Pix, BLIK, MB Way, iDEAL: local instant payment methods that replace COD
Ana Beatriz Castro · 2026-10-07
Cash on Delivery (COD) has its advantages, but instant payments are gaining ground in e-commerce. Let’s take a look at how each one works in some of the main countries.
Brazil - PIX
Pix is an instant payment system that lets people transfer money in seconds.
- Confirmation Rate vs. COD: Pix is confirmed instantly, while COD can take days to process.
- Integration: Integration is simple, with APIs available for various e-commerce platforms.
- Refunds: Pix refunds can be processed quickly, with the money returned to the customer within a few hours.
- When to offer both: Offer both if your audience is mixed; Pix appeals to a younger, more connected demographic, while COD may be a better fit for consumers who are less familiar with technology.
Poland - blik
BLIK is a mobile payment system that lets people pay in physical stores and online.
- Confirmation Rate vs. COD: BLIK also offers instant confirmation, while COD takes longer.
- Integration: Most e-commerce platforms in Poland already integrate with BLIK, making it easy to use.
- Refunds: Refunds are processed within 24 hours, depending on the financial institution.
- When to offer both: Offer both when your target audience includes tech-savvy younger consumers as well as people who prefer to pay on delivery.
Portugal - mb way
MB Way is a smartphone payment solution that’s very popular in Portugal.
- Confirmation Rate vs. COD: MB Way payments are confirmed in seconds, while COD can take days.
- Integration: Integration is simple, and many platforms already offer native support for MB Way.
- Refunds: Refunds can be processed quickly, depending on the store and the bank.
- When to offer both: Offer both if your customer base is diverse, so everyone feels comfortable with their payment method.
NETHERLANDS - iDEAL
iDEAL is a system that lets people pay online directly from their bank accounts.
- Confirmation Rate vs. COD: iDEAL payments are confirmed in real time, unlike COD.
- Integration: Most e-commerce platforms in the Netherlands already integrate with iDEAL.
- Refunds: The refund process is relatively quick, depending on the bank.
- When to offer both: Offer both when your audience is varied, so customers who prefer to pay on delivery still have that option.
Final thoughts
Instant payments are becoming the norm, and integrating them can improve the customer experience and reduce the risks associated with COD. Analyze your audience and consider offering both to cater to different types of consumers.
What conversion rate are you getting with instant payments compared to COD?