Cielo
Cielo is the leading payment gateway and acquirer in Brazil, processing credit and debit card transactions across Latin America. Operating since the 1990s, the company serves over one million merchants and covers nearly 100% of Brazil’s territory.
The platform supports a wide range of local payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Elo, Hipercard, debit cards, Pix, and boleto. It offers solutions for both online and in-person businesses and can be integrated via REST API or plugins such as WooCommerce.
Cielo includes features like recurring billing, partial refunds, and installment payments up to 18 months for PRO API users. Its security infrastructure complies with ISO/IEC 27001 and PCI DSS standards, and it aligns with Brazil’s LGPD data protection law.
There are no public records of major data breaches or financial losses. Cielo operates a dedicated internal incident response team (CSIRT) and has a 48-hour disclosure policy for any confirmed security incidents.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Regions | Brazil, Latin America |
| Getting started | via API or plugins (e.g. WooCommerce) |
| Commission per transaction | varies by plan / volume |
| Payment methods accepted | Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Elo, Hipercard, debit cards, boleto, Pix |
| Fraud & Risk management | built-in tools, CSIRT, PCI DSS, ISO standards |
| Accepted Currencies | BRL (others negotiated) |
| Set up type | API / plugin / POS |
| Onboarding & Approvals time | typically few days |
| Recurring Billing | supported in PRO API |
| Charges on Refunds | partial refund supported |
| SDK Stacks | WooCommerce plugin, REST API, SDKs |
| Settlement time | same-day or next business day |
| Payouts support | bank deposit in BRL |
| Split payments | available (via API) |
| RegionsBrazil, Latin America | |
| Getting startedvia API or plugins (e.g. WooCommerce) | |
| Commission per transactionvaries by plan / volume | |
| Payment methods acceptedVisa, Mastercard, AmEx, Elo, Hipercard, debit cards, boleto, Pix | |
| Fraud & Risk managementbuilt-in tools, CSIRT, PCI DSS, ISO standards | |
| Accepted CurrenciesBRL (others negotiated) | |
| Set up typeAPI / plugin / POS | |
| Onboarding & Approvals timetypically few days | |
| Recurring Billingsupported in PRO API | |
| Charges on Refundspartial refund supported | |
| SDK StacksWooCommerce plugin, REST API, SDKs | |
| Settlement timesame-day or next business day | |
| Payouts supportbank deposit in BRL | |
| Split paymentsavailable (via API) |
Pros
- Market leader in Brazil
- Wide support for local payment methods
- Recurring billing and installment payments available
- Certified for security and LGPD compliance
- Flexible API and plugin-based integration
Cons
- No public pricing information
- Limited multi-currency and international support
- Occasional plugin setup issues reported
- Mixed feedback on customer support responsiveness
Benefits of Using the Cielo Payment Gateway
Cielo offers a robust and scalable payment solution tailored for Brazilian businesses. From credit cards and Pix to boleto and recurring billing, merchants can access a full suite of tools for both e-commerce and retail. The platform supports reliable daily settlements, flexible refund options, and integration with leading card networks.
Its infrastructure allows seamless onboarding via API or plugin. Businesses can quickly set up payment flows, configure fraud controls, and automate operations. PRO-level users get access to extended features such as tokenization, recurring charges, and installment plans.
How to Use the Cielo API as a Payment Gateway
Merchants start by registering and integrating the gateway using the available REST API or a plugin. Access credentials are provided upon approval. Once connected, businesses can configure payment options, activate risk settings, and begin accepting transactions. All operations are managed via dashboard or API calls. Advanced features like recurring billing require the PRO setup.
Cielo API Review from Real Business Use
Merchants generally praise Cielo for its reliability, payment method diversity, and ease of integration. The WooCommerce plugin is considered user-friendly, though some users have reported minor setup issues. Businesses also note occasional delays in support response. Overall, Cielo is seen as a trusted and mature solution with a strong presence in the Brazilian market.
Safety
Cielo maintains a strong security posture with no major data leaks or fraud cases publicly reported. It complies with ISO/IEC 27001, 27701, PCI DSS, and LGPD. The internal CSIRT monitors risks and responds to incidents promptly. In case of a confirmed breach, the company commits to notifying affected parties within 48 hours and taking necessary containment measures.
Account fees for business
Cielo does not publish standard pricing. Transaction fees vary depending on card type, volume, and agreement terms. Setup and annual fees may be negotiated case by case. Advanced features such as recurring payments or installment support are typically part of a PRO contract. Merchants must contact the sales team for a custom quote.
Which type of business
Cielo suits mid to large-sized businesses operating in Brazil. It's ideal for e-commerce, retail chains, subscription services, hospitality, healthcare, and other industries requiring installment plans or boleto support. The solution scales well across various sectors and customer volumes.
For physical clients
Cielo provides POS terminals for physical stores, accepting both card payments and QR codes. Brick-and-mortar merchants benefit from fast onboarding, daily settlements, and built-in fraud prevention. Terminals are compatible with local banking systems and support boleto issuance, making the solution equally effective offline.
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FAQ
Can international businesses use Cielo?
Cielo is designed for merchants operating in Brazil. While international companies can use the gateway, it generally requires setting up a local legal entity or partnering with a Brazilian acquirer. Multi-currency capabilities are not standard and need to be negotiated.
How are refunds and chargebacks handled?
Cielo supports both full and partial refunds through its API or dashboard. Chargebacks are managed according to card network rules. The platform includes risk and fraud prevention tools to reduce dispute rates, offering merchants more control and security.
What security certifications does Cielo have?
Cielo is certified under ISO/IEC 27001 and 27701 for information security and privacy management. It also complies with PCI DSS for payment data and LGPD for user data protection in Brazil. An internal CSIRT team handles risk mitigation and breach notifications.
What is the typical settlement time?
Most payments are settled same-day or the next banking day. Funds are deposited in BRL to the merchant’s local bank account. Settlement speed may vary depending on the payment method and contract terms.
Does Cielo support recurring billing?
Yes. Cielo’s PRO API includes built-in support for subscriptions and recurring payments. Businesses can implement tokenized billing cycles, schedule automated charges, and offer installment-based payment flows.
