Introduction

Chile's digital payment landscape is experiencing rapid growth, mirroring global trends towards cashless transactions. Increased internet penetration and a tech-savvy population are driving the adoption of various online payment methods. While credit and debit cards have traditionally dominated, alternative payment methods like digital wallets and bank transfers are gaining significant traction, spurred by convenience and security. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with both local and international players vying for a share of this expanding digital economy. Businesses in Chile are adapting to these changes to cater to evolving consumer preferences and ensure seamless online transaction experiences.

Online payment providers Chile

Here are some online payment providers in Chile;

1. Local Payment Gateways:
   

•  Webpay Plus (Transbank)
• Khipu
• Servipag
• Sencillito
• Pago Fácil

2. International Payment Gateways with Local Reach:

• Mercado Pago
• Transfi
• PayPal
• 2Checkout (Verifone)
• Stripe
• EBANX
• PayU
• Worldline
• APEXX Global

3. Digital Wallets:
   

• Transfi
• MACH Pay
• Fpay
• Tenpo
• OnePay (powered by Redcompra)
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay

4. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL):
   

• Mercado Crédito
• Cencosud Scotiabank
• Cleo
• MACH

5. Bank Transfers (via platforms):
   

• Webpay
• Khipu

6. Cash Payment Facilitators:
   

• Servipag
• Sencillito

Transfi focuses on global payment solutions and also enables crypto on-ramps in Chile using local payment methods like WebPay, ServiPag, and bank transfers. They also support stablecoin payments for businesses.

Local payment methods in Chile

Here are the local payment methods commonly used in Chile:

1. Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted. The local card scheme Redcompra is very significant for debit and prepaid cards. Debit cards are generally more popular for online purchases.
   
2. Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are frequently used, especially for larger transactions. Platforms like Webpay and Khipu facilitate these.
   
3. Digital Wallets: Gaining popularity rapidly, key players include Mercado Pago, MACH Pay, Fpay, and Tenpo. Webpay also supports wallet functionalities. International wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also increasingly accepted.
   
4. Cash-Based Payments: While digital methods grow, cash remains important. Services like Servipag and Sencillito allow customers to pay for online purchases with cash at physical locations. Cash on Delivery (COD) is less common but still present.
   
5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): This is an emerging trend with local options like Mercado Crédito, Cencosud Scotiabank, Cleo, and MACH offering installment plans.
   
6. Mobile Payments: Payments via mobile apps such as Mach, PagoFácil, and Tenpo are increasingly used for various transactions.
   
7. Redcompra/OnePay: Redcompra, the leading debit card scheme, also powers OnePay, a mobile payment application.

The best platform for you will depend on your specific requirements, such as the volume and frequency of transactions, the countries you're dealing with, and your budget. Checkout Transfi’s Bizpay for easier transactions, faster payouts and collections and simplified transfers.

USD to CLP payment solutions

Here are some of the local payment methods commonly used in Chile:

1. Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted. Debit cards are more popular than credit cards for online purchases. Local card schemes like Redcompra are also significant, especially for debit and prepaid cards.  

2. Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are a common method, particularly for larger transactions. Services like Khipu facilitate these transfers. Webpay is a leading platform for bank transfers.  

3. Digital Wallets: These are gaining popularity. Key players include:

• Mercado Pago: A widely used digital wallet in Latin America.  
• Transfi: A widely used digital wallet amongst locals
• MACH Pay: A popular local digital wallet.  
• Fpay: Another significant digital wallet in Chile.  
• Tenpo: A local wallet enabling payments and money transfers.  
• Webpay: Supports wallet functionalities. 
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay: Increasingly supported by local banks.

4. Cash-Based Payments: While digital payments are growing, cash remains relevant, especially for those unbanked or preferring it. Services like:

• Servipag: Allows customers to pay for online purchases with cash at physical locations.  
• Sencillito: Similar to Servipag, enabling cash payments for online purchases at affiliated stores.  
• Cash on Delivery (COD): Less common but still offered by some merchants.

5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): This option is becoming more popular, with local brands like:

• Mercado Crédito: Linked to MercadoLibre.
• Cencosud Scotiabank: Offers installments through retailers like Paris and Jumbo.
• Cleo: Provides installment plans without requiring a credit card.
• MACH: Also operates in the BNPL space.

6. Mobile Payments: Payments through mobile applications like Mach, PagoFácil, and Tenpo are increasingly common for bills, transfers, and online shopping.

7. Redcompra: This is the leading card scheme for debit and prepaid cards in Chile, managed by Transbank. It also powers OnePay, a mobile payment app.

^{“In markets like Chile, where reliability and local access are key, TransFi BizPay empowers businesses to move money across borders instantly, with 250+ local methods and built-in compliance.” - Rahul Sahni, COO & CPO TransFi}

Crypto and stablecoin-friendly payment platforms in Chile

While the regulatory landscape for digital assets and stablecoins in Chile is still developing, some platforms facilitate payments involving digital assets:

1. Transfi: Transfi positions itself as a global payment solution provider and explicitly mentions enabling crypto on-ramps in Chile using local payment methods like WebPay, ServiPag, and bank transfers. This suggests they facilitate the conversion of fiat to crypto for users in Chile. They also highlight support for stablecoin issuers and enabling businesses to accept payments in stablecoins alongside fiat currencies, offering cross-border payment solutions.  

