💸 Immediate Payments in Colombia
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2025, the Colombian financial system is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The arrival of instant payment platforms such as Transfiya, Redeban and the upcoming implementation of Bre-B by Banco de la República, are changing the rules of the game in terms of how, when and with what level of security money can be moved between individuals and entities.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis on the current state of immediate payments in Colombia and its impact for those leading financial processes in cooperatives, banks, fintechs and companies that provide credit products.
⚡ What are Immediate Payments and why do they matter?
An immediate payments system allows electronic transfers to be made in real time, securely and without hourly interruptions (they operate 24/7). For financial institutions, this represents:
- Reduced operating times.
- Better user experience.
- Less friction in collection and disbursement processes.
- Greater competitiveness vis-à-vis new players in the ecosystem.
🧪 Radiography of the 3 key systems in Colombia
🏛️ 1. Bre-B - Banco de la República (Launch: September 2025)
This will be the country's official immediate payments system, operated directly by the Central Bank. Its objective is to guarantee universal interoperability and reduce dependence on private intermediaries.
Technical characteristics:
- Transfers in up to 20 seconds.
- Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
- Uses “keys” (ID, cell phone, email, unique code).
- Transaction limit: $10,951,000 COP.
- Designed to be secure, scalable and neutral.
Its implementation will position Colombia on a par with systems such as PIX in Brazil or CoDi in Mexico. Entities that are not ready for Bre-B could lose competitiveness in their digital service.
📱 2. Transfiya – ACH Colombia (Launched in 2020)
This pioneering system allows sending, receiving and requesting money using only the cell phone number. It is free for users and compatible with more than 25 entities.
Key indicators:
- +20 million users.
- +298 million transfers.
- High adoption among digital wallets.
Challenges:
Some reports of lost funds and perceived vulnerabilities in the end-user experience.
🌐 3. Redeban – Private infrastructure.
Redeban has developed its own immediate payment network based on digital identifiers, integrating with popular banking apps.
Where it works:
- Bancolombia (Tus Llaves)
- Davivienda and Daviplata
- Nequi
- Nu Colombia
🔍 What are major financial institutions doing?
Throughout 2025, the country's leading banks and cooperatives have begun adapting their internal systems to connect with Bre-B and improve the digital payments experience. Here's a quick look:
| 🏦 Entity | 🧠 Active System | 🔄 Preparation for Bre-B | 🧩 Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bancolombia | Tus Llaves | ✅ | Instant transfers at no cost |
| Davivienda/Daviplata | Interoperable keys | ✅ | Direct links to Nequi and other banks |
| Nequi | Suggested user | ✅ | Simplified UX with personalized aliases |
| Banco de Bogotá | Tag Aval | ✅ | Grupo Aval coverage + interoperability |
| Banco Caja Social | App with biometrics | ✅ | High security for digital users |
| Bancamía | QR interoperable | ✅ | Ideal for rural areas and mobility |
| Nu Colombia | Redeban | ✅ | Speed + full digitization |
🔄 What does this mean for cooperatives and solidarity sector entities?
The advance in immediate payments is not only a technological change, but a new expectation of the Colombian financial user.
✔️ Direct benefits:
- Reduced delinquency: by facilitating 24/7 payments.
- More online credit approval: by integrating immediate disbursement processes.
- Increased traceability: thanks to the use of unique identifiers.
- More financial inclusion: especially in areas where operating without schedules is essential.
🚀 Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now
The evolution of immediate payments redefines how money moves in Colombia. And the future is no longer optional: the entities that adapt with agility, technology and strategic vision are the ones that will make the difference.
