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Launched in response to the pandemic, Caixa Tem has evolved from an emergency tool to an essential digital platform for distributing social benefits and financial inclusion for millions.
Caixa Tem has established itself as a key app in Brazil, operated by Caixa Econômica Federal. Its rise was driven by the urgent need to distribute government aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly becoming a pillar of social protection and digital financial inclusion in the country.
Created to reach millions of unbanked Brazilians, Caixa Tem overcame operational and security challenges to become a multifaceted platform. This is the complete story of its origin, impact and evolution.
Emergency origin: the launch of Caixa Tem in the midst of the pandemic
Caixa Tem was publicly launched around April 9 or 10, 2020, just seven days after the Emergency Aid law was enacted. Its initial purpose was clear: to serve as a platform for depositing and managing payments for this benefit, with a focus on citizens without bank accounts.
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Caixa automatically created free Digital Social Savings accounts for eligible individuals, accessible exclusively through the app. The accelerated launch, in direct response to the health crisis, was crucial, but also contributed to initial technical challenges.
Caixa Tem and COVID-19: leading role in the distribution of aid
Between 2020 and 2021, Caixa Tem was the central tool for distributing financial aid. By August 2020, it had already made 215,6 million Emergency Aid payments, reaching 65,9 million Brazilians, including 40 million unbanked “invisible” people.
In addition to the Emergency Aid, Caixa Tem operationalized the Emergency Withdrawal of the FGTS and the Emergency Benefit (BEm). By the beginning of 2022, more than 112 million accounts had been created, with R$401 billion injected into the economy through the application.
Growing pains: instability and security at the height of Caixa Tem
The rapid implementation and massive use of Caixa Tem generated problems. Server instability, slowness and overload were common, resulting in virtual and physical waiting lines at Caixa branches. Many users, especially those with low digital literacy, faced difficulties in accessing the service.
Security was also a challenge, with fraudsters diverting emergency aid payments. One notorious scheme embezzled R$2 billion. Caixa worked to improve performance and security, cooperating with authorities.
Beyond the crisis: the consolidation of Caixa Tem as a digital social bank
After the critical phase of the pandemic, Caixa Tem evolved. It became the main channel for permanent social benefits such as Bolsa Família, Auxílio Gás, Abono Salarial (PIS/PASEP) and Unemployment Insurance.
The app incorporated banking features such as PIX, bill payment, cell phone top-up, virtual debit card and cardless withdrawals. There was also a microcredit initiative (Digital SIM) in 2022, later suspended in 2023. Interface improvements sought to optimize the user experience.
