President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed this Tuesday (11) the decree that modernizes the Workers’ Food Program (PAT). The measure updates the rules of the food voucher and meal voucher system, with the aim of increasing transparency, competition and integrity in the sector.
The changes benefit more than 22 million workers, who will have greater freedom of choice and better acceptance of cards. The decree also brings balance to companies and establishments, ensuring that resources are used exclusively for food.
Created in 1976, PAT is the oldest public policy of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) and is expected to complete 50 years in 2026. The program has 327 thousand registered companies and reaches 22.1 million workers across the country.
Among the new features, the decree establishes limits on fees charged by operators: the maximum merchant rate (MDR) will be 3.6%, and the interchange fee will be capped at 2%. It also reduces the period for transferring amounts to establishments to up to 15 calendar days, and determines that, within 360 days, any card in the program works on any payment machine — a measure that guarantees interoperability between brands.
>> Questions and answers about new rules
Payment systems with more than 500,000 workers must be opened within 180 days, which increases competition and reduces market concentration. The decree also prohibits abusive practices, such as discounts, indirect benefits and financial advantages that are not related to food.
According to the MTE, the changes strengthen supervision and avoid contractual distortions, promoting a fairer and more predictable environment. The PAT Interministerial Steering Committee will be responsible for defining technical parameters and regulating the system’s rules.
For workers, the new decree guarantees full maintenance of the benefit and exclusive use for food. For establishments, it expands the acceptance network and improves the flow of receipts. Beneficiary companies will have more legal security and cost predictability.
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Main changes
– Maximum limits for fees charged by operators:
The rate charged to establishments (MDR) cannot exceed 3.6%. The interchange fee will be capped at 2%, with no additional charges being prohibited. Companies will have 90 days to comply with these rules.
– Full interoperability between brands:
Within 360 days, any card in the program must work on any payment machine, with the implementation of full interoperability between brands. This measure increases the freedom of choice for companies, workers and establishments.
Reduction in the financial transfer period:
The transfer to establishments must occur within 15 calendar days after the transaction — a rule that comes into force within 90 days. Currently, restaurants and similar companies receive the amounts 30 days after transactions.
Opening payment arrangements:
Systems with more than 500,000 workers must be opened within 180 days, so that any facilitators who observe the flag’s rules will be able to participate in the arrangement. This increases competition and reduces market concentration, since, in a closed arrangement, the functions of settlor, issuer and accreditor can be performed by the same company.
Protection rules:
Prohibition of abusive commercial practices, such as discounts, discounts, indirect benefits, deadlines incompatible with prepaid transfers and financial advantages not related to food. These rules come into effect immediately, as does the obligation of beneficiary companies to guide workers and comply with all program rules.
