To start investing in Chile from CLP 1,000, you can use Skipo, a digital investment platform registered in the CMF's Registry of Financial Service Providers. On Skipo you get access to cryptocurrencies, tokenized stocks via xStocks and tokenized gold in a single app, with zero fees, directly in pesos and with instant settlement.
What will we cover in this article?
In this guide we explain the main investment options available in Chile in 2026, from time deposits to cryptocurrencies and tokenized stocks: how much you need to get started with each one, how they compare on fees, access and potential returns, and what the most practical way is to take your first step as an investor. We'll also share our view on why the investment ecosystem in Chile is changing faster than it seems, and how to take advantage of that transformation.
What can you invest in in Chile in 2026?
Chile's investment ecosystem today offers more options than ever, from traditional bank instruments to digital assets that didn't exist in the local market five years ago. The good news for beginners is that you no longer need millions to take the first step: most alternatives let you start with very accessible amounts. The key is understanding what each one offers, how much it costs and who it suits best.
Time deposits (DAP)
A time deposit (DAP, for depósito a plazo) is a financial instrument in which you hand an amount of money to a bank for a fixed period (30, 90, 180 or 360 days) in exchange for a pre-agreed interest rate. At maturity, you get your capital back plus the interest earned. DAPs at institutions supervised by the CMF (Chile's Financial Market Commission) are protected by the state guarantee (FOGAES) up to approximately UF 200 per person per institution.
As of May 2026, according to data from tasas.cl, the average annual DAP rate fell to 4.55%, its lowest level since February 2022. The best 30-day rates hover around 0.30% to 0.41% per month, depending on the bank. To put that in perspective: if you invest CLP 1,000,000 for 30 days at the best rate on the market (0.40% at Banco Internacional or Banco Consorcio, according to Chócale), your gross gain would be CLP 4,000 before taxes.
The DAP is ideal for conservative profiles who prioritize capital safety over returns. But with rates in sustained decline, many investors are looking for alternatives with greater growth potential.
In short: time deposits are the safest option in the Chilean market, but their rates are at historic lows. If you want to truly grow your money, you need to look further.
Mutual funds
A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools capital from many people and invests it in a diversified portfolio of assets (stocks, bonds, fixed-income instruments) managed by professionals. You buy shares (units) of the fund and participate proportionally in its results.
In Chile, platforms like Fintual have democratized access to mutual funds: they have no minimum amount (you can start from CLP 1), charge an annual fee of 1.19% and are supervised by the CMF. Traditional fund managers like Banchile Inversiones or LarrainVial also offer funds, though generally with higher fees (between 2% and 5% per year) and less digital processes.
The main advantage of funds is automatic diversification and professional management. The downside is that fees are deducted daily from the unit value, which directly affects your long-term returns, especially in high-cost funds.
In short: mutual funds are an accessible gateway to financial markets, but fees vary a lot between managers. Always check the TAC (Total Annual Cost rate) before choosing.
Chilean and international stocks
Investing in stocks means buying a fractional ownership stake in a company. If the company grows, the value of your share goes up; if it distributes profits, you receive dividends.
In Chile you can access stocks on the Santiago Stock Exchange through apps like Trii (0.15% + VAT per trade on local stocks) or Zesty. For shares of US companies, options include Fintual (individual stocks and ETFs), Racional (spread of 0.49% to 0.99% depending on the plan) and Trii (which since March 2026 offers access to more than 10,000 US companies with zero commission and a fixed 0.1% spread).
Access to the US market from Chile has improved enormously, but most of these platforms require converting to dollars (which involves a currency spread), operate only during market hours and have T+1 or T+2 settlement times (meaning your money isn't available immediately after a sale).
In short: investing in stocks from Chile is increasingly accessible thanks to digital platforms, but hidden costs (currency spreads, settlement times) can add up to more than it seems at first glance.
Cryptocurrencies
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that runs on blockchain technology, without centralized intermediaries. Bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) are the two largest by market capitalization. As of May 2026, bitcoin (BTC) trades at around US$77,000 with a market cap close to US$1.5 trillion, according to CoinDesk. Ethereum (ETH) moves around US$2,100 with a market cap of approximately US$255 billion, according to DiarioBitcoin.
