tech
May 5, 2026
Automatic Debits with Bre-B Keys: How They Will Work and What Payments You Can Schedule to Avoid Headaches
Bre-B instant payment system - keys Photo: Portafolio
TL;DR
- A new function on the Bre-B network in Colombia enables automatic debits from accounts and digital wallets.
- Users can authorize recurring payments once, eliminating the need for monthly reminders or repeated operations.
- This feature is expected to simplify payments for regular obligations such as school fees, gym memberships, subscriptions, insurance, or small loans.
- The innovation addresses a gap where automatic payments were historically easier to set up for cards than for bank accounts or digital wallets.
- The initiative aims to increase the effective use of financial products, as many Colombians have access but don't regularly use their accounts for daily payments.
- Bre-B has already processed over 670 million transactions and moved $105 trillion in its first six months.
- The system allows transactions up to 1,000 UVB (approximately $12.11 million COP in 2026), with keys linked to phone numbers, IDs, or emails.
- Updated regulations by the Bank of the Republic in March 2026 will mandate greater transparency regarding failures and notifications for these payments.
- The goal is to ensure security and visibility alongside simplified processes for user adoption.