2. El Dorado P2P: This platform focuses on stablecoins in Latin America, including Chile. It allows users to buy, sell, and make payments with stablecoins like USDT through peer-to-peer transactions using local payment methods. They emphasize gasless stablecoin payments within their ecosystem.

3. Stripe: While primarily a traditional payment processor, Stripe has been expanding its offerings to include crypto. They allow businesses to build crypto businesses by processing payments and payouts globally, including stablecoins like USDC on various blockchains. They also offer a fiat-to-crypto onramp. It's advisable to check their current availability and specific features for Chile.  

4. Nuvei: Nuvei offers a comprehensive blockchain payment solution that includes support for stablecoin transactions. They facilitate real-time stablecoin transactions, fiat-to-stablecoin conversion, and settlement services. 

It's important to note that the regulatory environment for digital assets and stablecoins can change. Businesses and individuals should stay informed about the latest regulations in Chile when using these payment methods. Platforms that facilitate crypto and stablecoin payments often do so by providing on-ramp and off-ramp services, allowing users to convert between fiat and digital currencies.

To avoid high fees and easy setting up for carrying out international transfers, checkout Transfi’s Bizpay and avail the maximum benefits across countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Chile's regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins is still evolving, several platforms are emerging to cater to the growing interest in these digital assets for payments. Transfi, El Dorado P2P, Stripe, and Nuvei represent examples of services enabling transactions involving cryptocurrencies and particularly stablecoins within the Chilean market, often by bridging the gap between traditional fiat payment methods and the digital asset ecosystem. As the regulatory landscape matures, we can expect further developments and potentially wider adoption of crypto and stablecoin-friendly payment solutions in Chile.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What are some of the digital payment options in Chile?

• Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Redcompra.
• Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Redcompra.
• Bank Transfers: via Webpay, Khipu.
• Digital Wallets: Mercado Pago, MACH Pay, Fpay, Tenpo, OnePay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.
• Cash-Based Payments: Servipag, Sencillito.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Mercado Crédito, Cencosud Scotiabank, Cleo, MACH.
• Mobile Payment Apps: Mach, PagoFácil, Tenpo, OnePay.
• Transfi: Enables crypto on-ramps using local methods and supports stablecoin payments.
• Cryptocurrencies (via specific platforms): Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT (and others depending on the platform like Binance, Transak, El Dorado P2P).
• Stablecoins (via specific platforms): USDT, USDC (depending on the platform like El Dorado P2P, Stripe, Nuvei).

2. How to accept online payments in Chile?

• Choose a Payment Gateway: Select a provider (e.g., Webpay Plus, Mercado Pago).  
• Integrate with Your Platform: Connect it to your website or app (API, plugins).  
• Offer Local Methods: Include credit/debit cards (Redcompra), bank transfers (Webpay, Khipu), e-wallets (MACH, Mercado Pago).
• Consider Cash Options: Integrate services like Servipag or Sencillito.
• Explore BNPL: Offer "Buy Now, Pay Later" through providers like Mercado Crédito.  
• Ensure Security (SSL): Protect customer payment data.  
• Test Thoroughly: Verify all payment flows.
• Comply with Local Regulations: Understand Chilean financial rules.
• Provide Clear Instructions: Guide customers during checkout.
• Offer Customer Support: Assist with payment issues.
• Consider Mobile Options: Integrate with mobile wallets like MACH.
• Explore Crypto/Stablecoins (if applicable): Use platforms like Transfi or others.

3. What are the best digital wallets for consumers in Chile 2025?

• Transfi
• MACH Pay
• Fpay
• Tenpo
• Mercado Pago
• OnePay
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay

4. How is Accepting local and international payments different in Chile?

Accepting local payments in Chile typically involves integrating with popular domestic methods like credit/debit cards (especially Redcompra), bank transfers (via Webpay or Khipu), and local digital wallets (MACH, Mercado Pago, Fpay). International payments necessitate supporting global card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and potentially international wallets like PayPal. The key differences lie in the specific payment methods offered, the payment gateways used to process them (local vs. international focus), currency handling (primarily CLP for local), and compliance with Chilean financial regulations for local transactions versus broader international standards.

5. What are some of the secure digital payment systems for Chilean SMEs?

Secure digital payment systems for Chilean SMEs prioritize protecting transaction data and preventing fraud. Reputable payment gateways like Webpay Plus (Transbank), Transfi, Mercado Pago, and PayU employ encryption (SSL), tokenization, and often comply with PCI DSS standards to ensure cardholder data security. They also integrate fraud monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities. Local digital wallets such as MACH Pay and Fpay offer secure transactions through user authentication and data protection within their apps. Utilizing QR codes (QRIS-like systems) can also provide a secure, contactless payment method. SMEs should choose providers with robust security measures and stay informed about best practices for online payment security.