In Chile, the main platforms for buying cryptocurrencies are Buda.com and Skipo. The key difference is cost: while Buda.com charges fees of up to 1.2% on quick buys, Skipo charges no fees for buying, selling or holding.
Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America grew 63% year over year in 2025, according to the Chainalysis Global Adoption Index. More than 57.7 million Latin Americans own crypto assets, representing 12.1% of the region's adult population. Unlike other Latin American markets where stablecoins dominate retail volume (such as Argentina, where currency instability makes them a safe haven), in Chile interest remains concentrated in bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH), partly because local banking infrastructure allows frictionless peso deposits.
In short: cryptocurrencies are the fastest-growing asset in global adoption, and in Chile you can buy them directly in pesos from CLP 1,000 on platforms like Skipo, with zero fees.
Tokenized stocks (xStocks)
A tokenized stock (xStock) is a digital asset that tracks the price of a traditional stock and runs on blockchain, which lets you buy and sell it 24 hours a day (24/7 or 24/5 depending on the xStock), with instant settlement. It's not a derivative or a CFD: behind each token there are real shares held in custody by a regulated entity.
On Skipo you can invest in xStocks of companies such as Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, Alphabet, MicroStrategy, Robinhood, Circle and ETFs like the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100, from CLP 1,000, directly in pesos and with zero fees. Unlike a traditional broker, you don't need to convert pesos to dollars, you don't pay a currency spread and you don't have to wait for Wall Street to open.
In short: tokenized stocks are the most accessible way to invest in global companies from Chile, with no fees, no market hours and no conversion to dollars.
Crypto interest account
A crypto interest account is a feature that automatically generates yield on the balance you hold in certain digital assets, without needing to trade or move your funds. On Skipo, the interest account works through the Aave protocol and is available for USDT and AVAX, with automatic daily earnings and a minimum of 5 USDT.
It's the first crypto interest account in Chile and an interesting alternative for those seeking returns on their digital holdings without exposing themselves to the volatility of active trading.
In short: Skipo's interest account lets you earn daily yield on your crypto balance. Unlike a DAP, it has no fixed term and no state guarantee: the yield is variable and is generated by the Aave protocol, not by Skipo. Participating involves risks specific to DeFi.
How do investment options in Chile compare in 2026?
| Criterion | DAP | Mutual funds | Stocks (broker) | Crypto (Skipo) | xStocks (Skipo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum amount | Varies (CLP 5,000+) | From CLP 1 (Fintual) | From CLP 1,000+ | From CLP 1,000 | From CLP 1,000 |
| Fees | CLP 0 | 0.49% – 5% per year | 0.1% – 0.99% + spread | CLP 0 | CLP 0 |
| Hours | Banking hours | Business hours | Market hours | 24/7 | 24/7 or 24/5 depending on the xStock |
| Settlement | At maturity | 1 – 3 business days | T+1 to T+2 | Instant | Instant |
| Currency | Pesos | Pesos | Pesos → dollars | Pesos | Pesos |
| Risk | Very low | Low to high | Medium to high | High | Medium to high |
Why is 2026 a good time to start investing in Chile?
2026 brings a combination of factors that make starting to invest more accessible, and more necessary, than before. It's not about perfect timing (nobody can predict the market), but about the structural conditions of Chile's investment ecosystem favoring beginners like never before.
Deposit rates are at historic lows
As of May 2026, the average annual DAP rate fell to 4.55%, according to tasas.cl, its lowest level since February 2022. This is a consequence of the Central Bank's monetary policy, which has been cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy. For investors, the message is clear: leaving your money in a time deposit no longer yields what it did in 2023 or 2024. That doesn't mean DAPs are bad (they're still the safest instrument on the market), but it does mean that anyone seeking real growth needs to explore other options.
Adoption of digital investments in Latin America accelerated
According to the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America grew 63% year over year. More than 57.7 million Latin Americans own crypto assets. Chile's position in the global ranking (54th according to Chainalysis 2025) reflects a growing market with enormous room to grow, especially considering that Chile's banking and regulatory infrastructure is more solid than that of most countries in the region.
