Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Chile

Crypto trading activity in Chile has consistently increased following the implementation of comprehensive regulations introduced by the Financial Market Commission (CMF), which apply to exchanges operating in the country. Below is a comparison table of the leading trading platforms available to Chilean traders with information regarding fees, security, features and CLP deposit methods.

1. Bybit

Bybit is Chile’s top crypto exchange, offering a Spanish interface and facilitating CLP deposits from BCI, Banco Santander, BancoEstado and Banco de Chile. Since its launch in 2018, it has attracted over 68 million users and maintains a daily trading volume exceeding $30 billion across both order books.

It has a diverse selection of trading services from spot, perpetual futures contracts, options trading, and innovative products such as USDT-settled derivatives. Additional tools include trading bots, such as Grid Bot, Futures Combo Bot, and DCA Bot, or TradeGPT, which provides AI-powered market insights.

The platform also offers the Bybit Card with cashback rewards up to 10%, multiple staking options supporting up to 200% APY, copy trading services, lending and borrowing and demo trading. It takes transparency seriously and regularly publishes its proof-of-reserves, showing all assets are backed 1:1.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading starts from 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 1,800 cryptocurrencies.‍
• Regulation & Licensing: Globally licensed and adheres to Chilean regulations.
• CLP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

2. Gate.io

Gate.io is popular among Chilean traders for its unmatched selection of over 3,800 digital currencies. Launched in 2013, IR has grown impressively, now supporting 21 million global customers and regularly processing billions in daily trading volume across both spot and futures markets.

The exchange offers comprehensive trading features, including spot markets, margin trading, and leveraged ETFs. Traders can access perpetual futures contracts with leverage options up to 125x. It further enhances trading with automated options like grid trading bots and extensive copy trading services.

Beyond traditional trading, it provides extensive earning options, including DeFi staking through aggregated protocols and Simple Earn products that offer attractive APRs. Gate’s Web3 suite also includes decentralized wallets, multi-chain swaps, and an intuitive dashboard for managing digital assets.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees start at 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,800 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Globally licensed but not explicitly regulated in Chile.
• CLP Deposit Methods: Credit cards and debit cards.

3. Kraken

Kraken is the exchange of choice among institutions in Chile due to its industry-leading security and transparent proof-of-reserves. Founded in 2011, it is among the most established and trusted cryptocurrency platforms globally, now serving over 10 million clients across 190 countries.

The platform offers sophisticated trading products designed for institutions, including Kraken Pro for advanced spot and margin trading with 5x leverage, futures contracts, and OTC services. Clients benefit from high liquidity, tight spreads, and powerful APIs that facilitate seamless algorithmic trading. 

Security remains important for Kraken, with industry-leading measures such as audited Proof of Reserves, cold storage, and comprehensive account protection protocols. Additionally, institutions gain access to Kraken Institutional, featuring personalized account management and specialized custody solutions.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker.
• Supported Assets: Over 390 cryptocurrencies.‍
• Regulation & Licensing: Kraken holds a Class F Digital Asset Business license with the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) (registration number 202403268).
• CLP Deposit Methods: International wire transfers, credit cards and debit cards.

4. Uphold

Uphold is the top crypto exchange for beginners in Chile due to its exceptionally user-friendly interface and straightforward trading experience. It distinguishes itself by enabling instant, single-step trading between multiple asset types, including cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies and precious metals.

Apart from seamless trading, Uphold offers attractive staking opportunities, allowing users to earn up to 15% APY by staking over 19 different cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it promotes disciplined investing strategies with intuitive features like automated recurring purchases and simple limit orders.

Security and transparency form the cornerstone of Uphold’s trust among Chilean users. Uphold has pioneered real-time transparency since its inception, openly displaying its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds. The platform can also be used in Spanish and accepts CLP deposits.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees range from 0.5% - 2.49%.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and traditional currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Globally regulated, adhering to GDPR, CCPA, and PCI DSS standards.
• CLP Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Google Pay, Apple Pay, debit cards and credit cards.

