Send money to Chile

Wise and Remitly typically offer the best USD-to-CLP rates, with markups around 0.5–1.5% above the mid-market rate. For transfers from Spain (a common origin given Chilean migration to and from Spain), Ria and WorldRemit are also competitive. CLP volatility means the rate at the time of sending matters: a 2–3% swing in the same week is normal. Use our comparison above to see today's best total CLP received across all providers.

RUT (Rol Único Tributario) is the Chilean national tax/ID number — a 7–8 digit number with a check digit (e.g. 12.345.678-9). Every Chilean adult has one, and it is the primary identifier for any financial transaction, including receiving an international transfer. You'll need the recipient's RUT, full legal name, account type (cuenta corriente, cuenta vista, or CuentaRUT), and account number. Foreigners resident in Chile use a RUT issued under the same system.

Wise typically delivers to Chilean bank accounts within 1–2 business days. Remitly Express can deliver same-day. SWIFT bank wires from US/UK commercial banks take 2–4 business days. Once funds reach the recipient's bank, TEF makes the internal credit near-instant. Cash pickup is less common in Chile than in other LATAM markets — bank deposit is by far the dominant delivery method.

You need the recipient's RUT, full legal name, account type (cuenta corriente / cuenta vista / CuentaRUT), account number, and the receiving bank's SWIFT code. Key SWIFT codes: Banco Santander Chile (BSCHCLRM), Banco de Chile (BCHICLRM), BCI (CREDCLRM), Scotiabank Chile (NOSCCLRM), BancoEstado (BECHCLRM), Itaú Chile (ITAUCLRM), Banco Falabella (FALACLRM). Chile does not use IBAN.

Yes — CuentaRUT is BancoEstado's universal low-cost account, automatically opened for any Chilean adult who requests it, and it works as a normal bank account for receiving international transfers. The account number is simply the recipient's RUT (without the check digit). Digital wallets like Mach (BCI), Tenpo, and MercadoPago Chile can also receive funds, either directly when supported by the provider or via a linked underlying bank account. Confirm the exact routing with your recipient — BancoEstado CuentaRUT is the most universally supported.

Personal remittances received in Chile are not subject to Chilean income tax. The SII (tax authority) does not classify family gifts or personal support as taxable income. There is no IOF-style transaction tax. Regularly received funds that look like employment or business income may be classified as taxable. Inbound transfers above USD 10,000 may be reported by the receiving bank under standard AML reporting, but this triggers no tax. Chile also permits USD-denominated accounts at most major banks, which avoids the CLP conversion step entirely.