The app ecosystem removed the barriers to entry
Five years ago, investing in international stocks from Chile meant opening an account with a foreign broker, converting pesos to dollars, paying high fees and waiting days for settlement. Today you can do it from your phone in minutes. Apps like Fintual, Trii, Racional and Skipo have transformed access to the point that with CLP 1,000 you can already have exposure to bitcoin (BTC), Apple stock or diversified funds.
Our view
Our bet is that the convergence of assets (having crypto, tokenized stocks, stablecoins and an interest account in one place, directly in pesos) is the way to lower that barrier to entry for the next generation of Chilean investors. We don't believe the future is only crypto or only stocks: it's the combination of both worlds in a frictionless experience.
In short: low DAP rates, accelerating digital adoption and simplified access create a window of opportunity for anyone who wants to start investing in Chile. The question is no longer whether to invest, but where.
What are the advantages of investing with Skipo in Chile?
Skipo is the only platform in Chile that combines cryptocurrencies, tokenized stocks (xStocks), stablecoins and an interest account in a single app, directly in pesos, with zero fees and registered with the CMF. For a beginner, this means you don't need to open multiple accounts or understand several ecosystems to start diversifying.
Crypto, stocks and stablecoins in one app
Most investment apps in Chile specialize in a single type of asset: Fintual and Trii in stocks and funds, Buda.com in cryptocurrencies. Skipo brings both worlds together. You can hold bitcoin (BTC), tokenized Apple stock and USDT earning yield in the interest account, all from the same app.
Zero fees
Skipo charges no fees for buying, selling, custody, holding or internal transfers. In a market where other platforms charge between 0.1% and 1.5% per trade (plus currency spreads that can add another 0.5% to 1%), trading with zero fees makes a real difference, especially when you invest small amounts and every peso counts.
Buy directly in pesos
You don't need to convert your pesos to dollars to invest in shares of US companies or in cryptocurrencies. You buy directly in pesos, with no currency spread. This is an important differentiator compared with platforms that require conversion: on an investment of CLP 100,000, a 0.5% spread already represents CLP 500 that doesn't go into the market.
From CLP 1,000
The minimum investment on Skipo is CLP 1,000. You can buy a fraction of bitcoin (BTC), a fraction of a tokenized NVIDIA share or any other available asset with that amount. You don't need to save millions to get started.
Suppose a user sets aside CLP 50,000 a month to invest. With Skipo they could split it, for example, CLP 25,000 into bitcoin (BTC) and CLP 25,000 into S&P 500 xStocks, using the recurring buy feature. In 12 months they would have accumulated CLP 600,000 in a portfolio diversified between crypto and global stocks, without paying a single peso in fees and without worrying about market timing.
In short: Skipo removes the three most common barriers for beginner investors in Chile: fragmented platforms, fees and the complexity of operating in dollars.
How do you start investing on Skipo? Step by step
- Download the Skipo app: available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Create your account: sign up with your email and verify your identity in minutes.
- Deposit: transfer pesos from your bank account or crypto from other wallets. The deposit shows up in your Skipo account in seconds.
- Find the asset you're interested in: in the wallet view, search for the asset you want to invest in: bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), Apple or NVIDIA xStocks, the S&P 500, or any other available asset.
- Buy: choose the amount in pesos you want to invest (from CLP 1,000). Confirm and you're done.
What is the best way to start investing in Chile in 2026?
The best way to start investing in Chile in 2026 depends on your profile: if you prioritize absolute safety, a time deposit is still the most conservative option, even though its rates are at lows. If you want greater growth potential and are willing to take on some volatility, cryptocurrencies and tokenized stocks offer access to global markets with very low minimum amounts. And if you want to combine the best of both worlds (diversifying across crypto, stocks and stablecoins without opening multiple accounts), Skipo is the only platform in Chile that offers that combination in a single app.
The most important thing for a beginner isn't choosing the perfect asset, but taking the first step. Investing CLP 1,000 today and learning from the experience is worth more than waiting until you have complete knowledge or the ideal amount. The market will always have uncertainty; what makes the difference is getting started.
