Country guide

Business banking in Chile

By Fredrik Filipsson, cofounder of Business Bank Index
Reviewed by Morten Andersen
Snapshot

Opening a business bank account in Chile normally requires a company registered with the tax authority, the Servicio de Impuestos Internos, which issues the company RUT tax number. Many companies are formed through the Tu Empresa en un Dia portal in a single day. Digital providers such as Mercado Pago, Tenpo, and Global66 offer accounts with no maintenance fee, while traditional banks such as Banco de Chile, BCI, and BancoEstado bundle services into paid packages priced in UF.

Can a non resident open
A non resident individual generally cannot open a company account directly. You normally need a Chilean registered entity, a company RUT, and a legal representative domiciled in Chile. Verify with the provider.
Typical timeline
Company formation through Tu Empresa en un Dia can take a single day, while a traditional bank account commonly takes about two to four weeks once documents are submitted. Verify with the provider.
Free account available
Yes. Several digital providers offer a business account with no maintenance fee as of 7 March 2026.
Most providers
Several traditional and digital business accounts
Fees and features as of 7 March 2026Last reviewed 7 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

To open a business account in Chile you usually need a registered company with a RUT, the incorporation deed, identification for the directors and the legal representative, proof of a Chilean address, and a description of the business activity. Digital providers such as Mercado Pago, Tenpo, and Global66 open quickly with no maintenance fee, while Banco de Chile, BCI, and BancoEstado suit companies that want branch access and trade services. Information as of 7 March 2026, not advice.

How business banking works in Chile

Business banking in Chile is split between long established banks and a fast growing group of fintech providers. Traditional banks such as Banco de Chile, BCI, BancoEstado, Santander Chile, and Scotiabank Chile offer current accounts, lending, foreign trade services, and branch networks, with maintenance fees usually quoted in UF, an inflation indexed unit. Digital providers such as Mercado Pago, Tenpo, and Global66 focus on low cost accounts, payment collection, and fast online opening. The 2023 Fintech Law, Law 21,521, set a licensing framework supervised by the Financial Market Commission that has widened the range of regulated providers.

Who can open a business account

A Chilean registered company with a RUT can open a business account. Common entity types include the sociedad por acciones, known as SpA, the limited liability company, known as Ltda, the individual enterprise, known as EIRL, and the corporation, known as sociedad anonima. Foreign owned companies can open accounts but normally need a company RUT and a legal representative domiciled in Chile. Verify your case with the provider.

Traditional banks compared with neobanks

Traditional banks suit companies that need branch access, cash handling, foreign trade services such as Comex, and lending. Digital providers suit companies that value low cost, fast opening, and online payment collection, though they offer fewer branch and trade services. Many companies use both, holding a current account at a bank and a digital account for collection. Confirm current features with each provider.

Requirements and documents

Banks in Chile typically ask for company and identity documents before opening an account. Verify with the provider

  • Company RUT and the registered incorporation deed, the escritura de constitucion, where applicable
  • Identification for the directors and the legal representative, plus proof of a Chilean business address
  • A description of the business activity and, in many cases, source of funds and beneficial ownership information

How to open an account

  1. Register your company, often through the Tu Empresa en un Dia portal, and obtain the company RUT from the Servicio de Impuestos Internos
  2. Choose a provider and gather the incorporation deed, identity documents, proof of address, and the business activity description
  3. Apply online or at a branch, complete identity and compliance checks, and confirm fees and features before you sign

Compare business accounts available in Chile

These providers accept business customers in Chile. Fees and eligibility shown as of 7 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in Chile

Can a non resident open a business account in Chile?
A non resident individual generally cannot open a company account directly. You normally need a Chilean registered entity, a company RUT, and a legal representative domiciled in Chile. Requirements vary, so confirm your case with the provider, as of 7 March 2026.
How long does it take to open a business account in Chile?
Company formation through Tu Empresa en un Dia can take a single day, while a traditional bank account commonly takes about two to four weeks once documents are submitted. Foreign documents that need apostille and translation can add time. Confirm with the provider, as of 7 March 2026.
Is there a free business account in Chile?
Yes. Digital providers such as Mercado Pago, Tenpo, and Global66 offer accounts with no maintenance fee, while traditional banks usually charge a monthly package priced in UF. Transaction costs can apply on top. Confirm current pricing with the provider, as of 7 March 2026.
What documents do I need to open a business account in Chile?
You typically need the company RUT, the registered incorporation deed, identification for the directors and the legal representative, proof of a Chilean address, and a description of the business activity. Banks may also ask for source of funds and beneficial ownership details. Confirm the list with the provider, as of 7 March 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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