If you regularly support loved ones in Colombia, timing can be important. Whether you’re helping with monthly expenses, contributing to a special occasion, or providing financial support during an urgent situation, you may want funds to arrive as quickly as possible.
Colombia’s financial system continues to evolve, including the introduction of new domestic payment infrastructure.
In 2025, the Banco de la República (Colombia’s central bank) introduced Bre-B, an instant payment system designed to facilitate electronic transfers between participating banks and digital wallets. The system is intended to operate continuously, though actual availability, processing times, and participation depend on the individual financial institutions involved.
In some cases, international money transfer providers such as Remitly may deposit funds into eligible accounts that participate in Colombia’s instant payment infrastructure. Below, we explain how Bre-B works and how it fits into Colombia’s broader payments ecosystem.
What Is Bre-B?
Bre-B is Colombia’s national instant payment infrastructure. It is designed to enable interoperability between participating banks and digital wallets, allowing electronic transfers to be processed through a shared system.
The system was developed to support greater efficiency in digital payments, reduce reliance on cash transactions, and expand access to electronic transfers across institutions.
Bre-B operates as part of Colombia’s regulated financial system under the oversight of the Banco de la República.
How Are Instant Payments Used in Colombia?
Cash has historically played a significant role in Colombia’s economy, though digital payments have grown in recent years. Instant payment systems are designed to make electronic transfers more convenient.
People may use electronic transfers for:
- Paying for groceries or utilities
- Splitting shared expenses
- Paying independent workers or service providers
- Providing financial support during urgent situations
Bre-B is intended to operate outside traditional banking hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. However, processing times and availability depend on participating institutions, account type, and system conditions.
How Do Bre-B Keys Work?
Traditional bank transfers often require full account details. Bre-B introduces “keys” (llaves), which function as simplified identifiers linked to a bank account or digital wallet.
Depending on the participating institution, a key may be:
- A mobile phone number
- An email address
- A national ID number (cédula)
- A custom alphanumeric alias
Once registered within a participating institution’s app, the key can be used instead of sharing full account information. A key is typically linked to only one account at a time, subject to the institution’s policies.
Potential Benefits of Bre-B
Bre-B is designed to support faster electronic processing between participating institutions.
Other intended features include:
- Continuous system availability
- Interoperability between participating banks and wallets
- Domestic transfer pricing determined by each financial institution
Actual timing, fees, limits, and availability are determined by the financial institutions involved.
Limitations and Considerations
Transaction Limits
Participating institutions may set transaction limits. Certain account types may also be subject to regulatory caps.
Key Usage
A Bre-B key is typically linked to one account at a time. If a recipient uses multiple digital wallets (for example, Nequi or Daviplata), separate keys may be required based on each provider’s policies. These institutions are independent financial service providers; references here are for informational purposes only.
Domestic Infrastructure
Bre-B is a domestic Colombian payment system. Sending money from abroad generally requires an international transfer provider, which then deposits funds into a local participating institution.
Using Remitly to Send Money to Colombia
Depending on your sending country and available delivery options, Remitly may offer transfers to eligible Colombian bank accounts or digital wallets.
A general overview of the process:
- Download or Log In: Open the Remitly app or website.
- Select Destination: Choose Colombia.
- Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to send.
- Choose Delivery Method: Select from the available delivery options for your recipient.
- Enter Recipient Details: Provide the required account or registered key information, if supported.
- Review and Confirm: Verify the recipient’s details before sending.
- Complete Payment: Pay using your selected method.
*Delivery methods, eligibility, and processing times vary by sending country, receiving institution, payment method, and regulatory requirements.
Timing, Fees, and Exchange Rates
For eligible delivery options, funds may become available shortly after the transfer is approved. In some cases, availability may occur within minutes. Actual delivery timing depends on factors such as:
- Payment method
- Bank or wallet participation
- Compliance and identity verification checks
- Network conditions
- Local banking processes
Recipients receive funds in Colombian pesos (COP).
Before confirming a transfer, Remitly displays applicable fees and the exchange rate for review. The exchange rate shown at confirmation is generally the rate applied once the transaction is approved, subject to any required review.
*Delivery timing and pricing vary based on transfer details.
Comparing Traditional Transfers and Instant Infrastructure
| Feature | Traditional Bank Transfers | Instant Payment Infrastructure (Participating Institutions) |
| Processing Approach | Often processed during banking hours | Designed for continuous electronic processing |
| Timing | May take multiple business days, depending on institutions involved | May be processed more quickly between participating institutions; timing varies |
| Information Required | Full bank details | Registered key (if supported) |
The Bottom Line
Bre-B represents a development in Colombia’s domestic digital payment infrastructure. For individuals and families, faster electronic processing may improve how quickly funds are credited between participating institutions.
For senders abroad, international transfer providers may offer delivery options that connect into Colombia’s banking system. Availability, features, and timing depend on the institutions involved and the specific transfer corridor.
If timing is important, review your provider’s delivery options and estimated processing times before confirming a transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bre-B safe to use?
Bre-B operates within Colombia’s regulated financial framework. Users should follow standard security practices when sending or receiving electronic transfers.
Does Bre-B work on weekends and holidays?
The system is designed for continuous operation. However, processing availability depends on participating financial institutions.
What happens if I enter incorrect recipient information?
Some services may provide recipient name confirmation before finalizing a transfer. Always review details carefully, as completed transfers may be difficult to reverse.