In our increasingly globalized world, keeping in touch—both personally and financially—has never been easier. Whether you’re supporting family members, paying for tuition abroad, or simply sending a gift to a friend, understanding the ins and outs of international money transfers is essential. If you need to send money from the United States to Chile in 2025, you’re in the right place. This guide demystifies the process, compares top providers, breaks down costs, highlights speed and security considerations, and offers practical tips to ensure your recipient in Chile gets every peso you intended.
Why Send Money to Chile?
Chile is one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies and a popular destination for students, expatriates, and tourists. Remittances from the United States play a vital role in supporting families back home, funding education, covering medical expenses, and facilitating small business ventures. According to the World Bank, remittance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean exceeded $110 billion in 2024, reflecting the region’s reliance on cross-border support.
Sending money reliably and affordably ensures that recipients in Chile can access funds quickly in Chilean pesos (CLP) without losing value to hidden fees or poor exchange rates. Let’s explore the key factors you need to consider.
Key Factors to Compare
Before settling on a service, evaluate each provider across four dimensions:
- Exchange Rate
The rate at which USD converts to CLP can vary significantly. Small differences in rate markup can erase any savings on low transfer fees. - Transfer Fees
Fees range from zero to tens of dollars per transfer and may depend on payment method, transfer speed, and total amount. - Speed
Some services deliver funds within seconds, while others take several business days. Faster transfers often cost more. - Convenience & Coverage
Look for services that support your preferred payment method—bank account, debit/credit card, digital wallet, or cash pickup—and offer strong payout networks in Chile.
Top Money Transfer Providers to Chile
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Why Choose Wise?
Widely recognized for its transparency, Wise uses the real mid-market rate with no hidden markups. For many senders, this translates to the lowest overall cost.
- Exchange Rate: Exact mid-market rate (e.g., 1 USD = 940 CLP)
- Fee Structure: Flat and variable components; e.g., ~0.6% of amount plus a small fixed fee (around $8–$15 for $1,000)
- Speed: Most transfers complete in under 24 hours; many arrive within minutes
- Payment Methods: ACH bank transfer, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Ideal For: Senders who prioritize cost savings and rate transparency and can wait a few hours for delivery.
2. Remitly
Why Choose Remitly?
Remitly frequently offers promotional “first-transfer” bonuses and caters to both economy and express patrons.
- Promotional Rate: Often around 935 CLP per USD on first transfer
- Standard Fees: $0–$3 express fee; $3–$5 economy fee, varying by amount
- Speed: Express transfers arrive in minutes; economy in 3–5 days
- Payment Methods: Bank transfer, debit/credit cards
Ideal For: First-time users seeking a zero-fee promotion and those who need instant delivery.
3. Western Union
Why Choose Western Union?
With an extensive agent network, Western Union excels at cash pickup in rural and urban Chilean locations.
- Exchange Rate: 2–4% markup above mid-market rate
- Transfer Fees: $5–$20, depending on transfer amount and payout method
- Speed: Instant to 1–2 business days
- Payout Options: Cash pickup at 700+ locations, bank deposit
Ideal For: Recipients needing cash quickly without a bank account or for those in remote areas.
4. MoneyGram
Why Choose MoneyGram?
MoneyGram offers competitive rates and zero-fee promotions via its digital channels.
- Exchange Rate: Competitive, but varies by promotion
- Transfer Fees: Often waived for digital transfers
- Speed: Minutes to 1 business day
- Payout Options: Cash pickup, bank deposit
Ideal For: Digital-savvy senders looking for occasional promotions and fast delivery.
5. Xe Money Transfer
Why Choose Xe?
Xe provides both bank transfers and cash pickup with a reputation for reliable service.
- Exchange Rate: Mid-market plus ~0.5–1% markup
- Fees: $0–$5 on bank transfers; cash pickup fees vary by partner
- Speed: 1–3 business days for bank transfers; instant for card payments
- Payout: Bank deposit, cash pickup at selected partners
Ideal For: Senders seeking a well-established brand with multiple payout options.
6. Paysend
Why Choose Paysend?
Paysend’s hallmark is its low, fixed fee model.
- Fixed Fee: $1.99–$3.99 per transfer, regardless of amount
- Exchange Rate: Mid-market plus small margin
- Speed: Typically same-day delivery
- Payout: Visa/Mastercard transfers, bank account deposit
Ideal For: Senders with regular mid-sized transfers who prefer predictable fee structures.
