Bank card in Argentine pesos (ARS): how to obtain, use, and top up

The main instrument for cashless payments in Argentina is bank cards based on the Visa and Mastercard payment systems; however, American Express and Eurocard are also accepted. According to official data for 2024, the number of debit card transactions in Argentina increased by more than 30% and reached nearly 1.5 billion.

How to get a bank card in Argentine pesos (ARS)

Credit and debit cards in Argentine pesos (ARS) can be obtained from many major banks in Argentina, such as:

• Banco de la Nación Argentina;
• Banco Galicia;
• Banco Macro;
• Banco Santander Río;
• Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires;
• BBVA;
• Banco Francés;
• Citibank Argentina;
• HSBC Argentina;
• Société Générale.

The minimum requirements for opening an account for a resident include an identity document and proof of permanent residence in the country. In some cases, banks may request additional documents, such as utility bills or a rental agreement, as well as a tax identification number (CUIT).

For foreign citizens, requirements are stricter: in addition to an identity document, additional paperwork is required.

• Certificate from the Argentine police;
• Passport with a residence permit stamp or a visa.

Additionally, banks may request documents confirming residency status (for example, a precaria*), a tax identification number, proof of source of funds, or an employment contract.

* Precaria is a temporary document confirming legal stay in Argentina, issued to a foreigner while their residency application is being processed. It confirms that the person is legally in the country and usually allows them to carry out certain administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account or getting a job.

.Bank cards can also be issued by digital banks in Argentina, such as Brubank and Wilobank. In digital banks, you can obtain a debit or credit card in Argentine pesos (ARS) if you have an Argentine ID or proof of residency.

If the bank approves the account opening, you will need to choose its type. In Argentina, savings and current accounts are available. It should be noted that banks may charge an account-opening fee and require a minimum deposit— the amounts depend on the specific institution.

After opening the account, the client receives a bank card and account details, which can be used to receive and withdraw funds in Argentine pesos (ARS). After that, online banking must be set up.

Tourist cards are also available in Argentina, but they have special restrictions: 50,000 Argentine pesos (approximately $37) for top-ups and 100,000 (about $74) for withdrawals.

Features of using a bank card in Argentine pesos (ARS)

Before using bank cards in Argentine pesos (ARS), you should consider the tariffs and limits of a specific bank, including maintenance fees, as well as restrictions on deposit and withdrawal amounts.

It is also important to note that since 2022, payments made with bank cards issued outside Argentina are converted using the MEP exchange rate*. Cards issued in certain regions may not be accepted for payments at all due to sanctions.

* The MEP rate is a market-based method of currency exchange in Argentina through the purchase and sale of securities. The name comes from "Mercado Electrónico de Pagos". This rate is usually closer to the real market rate than the official government rate. For foreign citizens, it is generally a more âûãîäíûé option, as paying with a foreign card or exchanging currency at the MEP rate usually yields more Argentine pesos for the same amount in dollars or other foreign currencies.

ATMs also have limits on cash deposits and withdrawals, typically 20,000 (approximately $15) to 40,000 (approximately $30) Argentine pesos (ARS) per transaction. There may also be minimum payment requirements. For example, some establishments may set a minimum amount for card payments in Argentine pesos.

How to top up and withdraw Argentine pesos (ARS)

Top-ups and withdrawals of Argentine pesos (ARS) from bank cards are available through the following methods:

• Cash via ATMs;
• Transfers by bank account or card number;
• Money transfers through international systems such as Western Union and MoneyGram.
• Third-party payment systems such as Wise, Skrill, and others;
• Exchange offices and P2P services (direct exchange). Argentina has many street currency exchange points, but the exchange rate may be very unfavorable due to high fees.

In some supermarkets, you can also withdraw cash with your card when making a purchase. Top-ups and withdrawals of Argentine pesos (ARS) can also be carried out via SWIFT transfers; however, these transactions may incur fees of $50 to $200, regardless of the amount.