Top crypto online platforms in Latin America

Cryptocurrencies became a financial inclusion instrument in LatAm and you must know which platforms are enabling this new reality.

EBANX
September 02, 2021
6 min read
Crypto in Latin America

Latin America is a market with growing adoption

They have become an instrument of financial inclusion in LatAm, as a lower-cost way of transferring funds, especially for immigrant communities, and have been increasingly used for investments and payments as well.

Cryptocurrency adoption worldwide

Use of cryptocurrencies

Source: Statista Global Consumer Survey, 2021

High volumes

Volumes are also growing significantly, with Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Colombia outstripping the US market in Bitcoin volume on some online platforms.

Overall, interest in cryptocurrencies in 2020 was seemingly higher in Latin America than some of the world’s developed economies.

Bitcoin traded volume, 2021

Bitcoin traded volume, 2021

Source: LocalBitcoins, via Coin.dance (volumes in BTC)

Regional Share

Venezuela and Colombia are currently the countries with the highest volumes of Bitcoin trade, according to 2021 data from LocalBitcoins (a P2P platform widely used in Latin America).

This is mainly driven by the use of crypto for remittances among the immigrant community.

Bitcoin traded by country (BTC)

Bitcoin traded by country (BTC)

Source: LocalBitcoins, via Coin.dance (2021)

Brazil

Brazil’s share in Latin America has been growing consistently, going from 3.3% in 2020 to almost 5% in 2021, considering Bitcoin volume traded on LocalBitcoins.

Due to the growing interest on cryptocurrencies, native online crypto platforms have been popping up, such as Mercado Bitcoin, Foxbit and BitPreço.

Bitcoin traded in Brazil (BRL millions)

Bitcoin traded in Brazil (BRL millions)

Source: LocalBitcoins, via Coin.dance (2021)

Individual consumers amount for most of cryptocurrencies users in LATAM – which makes the region a great opportunity for online cryptocurrency platforms.

Customer profile

Retail, business and institucional investors

Source: Cambridge Judge Business School, 2020

Local payments on online crypto platforms in Brazil – Key vendors

Cryptocurrency online platforms have been booming in LATAM, focusing both on individual investors and retail customers interested in crypto as remittances or investments.

Some local players have gained prominence, such as Bitso, the second Mexican unicorn; the Argentina-based Ripio; and the Brazilian Mercado Bitcoin.

Crypto Platforms

Coinbase:

A well known crypto online platform worldwide, with localized website in Brazil.

Strengths:

• Localized website;
• Accepts credit cards.

Mercado Bitcoin:

The most prominent local cryptocurrency platform in Brazil, founded in São Paulo.

Strengths
• Localized website;
• Deposits in BRL;
• Accepts PIX and TED.

Binance:

The most popular international crypto platform in Brazil.

Strengths
• Localized website;
• Deposits in BRL;
• Accepts PIX and TED.

LocalBitcoins:

This P2P platform is well known in LatAm countries and accepts a wide range of local payment methods.

Strengths
• Deposits in BRL;
• Accepts PIX and TED;
• Accepts credit cards;
• Accepts e-wallets and cash.

Key takeaway

Local cryptocurrency vendors are taking the edge over global players by offering local payment options and localized websites and apps. In Brazil, players who offer PIX (Instant Payment)
have even more traction among retail clients, due to this payment method’s growing popularity and gratuity.

International vendors who offer local currency deposits are also in advantage over their rivals, since it allows users to avoid currency fluctuation and exchange fees.

Under one unique platform, EBANX enables you to easily choose over 100+ local payment methods, across 15 different countries.

Read also: The LatAm cryptocurrency boom

EBANX
EBANX

EBANX Retail & Marketplace Solution

It’s time to enhance your retail marketplace in Latin America with a tailored approach to payments.

Report: Gaming in Latin America

You may also like

Africa

Nigeria’s Digital Payment Methods and Market Opportunities

Nigeria, home to over 164 innovation hubs and four of Africa’s seven unicorns, is a digital force to reckon with. Discover key statistics, mobile money trends, and emerging fintech alternatives in this blogpost.

Payments

Embedded Finance: A Must-Have for SaaS Platforms

Embedded finance is a game-changer for SaaS platforms to be competitive. It integrates financial services in your platform so your users can manage software tasks and financial transactions in one place.

Travel

How can cross-border payments improve the airline industry?

The airline industry is changing fast and expanding thanks to cross-border payments. Customers in emerging markets prefer alternative payment methods and installment plans and this has a direct impact on businesses. With revenue expected to hit US$1.02 billion by 2022, let’s explore how airlines are dealing with this reality.