Top payment methods in Chile: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Chile? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Chile, with a population of around 20.21 million people, has a GDP of approximately 343.82 billion making it the 43rd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP,CLF)
The economy is driven by the export of commodities, particularly copper mining, alongside agriculture (fruit, wine) and services. It has numerous free trade agreements, with its main trading partners being China, the United States, and the European Union.
| Country | Chile |
|---|---|
| Population | 20.21 million |
| GDP (USD) | 343.82 billion |
| Global Ranking | 43rd |
| Currency | Chilean Peso (CLP,CLF) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Chile?
Debit cards have an extremely high penetration in Chile, largely due to BancoEstado's "CuentaRUT" account, which provides a debit card to a vast portion of the population, making it a primary payment tool. Credit cards are also very popular, especially for online purchases and for paying in installments. For online payments and direct peer-to-peer transfers, the "Transferencia Electrónica" system is a common and trusted method.
How to pay in Chile
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Chile.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Redcompra, Visa/Mastercard) | Cards are the most popular payment method. The local debit card system, Redcompra, is ubiquitous for in-person payments. Credit cards are also widely used, often with installment payment options. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Online bank transfers are a very common method for e-commerce payments. Services often integrate directly with bank accounts to facilitate secure, real-time transfers. | Online |
| Cash (Chilean Peso) | While Chile has a modern electronic payment system, cash continues to be widely used by the population for a variety of day-to-day transactions. | In-person |
| Digital Wallets | Digital wallets and mobile payment apps (like Mercado Pago) are growing in popularity, often linked to bank accounts or card credentials for online and in-person use. | Online/In-person |
Traveling beyond Chile? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Chile?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Chile.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.