The definitive ABC: this is how Bre-B, Colombia's instant payment system, will work.

Starting in the second half of this year, the keys to Bre-B , the instant payment system created with the Banco de la República , will officially come into operation.

(You can read: Bre-B: step by step to get your 'key' and use it in the immediate payment system ).

This tool aims to streamline the way Colombians conduct transactions, ensuring their security and privacy. Below, we explain the most important points the issuer considered in developing this new financial feature .

What are Bre-B keys?

This is the identifier that the customer must register with their preferred bank and is linked to their payment method (account or electronic deposit). The Key is the information they must share with the person who will send you money. The Key options are offered by the bank based on the information the user has registered. It will be available starting in the second half of 2025.

(Also: Bre-B Keys: What they are and how they will be used in the country's immediate payment system .)

How to create a Key?

Through the digital channels of the institution where you have your account or electronic deposit. You can choose between four types of keys: 1. Identity document number 2. Cell phone number 3. Alphanumeric identifier randomly generated by your institution 4. Email address. In addition, merchants can choose the merchant code assigned by the institution where they have their payment method.

A key can only be associated with one account or deposit, however, an account or deposit can be associated with multiple keys.

What types of payments and transfers can be made with Bre-B?

Payments and transfers can be made from person to person or from person to business. To send (pay or transfer immediately) you need:

1. Have an account or deposit in an entity from which the money will come out.

2. Know the Key of the person or (business) that will receive the money or scan the QR code.

Know the amount you're going to pay or transfer immediately. To receive money, you must link a Key to the account or deposit where you want the money to arrive. You don't need a Key to send money, but you do need one to receive it.

(More: Bre-B's key dates: take note and prepare for its entry into operation ).

How much money can I transfer via Bre-B?

You can make small, everyday payments up to transfers of 11,552,000 pesos; however, your bank may set a lower amount, limit the number of daily transactions, or establish other criteria for security reasons.

How do QR codes work?

Bre-B also offers QR codes. Simply scan the QR code to initiate a payment or transfer. Merchants can use QR codes from the start of Bre-B operations, and individuals can use them starting in the first half of 2026.

What is Bre-B?

It's Colombia's new interoperable instant payment system that will allow you to make instant payments and transfers, regardless of the institution where you have your account or electronic deposit. It will identify the new way to make instant payments and transfers easily, regardless of the time or day, even on weekends or holidays.

(More: Bre-B: This is the official date immediate payments begin .)

What does an immediate payment system allow?

It allows you to make immediate payments and transfers regardless of the financial institution or cooperative where you have your account or deposit. This means you can make transfers or payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With an interoperable immediate payment system, you can send and receive money instantly, regardless of the institution where you have your account or deposit.

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