What it is
Mercado Pago is Mercado Libre's payments platform, available in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. It handles in-person sales through Point card readers or QR codes, and remote sales through payment links or an online checkout. Its strength is local payment methods, such as cash, bank transfers, Pix and installments, plus the fact that many shoppers already have an account.
Products and services
Point card reader
Card reader to take payments in store or on the go.
QR payments
Customers pay from their app by scanning a code.
Payment link
A link to get paid over WhatsApp, social or email.
Checkout Pro
Checkout for your online store: cards, cash or installments.
Subscriptions
Automatic recurring charges for memberships and services.
Punto de Venta
How to use it
- Take payments in store with a Point reader or a QR code.
- Send payment links over WhatsApp or social media for remote sales.
- Add checkout to your Tiendanube or WooCommerce store, or to your own site.
- Offer installments, including interest-free months in Mexico.
- Choose when you get paid: instantly, or later for a lower fee.
What it's good for
- A coffee shop in Guadalajara taking cards on a Point reader with instant access to funds.
- An entrepreneur in Bogotá selling on Instagram and sending payment links over WhatsApp.
- A Tiendanube store in Buenos Aires offering card installments and payment with Mercado Pago balance.
Pros
- Card readers, QR, links and online checkout from the same account and app
- Accepts cash, bank transfers and other local methods depending on the country
- Interest-free installments in Mexico and installment plans elsewhere
- Native integration with Tiendanube, WooCommerce and the Mercado Libre ecosystem
Cons
- Fees depend on when funds are released; instant access costs more
- Rates, products and payment methods vary a lot from country to country
- Chargebacks and buyer claims can hold your balance for days
