11/07/2026 22:19 - Economia
In Argentina, workers for delivery apps (like Pedidos Ya and Rappi) are increasingly turning to loans offered by the very platforms they work for to buy or repair their bicycles and motorcycles. While this provides financing to a sector with historically low access to traditional banking, it also raises alarms due to exorbitant interest rates and potential economic dependency.
On July 11, 2026, the Sindicato de Trabajadores de Reparto por Aplicación (Sitrarepa)—the union representing app delivery workers in Argentina—reported that some credit lines could carry annual interest rates of up to 700%. In a high-inflation country like Argentina, these figures reflect a complex financial landscape. The union's Secretary General, Belén D'Ambrosio, warned that these loans are selectively offered to couriers with high activity levels on the apps.
A recent report by the Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA)—the country's central bank—analyzed the role of non-bank credit providers. The conclusion was direct: apps are financing their own workforce.
Companies claim these tools aim to expand credit access for people without a bank history. They use data such as platform seniority, order acceptance rates, and user ratings as an alternative credit scoring system.
Pedidos Ya (a major delivery app in Latin America) reported granting 57,000 loans totaling $84 million USD since 2022 (starting with merchants) and 2024 (expanding to couriers). Couriers' loans have a maximum term of six months and cannot exceed 30% of their platform income.
Additionally, Banco Galicia (an Argentine bank) announced an agreement with Rappi (another popular delivery app) to provide financing and banking solutions to couriers and affiliated merchants.
Sitrarepa warns that this model can create a circular dependency: couriers need credit to keep working, but end up working more hours to pay off that same credit. D'Ambrosio noted that many couriers extend their workdays to between 10 and 12 hours just to cover fixed expenses and loan installments.
The union argues that the State should regulate these loans to ensure that financial inclusion does not become a debt trap. With open dialogue between workers, companies, and regulators, there is hope for building a more equitable and sustainable credit system for gig economy workers in Argentina.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
