Brazil to mandate interoperability for food and meal voucher cards

Starting in November 2025, food voucher (VA) and meal voucher (VR) cards in Brazil must be accepted across different payment terminal networks, regardless of the issuing operator. This move toward interoperability is part of the implementation of Decree No. 12.712/2025, which reformed the Worker's Food Program (PAT).

The Ministry of Labor and Employment stated that this change will prevent workers from being limited to the specific infrastructure of a single operator. While full interoperability across all payment arrangements is expected to be completed by November 2026, the November milestone marks a significant step in the transition.

Other regulatory changes under the decree have already taken effect. Since February 2026, fees charged to merchants by acquirers are capped at 3.6%, and the maximum period for transferring funds to merchants has been reduced from 30 to 15 calendar days. The core rules regarding the use of benefits—restricted to food and meal purchases—and the voluntary nature of providing these benefits to employees remain unchanged.