5. MEXC

‍MEXC is a preferred choice among Chilean crypto traders, especially those interested in high-leverage futures trading, offering up to 400x leverage. Established in 2018, the exchange has over 10 million clients and a daily trading volume surpassing $5 billion, providing deep liquidity.

Chilean users benefit from its extensive range of trading options, including spot markets with over 2,900 pairs and futures trading across more than 1,100 perpetual contracts. Additionally, the exchange offers leveraged ETFs, allowing experienced traders to capitalize on short-term market volatility.

Security is a priority at MEXC, with asset protection measures such as a dedicated Futures Insurance Fund and a reserve ratio exceeding 100%, reassuring traders that their funds are safe. The intuitive platform supports multiple languages, including Spanish, making it accessible for Chilean traders.

Platform Highlights:

• Fees: Spot trading fees are 0%​ maker fee and 0.05% taker fee.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,900 spot pairs.
• Regulation & Licensing: Currently not specifically regulated in Chile.
• CLP Deposit Methods: P2P transactions only.

Is Crypto Regulated in Chile?

​Chile has taken steps to regulate the cryptocurrency sector. Central to these efforts is the enactment of Law No. 21.521, commonly referred to as the Fintech Law, which occurred on January 4, 2023. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework for addressing activities related to crypto assets.​

The Financial Market Commission (CMF) is the primary regulatory authority overseeing these services. In January 2024, the CMF issued General Rule No. 502, detailing the requirements for registering financial service providers. Entities offering services like crypto exchanges or custody solutions must register with the CMF and obtain the authorization to operate legally in the country. 

How is Crypto Taxed in Chile?

​In Chile, the taxation of cryptocurrencies is governed by the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (SII), which classifies cryptocurrencies as digital or virtual assets, not as legal tender or foreign currency. This classification has distinct implications for income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) obligations.​

• Individual Income Tax: Profits derived from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrencies are considered taxable income. Individuals must report these gains in their annual tax returns under the Global Complementary Tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 40%. ​
• Business Income Tax: Companies engaging in cryptocurrency transactions are subject to the First Category Tax at a rate of 27%. Profits from these activities are treated as ordinary income.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): The SII has determined that the sale of cryptocurrencies is not subject to Chile's 19% VAT, as these assets are considered intangible goods.

Taxpayers engaged in cryptocurrency transactions must maintain accurate records and report their activities to the SII. Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in penalties, including fines and interest on overdue payments.

‍Cryptocurrency Adoption in Chile

Chile’s cryptocurrency market continues to grow significantly, with revenues expected to reach around US$238.8 million by the end of 2025. Approximately 3.69 million Chileans, nearly 19% of the population, will engage in cryptocurrency trading and investments within the same year. 

This growing enthusiasm for digital assets is supported by clear regulatory guidelines established by the CMF, which oversees the licensing and operational compliance of crypto exchanges and related service providers.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Chile

Chilean investors looking to purchase Bitcoin must select crypto exchanges regulated by the Financial Market Commission (CMF). Follow these straightforward steps to buy BTC in Chile:

1. Find Exchange: Select a reputable cryptocurrency exchange authorized to operate in Chile. Make sure the exchange supports deposits in Chilean Pesos (CLP).
2. Register Your Account: Create an account on your chosen exchange and complete the required identity verification. Typically, you'll need a valid government-issued ID and proof of residency.
3. Deposit Funds: Add Chilean Pesos to your exchange account through accepted payment methods, including local bank transfers, credit cards, or other approved digital payment options.
4. Purchase Bitcoin: Visit the Bitcoin trading section, specify how much BTC you wish to buy, carefully review the exchange rate and transaction fees, and then confirm your purchase.

Following these clear steps ensures that Chilean investors can safely and confidently buy Bitcoin through fully licensed crypto exchanges.

Final Thoughts

Chile has positioned itself as a promising hub for crypto trading and investment, thanks to the structured regulatory framework provided by the Financial Market Commission’s oversight. 

For Chilean traders and investors, choosing the right platform, whether it's Bybit for diverse trading tools, Gate.io for an extensive crypto selection, Kraken for institutional security, Uphold for ease of use, or MEXC for high leverage, can significantly impact their investment outcomes.