Latin America’s e-commerce giant, Mercado Libre, has officially launched cryptocurrency trading in Chile through its digital wallet platform, Mercado Pago. This strategic expansion marks another milestone in the region's growing adoption of digital assets and reinforces Mercado Libre’s position as a key player in fintech innovation across Latin America.
With this new feature, Chilean users can now buy and sell major cryptocurrencies—specifically Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)—directly within the Mercado Pago app. The minimum transaction amount is set at just 50 Chilean pesos (approximately $0.063 USD), making crypto investing accessible even to users with limited financial resources.
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Strategic Partnership with Ripio
To power this service, Mercado Pago has partnered with Ripio, a well-established cryptocurrency firm operating across Latin America. Ripio provides the underlying infrastructure for secure and compliant trading, ensuring a seamless user experience while adhering to local financial regulations.
This collaboration leverages Ripio’s expertise in blockchain technology and regulatory compliance, combined with Mercado Libre’s massive user base and trusted brand presence in the region. The integration allows users to trade without leaving the Mercado Pago ecosystem—no need for third-party exchanges or complex wallet setups.
A Regional Rollout Strategy
Mercado Libre’s move into Chile follows a phased regional rollout. The company first introduced crypto trading in Brazil in December 2021, where it saw significant traction. According to Osvaldo Gimenez, Head of Fintech at Mercado Libre, over 2 million users in Brazil have engaged in cryptocurrency transactions since launch.
The service expanded to Mexico the following year, where adoption was equally promising. In the first month alone, more than 150,000 Mexican users completed at least one crypto trade via Mercado Pago.
Chile now becomes the third major market for this offering, signaling Mercado Libre’s long-term commitment to embedding digital assets into everyday financial activity across Latin America.
Democratizing Access to Digital Assets
One of the most impactful aspects of this initiative is its focus on financial inclusion. By setting a very low entry barrier—just 50 CLP—Mercado Libre enables individuals who may have been excluded from traditional investment channels to participate in the global crypto economy.
This aligns with broader trends in emerging markets, where mobile-first fintech solutions are bridging gaps in banking access. For many Chileans, especially younger or unbanked populations, Mercado Pago may serve as their first introduction to both digital wallets and cryptocurrency investing.
The platform simplifies the process: users select BTC or ETH, enter the amount in pesos, review fees and exchange rates, and confirm the purchase—all within a few taps on their smartphone.
Core Keywords Driving Adoption
As part of its SEO-optimized strategy, this development centers around several high-intent keywords that reflect growing search demand:
- Cryptocurrency trading in Chile
- Buy Bitcoin with Mercado Pago
- Mercado Libre crypto services
- Digital wallet cryptocurrency
- Fintech innovation Latin America
- Low-cost crypto transactions
- Mobile crypto investing
These terms naturally emerge throughout user journeys—from initial research to execution—and are embedded contextually in this article to enhance visibility and relevance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which cryptocurrencies can I trade with Mercado Pago in Chile?
A: Currently, Mercado Pago supports trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). These two leading digital assets offer users exposure to decentralized finance, smart contracts, and long-term value storage.
Q: Is there a minimum amount required to start trading?
A: Yes, but it's extremely accessible—the minimum trade amount is 50 Chilean pesos, roughly equivalent to $0.063 USD. This low threshold encourages micro-investing and financial experimentation among new users.
Q: Do I need prior knowledge of cryptocurrencies to use this service?
A: Not at all. Mercado Pago is designed for ease of use, with intuitive interfaces and built-in educational prompts. Even beginners can safely buy their first fraction of Bitcoin or Ethereum without needing technical expertise.
Q: How does the Ripio partnership ensure security?
A: Ripio is a regulated crypto provider with years of experience in Latin America. It handles custody, compliance, and transaction processing under strict security protocols, including encryption, multi-signature wallets, and anti-fraud monitoring.
Q: Can I withdraw my crypto to an external wallet?
A: As of now, cryptocurrencies purchased through Mercado Pago remain within the platform and cannot be transferred externally. However, users can sell them back to the app for Chilean pesos at any time.
Q: Are there fees for trading on Mercado Pago?
A: Yes, small fees apply per transaction and vary based on market conditions and network costs. These are clearly displayed before each trade so users can make informed decisions.
Expanding the Future of Fintech in Latin America
Mercado Libre’s expansion into cryptocurrency reflects a larger trend: the convergence of e-commerce, digital payments, and decentralized finance. As consumers increasingly expect integrated financial tools within apps they already trust, companies like Mercado Libre are well-positioned to lead the transformation.
By embedding crypto capabilities directly into Mercado Pago—a tool already used for payments, transfers, and bill splitting—the company lowers friction and accelerates mainstream adoption.
Moreover, this initiative could pave the way for future features such as staking, yield-generating products, or even cross-border remittances using stablecoins—services that would further deepen financial inclusion across the region.
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Final Thoughts
Mercado Libre’s launch of cryptocurrency trading in Chile via Mercado Pago is more than just a product update—it’s a bold step toward democratizing access to modern financial systems. With strong user adoption in Brazil and Mexico, a trusted local partner in Ripio, and a mobile-first approach tailored to real-world needs, this service exemplifies how fintech innovation can empower everyday people.
As Latin America continues to embrace digital transformation, platforms that combine usability, affordability, and security will define the next era of finance. For millions of Chileans, their journey into crypto may now begin with nothing more than a few pesos and a smartphone.
And for global observers, this development underscores a clear message: the future of finance isn’t just digital—it’s inclusive, mobile-native, and rapidly unfolding across emerging markets.