Chile’s e-commerce landscape offers a variety of payment methods catering to consumer preferences for convenience, security, and flexibility. From widely used credit and debit cards to the rise of digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, Chileans have numerous options when shopping online. Local solutions like Redcompra, Servipag, and Khipu coexist with international options such as Visa and Mastercard, ensuring that both cash-preferring and digital-savvy consumers are well-served. This guide explores the key payment methods used in Chile’s e-commerce, highlighting local and international players shaping the market.
Payment by Card in Chile
Payment by cash in Chile
In Chile, cash payments remain popular for e-commerce, particularly through Cash on Delivery (COD) or cash-based methods like Servipag and Khipu. Consumers who prefer not to use cards often choose these methods.
Servipag is a local brand that enables cash payments for online purchases. Consumers can make payments at Servipag locations, which are present throughout the country. After the payment is made, the order is processed and shipped. Khipu also offers cash-based alternatives by allowing customers to pay using bank transfers, and it can be considered a secure alternative to card payments.
COD is less common but still used by some merchants, allowing customers to pay with cash upon delivery. It offers flexibility but carries risks for merchants, such as failed deliveries or payment refusals.
Local platforms like Falabella and Ripley offer these payment methods, catering to cash-preferred customers. Cash payments remain important in Chile, especially for unbanked or card-averse consumers.
Local actors : Servipag, Khipu
Payment by bank transfer in Chile
In Chile, bank transfers are a common payment method for e-commerce, especially for larger transactions. Consumers often prefer bank transfers for their security and ease of use. Chilean banks offer local transfers in CLP (Chilean Peso), processed through secure banking networks.
Instant payments are gaining popularity through local services like Khipu and Mach. Khipu enables customers to make payments via direct bank transfers without needing to manually input banking information. This service is fast and widely accepted by Chilean e-commerce platforms.
Some e-commerce sites also allow customers to make direct bank transfers, where users manually enter the merchant’s bank details at checkout. However, these transfers often require confirmation before order processing, causing delays compared to instant payment options.
Khipu is a leading brand for instant payments, integrating with most Chilean banks and offering fast, secure transactions. Additionally, Mach, backed by Banco de Chile, is an emerging service, enabling users to make transfers and online payments efficiently.
Local actors :
Payment by BNPL in Chile
In Chile, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is gaining traction as a payment method for e-commerce. Consumers can split payments into installments, making it easier to purchase expensive items.
Local brands like Mercado Crédito and Cencosud Scotiabank offer BNPL solutions for online shopping. Mercado Crédito, linked to MercadoLibre, allows consumers to finance their purchases and pay over time. Cencosud Scotiabank provides installment options through retailers like Paris and Jumbo, helping customers manage their payments flexibly.
Local brands like Cleo and Mach are leading players in the Chilean BNPL market. Cleo offers installment plans that range from 3 to 12 months, without requiring a credit card. It is integrated with over 50 merchants, covering sectors like fashion, health, and even airlines. This service is ideal for customers who prefer flexible payments and don’t have access to traditional credit options​.
Mach, a product of Banco Bci, also offers a BNPL option through its prepaid account. Users can divide payments into 3, 6, or 12 installments depending on their preferences, expanding access to flexible payments​.
Local actors : Cleo, Mach, Mercado Crédito, Cencosud Scotiabank
Payment by digital wallet and X-Pay in Chile
In Chile, digital wallets and e-wallets are increasingly popular for e-commerce, providing fast, secure payment options. Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely supported by local banks, allowing users to store card details and make contactless payments.
Several local digital wallets are also prominent in Chile. Mach, offered by Banco Bci, is a popular prepaid system that allows users to make payments, transfers, and online purchases. Global66 provides a multi-currency wallet, enabling users to hold and convert various currencies for cross-border transactions. Klap, previously known as Multicaja, is another local option that facilitates easy transfers and payments through e-commerce platforms.
Tenpo, another local wallet, enables users to make payments, manage finances, and transfer money instantly. Webpay by Transbank also supports wallet functions, facilitating payments across a wide range of Chilean merchants and ensuring smooth online transactions.
These solutions help Chilean consumers complete secure online transactions, supporting payments in CLP and other currencies. E-wallets improve the shopping experience by reducing manual input and speeding up payments​
Local actors : Mach, Klap, Webpay, Tenpo, Global66
Payment methods in Chile interesting you?
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