What is the most popular payment method in Chile?
The debit card. In the central bank ENUPE 2025 survey, 81% of people said they use debit frequently, against 64% for cash. Banks processed 4.6 billion debit card transactions in 2025, more than four times the number of credit card payments.
In detail
The debit card. In the central bank ENUPE 2025 survey, 81% of people said they use debit frequently, against 64% for cash. Banks processed 4.6 billion debit card transactions in 2025, more than four times the number of credit card payments.
Why debit is so common
Most Chileans hold a bank account with a debit card, including the widely held CuentaRUT from BancoEstado. Contactless debit is accepted in most stores.
Credit cards
Credit cards are used for larger purchases, often in installments, and are common online.
Online payments
Cards, bank transfers through pay-by-bank providers, and wallets are all present. Installments are expected for larger purchases.
Cash
Cash remains widely used for small purchases and in informal commerce, though its share is falling.
Acquiring market
Chile moved to a four-party card model, which opened acquiring to several competitors and changed how merchants are served.
What it means for payment operators
For your merchants in Chile, debit cards, credit with installments and pay-by-bank cover most shoppers. Local acquiring and local methods through one platform simplify their entry.