In Chile there are several alternatives for buying cryptocurrency. Skipo is the easiest and safest way to start investing in this type of asset. Creating your account takes less than 5 minutes and you can start with just CLP 1,000. Skipo is registered with the CMF and has thousands of customers and years of experience in the market.
Guide updated in July 2026.
What will we cover in this article?
In this guide we explain what you need to buy cryptocurrency in Chile, why Skipo is the best option for beginners, and the step-by-step process to make your first purchase from the app. We also include the most common questions from people who are just starting, so you have no doubts left before investing.
What is the best app to buy cryptocurrency in Chile as a beginner?
The best app to buy cryptocurrency in Chile as a beginner is Skipo. It is the only platform in Chile that combines four features that matter when you are just starting: a simple interface with no technical jargon, zero commissions, registration with the CMF and direct purchases in pesos from CLP 1,000.
No technical jargon
You do not need to know what a blockchain, a wallet, a gas fee (the network's transaction fee) or a public address is to buy your first cryptocurrency on Skipo. The whole process happens inside the app, in pesos, in four steps. If you ever have a question, support is available in Spanish.
Zero commissions from your first trade
On Skipo we do not charge commissions for buying, selling, custody or maintenance. That means that if you invest CLP 10,000, the full CLP 10,000 goes to your crypto, not to fees. Other platforms in Chile charge between 0.8% and 1.5% per trade, which on a CLP 100,000 purchase means up to CLP 1,500 that does not go into your investment. You can check our fees page for more details.
Registered with the CMF and locally present
Skipo is registered in the Registry of Financial Service Providers of the CMF (Chile's Financial Market Commission), the body that supervises the financial market in Chile, and its authorization to operate is in process under the Fintech Law (Law No. 21.521). It also holds ISO 27001:2022 information security certification. For someone just starting to invest in digital assets, this combination of CMF registration and security certification gives you more protection than a platform without it.
Direct purchase in pesos, from CLP 1,000
You do not need to convert pesos into dollars, open an account abroad or understand exchange rates. You deposit pesos from your bank into your Skipo account and buy crypto instantly. The minimum amount is CLP 1,000, which lets you start with whatever you have available without straining your budget.
In short: Skipo is the app for beginners in Chile because it removes the three main barriers to entry (technical complexity, commissions and regulation) in a single platform.
What do you need to buy cryptocurrency in Chile?
Before making your first purchase, you need three things: a valid Chilean ID card (cédula de identidad), a Chilean bank account to deposit pesos, and the Skipo app installed on your phone. Identity verification takes between 2 and 5 minutes and is done entirely from the app, with no paperwork and no branch visits.
Where to buy cryptocurrency in Chile?
In Chile you can buy cryptocurrency on platforms such as Skipo, Buda.com, CryptoMKT and Orionx. All of them let you trade in Chilean pesos, but they differ in costs and variety of assets: we show the differences in a comparison table below. If you want to understand the options in detail, see our guide to the best cryptocurrency apps in Chile.
| Criterion | Skipo | Buda.com | CryptoMKT | Orionx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell commission | No commission | Up to 1.5% | Up to 0.6% | Up to 0.66% |
| Withdrawal time to the bank | Up to 2 minutes | Up to 3 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 3 business days |
| Variety of assets | Crypto, stocks, ETFs, indexes and tokenized metals | Crypto only | Crypto only | Crypto only |
| Interest-bearing account | Yes, in USDT and AVAX | No | No | No |
How to buy cryptocurrency in Chile: step by step
Buying bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), solana (SOL) or other cryptocurrencies on Skipo takes four steps:
- Download the Skipo app: Available on the App Store and Google Play. Search for "Skipo" and download the official app. Sign up with your email and verify your identity in less than 5 minutes.
- Deposit pesos: Open the app, go to your wallet and tap "Deposit". Select "Chilean Pesos", copy the bank details shown on screen and make a transfer from your bank to Skipo's account. The deposit arrives in seconds. 💡 You can start with small amounts and then gradually increase your investment.
- Add cryptocurrencies to your wallet: From the wallet view, tap "Add coins" and add the cryptocurrencies you want to see. You do not need to buy them yet; they will simply be added to your view so you can follow their prices.
- Make your first purchase: Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy and tap "Buy". Enter the amount in pesos and you will automatically see the equivalent in crypto. Tap "Review", confirm that everything is correct and swipe to complete the purchase.
And that's it! That is how simple it is to make your first cryptocurrency purchase in Chile with Skipo.
Watch this practical video guide
Which cryptocurrencies can you buy in Chile with Skipo?