At Skipo we make that first step as simple as possible: download the app and start investing in Chile today, from CLP 1,000, with zero fees and on a platform registered with the CMF.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Asset prices can go up or down, and all investments carry risk. Before investing, assess your personal financial situation.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to start investing in Chile?
It depends on the instrument. Mutual funds at Fintual have no minimum amount. For cryptocurrencies and tokenized stocks on Skipo, you can start from CLP 1,000. Time deposits vary by bank, but they generally start at CLP 5,000 or more. The financial barrier to investing in Chile today is practically nonexistent.
Is it safe to invest in cryptocurrencies in Chile in 2026?
Investing in cryptocurrencies in Chile is legal and safe if you use platforms registered with the CMF. Chile has the Fintech Law (Law No. 21.521), which sets up a supervisory framework for crypto-asset platforms. Skipo is registered with the CMF and holds ISO 27001 certification in information security. What you do need to be clear about is that cryptocurrencies are volatile assets: their price can rise or fall significantly over short periods.
Can I invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies in the same app in Chile?
Yes, but only on Skipo. Stock apps (Fintual, Trii, Zesty, Racional) don't offer cryptocurrencies, and crypto exchanges (such as Buda.com) don't offer stocks. Skipo brings both worlds together through cryptocurrencies and tokenized stocks via xStocks, all directly in pesos.
How long does it take to buy bitcoin on Skipo?
The whole process, from depositing pesos to having bitcoin (BTC) in your wallet, takes seconds. The bank deposit shows up almost immediately, and the purchase executes instantly with instant settlement. There are no queues, no waiting times, and you can do it at any time of day, any day of the year.
What happens if I buy tokenized stocks outside US market hours?
Nothing special: you buy them as usual. That's one of the key advantages of tokenized stocks on Skipo. While traditional brokers only operate during market hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. New York time), on Skipo hours depend on each xStock: some, like Apple, NVIDIA, Tesla or the S&P 500, trade 24/7, and the rest 24/5, Monday to Friday. The token price reflects the latest price of the underlying asset and updates continuously.
What's the difference between a time deposit and a crypto interest account?
A time deposit (DAP) is a bank instrument with a fixed rate, a set term and capital guaranteed by the State (FOGAES). A crypto interest account, like Skipo's, generates daily yield on your USDT or AVAX balance through the Aave protocol, with no fixed term and no withdrawal penalty. The main difference is that the DAP has a state guarantee and a fixed rate, while the interest account offers more flexibility but without that guarantee.
Do I have to pay taxes if I invest in crypto in Chile?
Yes. Gains from buying and selling cryptocurrencies and digital assets are subject to income tax as capital gains. You must report them to the Internal Revenue Service (SII) in your annual tax return. Skipo makes this easier by providing clear reports of your transactions.
Glossary of key terms
Time deposit (DAP): A financial instrument in which you hand money to a bank for a fixed period in exchange for a pre-agreed interest rate. At maturity, you get your capital back plus interest.
Mutual fund: An investment vehicle that pools capital from many people to invest it in a diversified portfolio of assets, managed by professionals.
Tokenized stock (xStock): A digital asset that tracks the price of a traditional stock and runs on blockchain, allowing it to be bought and sold 24/7 or 24/5 depending on the xStock, with instant settlement.
Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with a fiat currency, usually the US dollar. Examples: USDT, USDC.
Interest account: A feature that automatically generates yield on the balance held in certain digital assets, without the need for active trading.
Currency spread: The difference between the price at which a platform buys a currency and the price at which it sells it to you. It's a common hidden cost when investing in dollar-denominated assets.
Settlement: The process by which a transaction is executed and the assets pass from seller to buyer. On Skipo it's instant; at traditional brokers it can take 1 to 3 business days (T+1, T+2).
Market cap (market capitalization): The total value of an asset in circulation. It's calculated by multiplying the unit price by the total number of units available.
CMF (Comisión para el Mercado Financiero, Financial Market Commission): The public agency that supervises and oversees the financial markets in Chile, including crypto-asset platforms under the Fintech Law.
