without setting another one first isn't recommended. See [Member billing](/pagamentos/faturamento-do-membro).

### When the money becomes available

Every sale enters the statement as soon as it is confirmed, first as **Pending (Settlement)**. After the method's waiting period, it becomes **Available for Payout**:

| Method | Becomes available |
|---|---|
| PIX | On the day of payment |
| Boleto | 1 day after clearing |
| Card | 30 days after the sale, even in installments |

### Chargeback reserve

Part of each card sale, **4%**, is held for **30 days**: the period in which the cardholder can still dispute the purchase with the bank (the chargeback). After that, it goes back to the balance on its own. It shows up as **Retained (Reserve)** on the dashboard and as *Chargeback Reserve* and *Reserve Released* in the statement.

## Examples with numbers

**A R$ 100 monthly fee, PIX.** Fee R$ 6.99 + R$ 2.49 = R$ 9.48. **R$ 90.52** is left, available the same day.

**A R$ 300 course, card, upfront.** Fee R$ 20.97 + R$ 2.49 = R$ 23.46. **R$ 276.54** is left, available in 30 days, with R$ 12.00 (4%) held for 30 days as the reserve.

**The same course in 12 installments, with the buyer paying the interest (the default).** The same fee and the same amount for the community; the buyer pays R$ 318.00, with Memberfy's installment interest (6.00%). The waiting period is also the same: 30 days. If the organization pays the interest, the community receives R$ 18.00 less. See [Annual in installments](/monetizacao/anual-parcelado#installment-interest).

These two cases appear as **Practical Examples** in the **Monetization › Fees** tab.

## Common errors and how to fix them

| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| *This product has no payment method enabled. Contact the community.* | Check at least one method on the option |
| *Card payments are not available for this community right now. Choose another method.* | Use PIX or boleto and contact the Memberfy team |
| The member says they paid the boleto and didn't get in | Clearing takes up to 3 business days |
| The PIX expired | Generate another one: the checkout code is valid for 30 minutes |
| The card was declined | The bank declined it; another card or another method |

## Frequently asked questions

**Does PIX have a lower fee?**
No. The platform fee is the same for every method.

**Can I accept PIX only?**
Yes: check only PIX on the option.

**Do installments bring the money in earlier?**
No: on the card, upfront or in installments, the amount becomes available in 30 days.

**Does the community see the member's card number?**
No. Only the brand and the last four digits, and only to the member themselves.

## Related

- [Checkout](/pagamentos/checkout)
- [Renewal](/pagamentos/renovacao)
- [Balance and statement](/pagamentos/saldo-e-extrato)
- [Platform fee](/pagamentos/taxa-da-plataforma)