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Banking in Argentina

Best banks in Argentina for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Argentina. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Argentina

A newcomer typically starts with a digital wallet/bank (e.g. Mercado Pago or Brubank) using a passport plus a CDI or CUIT obtained online. A full peso-and-USD account at a traditional bank generally requires a DNI, a CUIL/CUIT tax number, proof of income and proof of address, plus a branch visit. Note Argentina's currency controls affect USD access.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Argentina: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Argentina

Banco Nación (BNA)

traditional
State bank, widest branch/ATM network

State-owned; offers peso and USD (caja de ahorro en dólares) savings accounts.

Banco Galicia

traditional
Largest private bank, full-service

Largest private bank (absorbed HSBC Argentina in 2024); strong Move app; relatively foreigner-friendly.

Santander Argentina

traditional
International network / existing Santander clients

Subsidiary of Spain's Santander Group; useful if you already bank with Santander abroad.

BBVA Argentina

traditional
USD accounts, expats from Spain/Mexico

Part of Spanish BBVA Group; operates across all 23 provinces; offers USD savings accounts.

Banco Macro

traditional
Strong presence in the interior provinces

Large domestically-owned private bank with wide regional coverage.

Brubank

digital
Fast mobile-only onboarding for daily banking

App-based bank; account opened in minutes once you have a DNI; supports peso and USD balances.

Ualá

digital
Fee-free prepaid card and wallet as a stopgap

Fintech wallet with Mastercard; convenient before a full bank account is set up.

International accounts & neobanks

Payoneer

Available to Argentine freelancers and businesses to receive USD/EUR from international clients and marketplaces.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Argentina

See the full Argentina tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Argentina with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.