Payment methods: cards, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies (Chile)

Introduction: How players pay in Chile in 2025

The Chilean payment landscape combines a developed card infrastructure (via Transbank: Webpay/Redcompra), ubiquitous electronic transfers (TEF) and rapidly growing fintech wallets (MACH, Tenpo, Fpay), as well as convenient on/off ramp services for cryptocurrencies. For iGaming platforms (online casinos, bookmakers), this means a wide selection of I/O channels, but with nuances in compliance, transaction scoring and possible restrictions on banks on operations with offshore operators.

1) Bank cards (Visa/Mastercard, debit and credit)

How does it work

Deposits: Most often via Webpay (Transbank gateway) with 3-D Secure/One-Time Password. Debit cards (including Redcompra) and Visa/Mastercard credit cards.

Conclusions: less often on maps; platforms usually offer bank transfer to the customer's account.

Pluses

Instant enrollment.

Familiar UX: card saving, repeated deposits, 3-D Secure.

Cashback/buns on credit cards (depends on the bank).

Cons and risks

Banks can block payments to offshore operators or mark them as high-risk.

Additional commissions from the bank/issuer and possible conversion with multi-currency merchants are possible.

Chargeback risk for operators → stricter CCM/limits.

Best practices for operators

Local acquiring through integration with Webpay/Transbank.

Enable 3-D Secure by default.

Show CLP amount and final fee before confirmation.

Provide an alternative (translation/crypto) in case of card failure.

2) Bank transfers to CLP (TEF, local payment aggregators)

How does it work

The player selects a bank transfer (TEF) → receives details or pays through a local aggregator (Khipu, Flow, Pago Fácil, Onepay, etc.), which automates payment matching.

Winnings are most often withdrawn through electronic transfer to a bank account (including CuentaRUT BancoEstado).

Pluses

High approval rate (especially local TEFs).

Low fees compared to cards (usually).

Convenient for large sums and conclusions.

Minuses

The speed can vary: from instantaneous to several hours/working day (especially for conclusions).

Data accuracy is required (RUT, account number, bank).

Some banks are cautious about transactions related to offshore gambling.

Best practices for operators

Integration with local aggregators (automatic payment mapping, webhooks).

Automatic recipient verification during output (RUT, bank).

Clear SLA policy on withdrawal dates (for example, "up to 24 hours on weekdays").

3) Cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT, ETH, etc.)

How does it work

Deposit: the player sends coins to a unique address (or through a provider from the TRON/ETH/BNB network), crediting after the necessary confirmations.

Conclusion: the operator sends crypto to the player's wallet; conversion to CLP is possible through local exchanges/fintech services.

Pluses

Fast and often cheap (especially stablecoins on low-fee chains).

No chargeback; useful for high rollers and frequent players.

Convenient for card/bank limits.

Cons and risks

Volatility (for non-stablecoins).

Requirements for AML/KYC and source of funds (operators may request additional verification).

Some players are unfamiliar with the on/off ramp process.

Best practices for operators

Offer stablecoins (e.g. USDT/USDC) to reduce volatility.

Support popular networks (TRON, ETH, BSC) and clearly indicate network tag/memo.

Publish clear guides: how to buy crypto in Chile, limits, commissions, confirmation deadlines.

Comparison table (summary)

Method	Deposit speed	Withdrawal rate	Commissions (typical)	Limits	Chargeback	Privacy
Maps (Webpay/Redcompra)	Instantly	Low/medium (more often through translation)	Medium/possible at the bank/acquirer	Averages	Yes (operator risk)	Low-medium
Bank Transfer (TEF/Aggregators)	Fast/up to several hours	Medium (usually up to 24 hours on weekdays)	Low-medium	High	No	Average
Cryptocurrencies (BTC/USDT/ETH)	Fast (after network confirmations)	Quickly	Low-medium (network dependent)	Flexible (operator specific)	No	Medium-high (including KYC at the operator)

💡 Note: actual fees/deadlines vary by operator, bank, network and amount.

KYC/AML and Compliance

Cards and transfers: identity, age and address checks are mandatory; the bank may request confirmation of the source of funds in case of abnormal activity.

Cryptocurrencies: operators are ready to accept crypto, but are increasingly using on-chain analysis and additional transaction checks.

Taxes: the player's winnings and cash flows are subject to local tax accounting rules; save statements/receipts.

Responsible play: deposit/loss limits, self-exclusion, "cooling periods."

UX recommendations for operators working with Chile

1. Show CLP by default, exclude unexpected conversions.

2. Give alternatives: if the card is rejected → offer TEF or crypto with a step-by-step instruction.

3. Transparent fees: total amount before confirmation.

4. Quick conclusions: TEF automation, recipient presets, understandable SLAs.

5. Crypt beginner guides: network selection, commissions, seed phrase security.

Risks and how to mitigate them

Card deviations: local acquiring + 3-D Secure, retry via alternate MIDs/routing.

Translation delays: integration with aggregators that auto-start.

Crypto errors (wrong network/address): pop-up checks of the network, confirmation memo/tag, training tips.

Fraud and laundering: limits, behavioral analytics, multi-level KYC, transaction monitoring.

Checklist for player (Chile)

Choose a method for the goal: fast depot → card/crypto; large withdrawal → bank transfer.

Always check the currency (CLP) and the final amount.

For crypt, use stablecoins and the correct network (double check before sending).

Keep receipts: Webpay screen/check, transaction hash, TEF confirmation.

Play with operators with a clear CCL/pin policy and support in Spanish.

FAQ

Is it possible to top up your account through CuentaRUT?

Yes, more often through bank transfer (TEF) or aggregator; check with the operator.

Why is the card declined?

The bank could block the MCC/direction. Try Webpay again, use TEF or cryptocurrency.

Which network is best for USDT?

For low commissions, TRON (TRC-20) is often chosen; always check which network the operator supports.

How quickly does the conclusion come?

Transfers to CLP are usually within the same/next business day; crypto - after network confirmations; card leads are less common.

Chile is one of the most convenient markets in Latin America for payments: cards through Webpay/Redcompra give an instant start, TEF provides reliable CLP conclusions, and cryptocurrencies cover the need for speed and flexibility. The optimal strategy for the operator is a hybrid cash register (cards + TEF + stablecoins) with transparent commissions, localization for CLP and fast KYC. Players just need to choose a method for the task and follow the basic safety and accounting rules.