PIX key types, and which to use on a printed code

A PIX key can be a CPF, CNPJ, email, phone number or a random EVP UUID. For anything printed publicly, use a random EVP key: it works identically but reveals neither your tax id nor your phone number, and it can be rotated.

The five types

Type	Example	Reveals
CPF	`12345678901`	Your personal tax id
CNPJ	`12345678000199`	Your company registration
Email	`loja@example.com`	An address that can be spammed
Phone	`+5511912345678`	A number that can be called or spammed
Random (EVP)	`123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-426614174000`	Nothing

All five work identically for receiving payments. The differences are entirely about what you disclose and what happens when you want to change it.

Why EVP for anything printed

A printed code is photographed, shared and posted online. If the key is your CPF, that identifier is now public and permanently associated with your business. CPF is used for identity verification across Brazilian services, which makes disclosing it a real risk rather than a theoretical one.

An EVP key:

Reveals nothing about you.
Can be deleted and replaced without changing your bank account.
Is not guessable, so nobody can look up your business by trying keys.

The trade-off is length — a UUID is 36 characters, which adds a few modules. On a 4 cm standee that is irrelevant.

When another type makes sense

CNPJ on a B2B invoice, where the counterparty already has it and expects to verify it.
Email for a personal, low-volume account where memorability matters more than privacy.
Phone for informal person-to-person transfers between people who already have the number.

Rotation

If a printed EVP key is compromised or you change banks, delete the key, create a new one and reprint. Existing codes stop working, which is the point — the old key no longer routes anywhere.

Because of that, treat a printed key as something you may one day need to reprint, and keep the standee design in a file you can rerun.

FAQ

Which PIX key should I use for a shop standee?

A random EVP key. It works identically to any other type but discloses nothing about you and can be rotated without changing your bank account.

Is it safe to print my CPF as a PIX key?

It works, but a printed CPF becomes public and is permanently linked to your business. CPF is used for identity verification across Brazilian services, so prefer an EVP key.

Can I change my PIX key later?

Yes — delete it and create a new one. Any printed codes using the old key stop working, so plan to reprint.

Does the key type affect fees or speed?

No. All five types route identically. The differences are disclosure and rotation only.