Mercado Libre Enables Crypto Trading in Chile via Mercado Pago Wallet

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Latin America’s e-commerce giant, Mercado Libre, has taken a significant step forward in financial inclusion and digital innovation by launching cryptocurrency trading through its digital wallet, Mercado Pago, in Chile. This move marks another milestone in the company’s broader fintech expansion across the region, building on its successful crypto integrations in Brazil and Mexico.

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 USD 0.063), making it highly accessible even for first-time or small-scale investors.

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Expanding Access to Digital Assets in Latin America

Mercado Libre’s decision to roll out crypto trading in Chile reflects growing demand for decentralized financial services across Latin America. The region has seen increasing adoption of digital assets due to economic volatility, limited access to traditional banking, and rising smartphone penetration.

The service is powered through a strategic partnership with Ripio, a well-established Latin American cryptocurrency platform known for its secure infrastructure and regulatory compliance. This collaboration allows Mercado Pago to offer a seamless, user-friendly experience without needing to build backend blockchain systems from scratch.

By integrating with Ripio’s technology, Mercado Pago ensures fast execution, real-time pricing, and robust security protocols—key factors for user trust in an industry often associated with risk.

Building on Regional Success

This launch in Chile follows earlier successes in other major markets:

According to Osvaldo Gimenez, Head of Fintech at Mercado Libre, the response has been overwhelmingly positive:

“Since launching in Brazil in December 2021, over 2 million users have engaged in cryptocurrency transactions via Mercado Pago. In Mexico, more than 150,000 users made their first trade within just the first month.”

These numbers highlight not only strong consumer interest but also the effectiveness of embedding crypto functionality into a widely used payment ecosystem.

Why This Matters for Financial Inclusion

Mercado Pago is more than just a digital wallet—it's a financial hub for millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals across Latin America. For many users, especially in rural or low-income areas, traditional banks are either inaccessible or require documentation that people may not possess.

By enabling micro-investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum starting at less than ten U.S. cents, Mercado Libre lowers the barrier to entry for wealth-building through digital assets. It empowers everyday users to participate in global financial markets, hedge against inflation, and explore new forms of savings and investment.

This democratization of finance aligns with broader trends in decentralized finance (DeFi) and financial technology innovation, positioning Mercado Libre as a key player in shaping the future of money in emerging markets.

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How to Get Started with Crypto on Mercado Pago (Chile)

For Chilean users interested in buying cryptocurrency through Mercado Pago, the process is simple:

  1. Open the Mercado Pago app.
  2. Navigate to the Investments or Crypto section (availability may vary slightly by interface update).
  3. Select either Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).
  4. Enter the amount you wish to purchase (minimum: 50 CLP).
  5. Confirm the transaction using your preferred payment method (typically linked bank account or balance).

Transactions are processed instantly, and assets are held securely within the wallet environment—though users should note that direct blockchain withdrawals may not currently be supported.

Security and Regulatory Compliance

As with any financial service involving digital assets, security is paramount. Mercado Pago employs industry-standard encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring to protect user accounts.

Additionally, operating within regulated frameworks helps ensure long-term sustainability. Working with Ripio—a licensed crypto provider in multiple jurisdictions—allows Mercado Libre to comply with local anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.

While full decentralization remains a goal for many in the crypto space, such hybrid models balance innovation with safety, offering a pragmatic path forward for mass adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I withdraw my Bitcoin or Ethereum to an external wallet?
A: As of now, cryptocurrencies purchased through Mercado Pago in Chile are stored within the app and cannot be transferred to external wallets. This may change as the service evolves.

Q: Are there fees for buying crypto on Mercado Pago?
A: Yes, small transaction fees apply and are displayed before confirmation. These cover network and processing costs and may vary based on market conditions.

Q: Is my investment protected if crypto prices drop?
A: No—like all cryptocurrency investments, value fluctuates based on market demand. Mercado Pago does not guarantee returns or protect against losses due to price volatility.

Q: Which cryptocurrencies are available in Chile?
A: Currently, only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are supported for trading via Mercado Pago in Chile.

Q: Do I need to complete identity verification?
A: Yes—users must complete KYC procedures within the app before accessing crypto services, in compliance with local financial regulations.

👉 Start your crypto investment journey securely and confidently today.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fintech in Latin America

Mercado Libre’s expansion into crypto trading signals a broader transformation underway in Latin American finance. As more consumers shift toward mobile-first solutions, companies that integrate payments, savings, credit, and now investments into a single platform will dominate the next wave of digital finance.

Future enhancements could include support for additional cryptocurrencies (such as stablecoins or Solana), staking rewards, cross-border remittances using blockchain, or even integration with decentralized applications (dApps).

For now, the focus remains on accessibility, education, and trust—ensuring that millions of new users can safely enter the world of digital assets without feeling overwhelmed.

Core Keywords

By combining ease of use with strategic partnerships and regional insights, Mercado Libre is not just selling products—it's redefining how people manage money in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.