Chilean citizens can now access USD banking without leaving their country. With Chile’s growing remote work economy and increasing international business connections, having access to US dollar financial services has become more important than ever. Traditional US banks require physical presence and US residency, making it nearly impossible for Chileans to open accounts.
Utoppia changes this by offering a USD Account designed specifically for non-US residents like Chilean citizens. You get your own US routing and account numbers to receive payments from international clients, access to a Visa card that works globally, and the ability to manage USD directly from Santiago or anywhere in Chile. No US residency required, no Social Security Number needed, just your Chilean passport and a smartphone.
Key Takeaways
- Chilean citizens can open USD accounts online through digital financial platforms like Utoppia
- Utoppia offers one of the most accessible solutions with approval from instant up to 24 hours with no minimum deposit, nor opening or maintenance fees
- Required documents include a valid Chilean passport, residential address in Chile, and mobile phone number
- Account comes with US routing numbers, international Visa card, and crypto/stablecoin support
- Top recommendation for Chilean freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers earning in USD
Can You Open a US Bank Account from Chile?
Yes, Chilean citizens can access USD banking services, though traditional US banks make it extremely difficult. Most major US banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo require physical presence in the US, a Social Security Number, and proof of US residency. This creates a barrier for the thousands of Chilean professionals working remotely for US companies or freelancing for international clients.
The financial technology sector has created solutions specifically for this challenge. Platforms like Utoppia provide Chilean citizens with USD accounts that include US routing and account numbers, allowing you to receive payments from platforms like Upwork, Deel, and international clients directly in dollars. You get the benefits of US banking without the traditional requirements.
Utoppia makes it simple for Chilean citizens to access a USD Account through a quick online process. You only need a smartphone and valid Chilean passport to get started. The platform manages the underlying banking relationships while providing you with your own unique routing and account numbers for receiving payments and managing USD transactions.
Why Open a US Bank Account from Chile
Chilean citizens face unique challenges when managing international finances. The Chilean Peso can be volatile against the US dollar, and traditional banking often involves high fees for international transactions. Having access to USD banking provides stability, better exchange rates, and direct access to the global financial system that many Chilean professionals need for their work.
For the growing number of Chilean remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads, USD banking eliminates the complexity of currency conversion and international transfer fees. Instead of losing money on exchange rates every time you receive a payment, you can store and manage your earnings directly in dollars.
Access to an USD Account
Access to the US banking system opens doors to US dollars, US investment opportunities, and a USD international card that works globally. Chilean citizens can receive payments directly from US clients, pay for international subscriptions, and make purchases online without worrying about currency conversion fees or declined transactions.
Cheaper, Faster and Simpler Cross-Border Payments
Get paid for free in USD from platforms like Upwork, Deel, and international clients. Traditional Chilean banks often charge 3-5% for international transfers and currency conversion, while digital USD accounts offer transparent pricing and faster processing. You can also send money internationally using modern payment rails instead of expensive SWIFT transfers.
Send Crypto and Stablecoins with the Best Rates
Convert your USD to crypto/stablecoins and send them anywhere in the world instantly with minimal fees. This is particularly valuable for Chilean citizens who need to move money globally or protect value during periods of Peso volatility. Crypto transfers can be completed in minutes rather than days required for traditional international transfers.
Requirements to Open a US Bank Account from Chile
Utoppia has simplified the requirements specifically for Chilean citizens, eliminating the need for a Social Security Number, US address, or physical presence in the United States. The process is designed to be accessible while meeting all regulatory compliance requirements for international customers.
Requirements:
- Be at Least 18 Years Old – Age requirement for legal compliance
- Valid Passport from Chile – Primary identity verification document
- Residential Address in Chile – For verification purposes
- Email, Smartphone and Chilean Mobile Number – Required for security, KYC verification (Know Your Customer – standard identity verification required by financial regulations), and account access
Step-by-Step: How to Open a US Bank Account from Chile
This is a simple, 100% online process that takes just 5-10 minutes from your phone, with approval typically within 24 hours. No need to visit a branch, no lengthy paperwork, no US residency required. You can complete the entire process from Santiago, Valparaíso, or anywhere in Chile.
- Step 1: Download the Utoppia App Available for iOS and Android, start your application from Chile
- Step 2: Enter Your Basic Information Name, email, phone number, and residential address in Chile
- Step 3: Take a Photo of Your Passport Identity verification process explained – what to expect
- Step 4: Complete Your Video Selfie Quick biometric verification to confirm your identity
- Step 5: Wait for Identity Confirmation How long it takes and what happens next
- Step 6: Provide Additional Information (If Required) Legal compliance requirements that may be requested
- Step 7: Start Using Your Account Receive payments, pay bills, invest and manage USD from Chile
Costs and Fees: What Chilean Citizens Should Expect
Utoppia offers transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden charges. Unlike traditional US banks that pile on monthly fees and high minimums, you only pay for what you use. We offer the best fees and rates in the market across all products.
Account Opening Fees
Free. Open your USD account from Chile at no cost, with no minimum deposit required.
Monthly Maintenance Fees
Free. Zero monthly charges and no minimum balance requirements. Traditional US banks charge $10-25/month, you save up to $300/year.
Domestic Bank Transfers
Receiving domestic transfers (ACH and Wire): Free
Sending domestic transfers (Regular ACH): $1 USD
Sending domestic transfers (Same Day ACH): $3 USD
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the standard system for domestic transfers within the United States. Think of it as the US equivalent to local bank transfers in Chile.
ATM Withdrawal Fees in Chile
$7 USD per ATM withdrawal. Flat fee regardless of amount, withdraw larger sums less frequently to minimize costs.
Currency Conversion Fees
USD purchases: Free. No fees when spending in US dollars.
- 1.49% for non-USD transactions. When you spend in Chilean Pesos, you’ll pay a 1.49% conversion fee, significantly lower than the 3-5% traditional banks charge.
P2P Transfer Fees
Free between Utoppia users. Send money instantly to friends, family, or business partners who use Utoppia – no fees, no waiting.
Crypto/Stablecoin Conversion Fees
Competitive market rates. Convert USD to crypto/stablecoins to send money globally at the best rates available – significantly cheaper than traditional international transfers and the fastest way to move money across borders.
Card Issuance Fees
- Virtual Card: Free
- Physical Card to Chile: Not available in Chile currently
- Link to Apple Pay and Google Pay: Free
Open Your US Dollar Account from Chile Today
Chilean professionals are joining the global economy in record numbers, and having access to USD banking is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Utoppia’s USD Account gives you the financial tools to compete internationally, receive payments efficiently, and manage your money without the traditional barriers that have held back Chilean citizens from accessing US financial services.
The platform provides the security and reliability you expect from US-regulated financial services while being specifically designed for international customers. Your account comes with full US banking credentials, allowing you to receive payments from any US company or platform as if you were a US resident.
Join thousands of remote workers, freelancers, and digital professionals from Chile who trust Utoppia for their US banking needs. Download the app and open your account in minutes: Open Your USD Account Now
English 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
Italian 
French