7. Instarem
Why Choose Instarem?
Instarem emphasizes speed and competitive exchange rates, with a digital-first experience.
- Exchange Rate: Mid-market plus ~0.3–0.7%
- Fees: Low flat fees (often under $5)
- Speed: Minutes to a few hours
- Payout: Bank deposit
Ideal For: Tech-savvy users prioritizing fast, app-based transfers with transparent pricing.
Detailed Cost Comparison
Below is an illustrative cost breakdown for a $1,000 USD transfer to a typical Chilean bank account:
| Provider | Fees (USD) | Exchange Rate (1 USD→CLP) | Recipient Gets (CLP) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | $10.40 | 940.00 | 933,984 | Minutes–24 hrs |
| Remitly (Express) | $3.99 | 938.50 | 934,613 | Minutes |
| Remitly (Economy) | $0 | 936.00 | 936,000 | 3–5 days |
| Western Union | $15.00 | 930.00 | 925,500 | Instant–2 days |
| MoneyGram | $0 (promo) | 935.00 | 935,000 | Minutes |
| Xe | $5.00 | 939.00 | 934,000 | 1–3 days |
| Paysend | $1.99 | 938.00 | 937,061 | Same day |
| Instarem | $4.99 | 937.50 | 936,250 | Minutes–Hours |
Note: Rates and fees fluctuate daily. Always verify live rates at the time of sending.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Money
- Choose a Provider
Compare cost, speed, payout options, and promotions to select the best service for your needs. - Create an Account
Register online or via the app. You’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and basic personal details. - Enter Recipient Details
Provide the recipient’s full name, Chilean bank account number/CLABE, and RUT (Chilean tax ID) if you choose bank delivery. For cash pickup, select the agent location nearest them. - Select Amount & Payment Method
Decide how much USD you’re sending and choose your funding source: bank transfer or debit/credit card. - Review Fees & Rate
Confirm the exchange rate, transfer fee, and the total CLP amount the recipient will receive. - Authorize & Send
Complete the transaction by approving the transfer. You’ll receive confirmation and a tracking number. - Track the Transfer
Use the provider’s tracking tool or app to monitor delivery status. Notify the recipient of the expected arrival time or pickup location.
Tips for Lowering Costs
- Use Bank Transfers Over Cards: Card payments typically incur higher fees and surcharges than ACH or wire transfers.
- Avoid Off-Peak Promotions: Some services raise rates during weekends or holidays. Compare before sending.
- Aggregate Transfers: Consolidating multiple smaller transfers into one larger transaction can reduce per-transfer fees.
- Leverage First-Time Deals: New customer promotions (zero fees or enhanced rates) can yield significant savings on your first transfer.
Ensuring Security and Compliance
All reputable money transfer services comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Look for:
- Regulatory Licenses: FCA (UK), FinCEN (USA), or local Chilean authorities.
- Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption and secure SSL connections.
- Real-Time Tracking: Transparency into your transfer’s status and notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a transfer to Chile take?
Transfer times range from seconds (instant services) to 3–5 business days for economy options. Most digital-first services deliver within hours.
Q: Do recipients need a bank account?
Not always. Many providers support cash pickup at partnered agent locations. For bank deposits, the recipient needs a Chilean account and RUT.
Q: Are there limits on how much I can send?
Yes. Limits vary by provider and your verification level—commonly between $10,000 and $100,000 per transaction or month.
Q: What information does the recipient need?
For bank deposits: full name, bank name, account number, CLABE, and RUT. For cash pickups: full name as on ID and location.
Q: Can I cancel a transfer?
Most services allow cancellation before the transfer is processed, though fees may apply. Check the provider’s policy promptly.
Sending money from the USA to Chile in 2025 is faster, safer, and more affordable than ever. Whether you prioritize low costs, rapid delivery, or widespread pickup networks, there’s a tailored solution for your needs. For everyday personal transfers, Wise emerges as the leader in transparency and value. If you’re a first-time sender seeking instant delivery, Remitly or MoneyGram promotions may serve you best. Meanwhile, Western Union remains unmatched for cash pickup availability in remote areas. Always compare live rates and fees before initiating your transfer to ensure you—and your loved ones in Chile—get the most out of every dollar you send.