Lula Signs Decree Overhauling Meal Vouchers With Fee Caps and Interoperability

Overview

• New rules cap merchant discount fees at 3.6% and interchange at 2%, with companies given 90 days to comply.
• Operators must transfer payments to establishments within 15 days, replacing typical 30–60 day timelines to ease cash flow.
• Interoperability is mandated, with systems serving over 500,000 workers opening in 180 days and full acceptance on any terminal in 360 days.
• Portability is not included for now; the decree bans rebates, cashback and other non-food perks, and forbids additional charges.
• The Labor Ministry will supervise implementation as legacy operators warn of legal challenges and fintechs, supermarkets and other merchants praise the changes.