On Skipo you can buy the most important cryptocurrencies on the market directly in pesos and commission-free. The most popular among users in Chile are:
- bitcoin (BTC): the largest and best-known cryptocurrency in the world, with a maximum supply of 21 million units.
- ethereum (ETH): the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, the foundation of most DeFi (decentralized finance) applications.
- solana (SOL): a high-speed blockchain with very low network fees.
- USDT (Tether) and USDC: stablecoins pegged 1:1 to the dollar, used to hold dollars or keep value without volatility.
- XRP, AVAX, BNB and more.
In addition to cryptocurrencies, Skipo gives you access to tokenized stocks via xStocks (Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA and more) and to the interest-bearing account, the first interest-bearing cryptocurrency account in Chile.
Is it safe to buy cryptocurrency in Chile?
It is safer if you use a platform registered in the CMF's registry that has verifiable security measures. Skipo is registered with the CMF under the Fintech Law (Law No. 21.521), is registered with the UAF and holds ISO 27001:2022 certification. Using a platform registered with the CMF gives you more protection than one that is not.
What you should avoid: platforms without local regulatory backing, exchanges not registered with the CMF, and any offer that promises guaranteed returns (no investment guarantees them).
In short: buying cryptocurrency in Chile is safer if you choose a platform registered with the CMF. Skipo is the most complete option available, registered with the CMF and with ISO 27001 certification.
What is the best strategy for your first crypto purchase in Chile?
The best strategy to start buying cryptocurrency in Chile is to begin with a small amount that does not strain your budget, choose one or two cryptocurrencies you understand well (bitcoin and ethereum are the most common entry points), and not invest more than you are willing to hold for the long term. Crypto market volatility is real: the price can rise or fall significantly over short periods.
If you want to explore each asset further before buying, check our specific guides: how to buy bitcoin in Chile and what to look for before investing.
Download the Skipo app and make your first cryptocurrency purchase today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Asset prices can go up or down, and every investment involves risk. Before investing, assess your personal financial situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy cryptocurrency in Chile step by step?
With Skipo the process has four steps: download the app, create your account and verify your identity, deposit pesos from your bank and buy the cryptocurrency you want. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes. No commissions are charged and you can start from CLP 1,000.
What is the best app to buy cryptocurrency in Chile if I am a beginner?
Skipo is the best option for beginners in Chile because it has the simplest interface on the market, charges no commissions, is registered with the CMF and lets you buy directly in pesos from CLP 1,000. You do not need to understand technical concepts like wallets, blockchain or gas fees to make your first purchase.
Which cryptocurrency is best to start with in Chile?
Most beginners in Chile start with bitcoin (BTC) or ethereum (ETH) because they are the most established cryptocurrencies with the most information available. If you prefer to avoid volatility while you learn, stablecoins like USDT or USDC are an alternative for holding value equivalent to the dollar without exposure to the crypto market.
How much do I need to start buying cryptocurrency in Chile?
On Skipo you can start from CLP 1,000. You do not need to buy a whole cryptocurrency; you can buy fractions. For example, you can buy CLP 5,000 of bitcoin (BTC) and you will receive the equivalent fraction at the current price.
Is it legal to buy cryptocurrency in Chile?
Yes. Cryptocurrencies are legal in Chile and their trading is regulated under the Fintech Law (Law No. 21.521), supervised by the CMF. Gains from buying and selling cryptocurrencies must be declared in the annual income tax filing with the SII. You can check our guide on income tax returns and cryptocurrencies for more details.
Do I need to understand blockchain to buy crypto in Chile?
No. Platforms like Skipo are designed so that anyone can buy cryptocurrency without prior technical knowledge. You do not need to know what a blockchain, a wallet or a public address is. Everything happens inside the app, directly in pesos.
How long does it take to buy cryptocurrency on Skipo?
The purchase itself takes seconds once you have a balance in your account. If it is your first time, the whole process (downloading the app, signing up, verifying your identity and making your first deposit) takes less than 10 minutes. Deposits from your bank reach Skipo in seconds.
Can I buy cryptocurrency in Chile on a Sunday or holiday?
Yes. Skipo is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Cryptocurrencies have no market hours; you can buy and sell at any time.
What happens to my cryptocurrency if I stop using Skipo?
Your cryptocurrency stays in your account as long as you keep access to it. If at any point you want to move it to another wallet (external wallet), you can make a crypto withdrawal from the app; you only pay the asset's network fee (gas fee), not a Skipo commission. Custody on Skipo is free.
