With annual inflation topping 200%, Argentine savers are weighing virtual wallets against fixed-term deposits. Ualá leads wallets with 24% TNA, while the best bank deposits offer 23%. A $2,000,000 comparison shows over $5,700 difference between channels.

In Argentina, where inflation remains high—July recorded the highest year-on-year increase in a year—savers are constantly looking for ways to protect the value of their pesos. The race between digital wallets, which offer daily interest on available balances, and traditional fixed-term deposits (plazo fijo) is tighter than ever. Here's a clear breakdown of the best rates as of August 19, 2026, based on data from La Nueva and Infobae.

Digital Wallets: High Liquidity, Competitive Rates

Virtual wallets in Argentina often pay interest through money market funds (FCI) or directly on your balance. The best rates for August 2026 are:

Wallet / AccountTNAConditions
Ualá Plus 224%Up to $1,000,000
Ualá Plus 121%Up to $1,000,000
Banco BICA (Cuenta Positiva 4)22%Up to $750,000
Fiwind21%Limit $750,000
Cocos Pay20.81%Money market fund
Carrefour Banco20%Monthly income up to $4,468,800
Lemon Cash20.07%Money market fund
Personal Pay18.98%Money market fund
Mercado Pago18.61%Money market fund
Naranja X17% – 18%Depending on segment, limit $1,000,000
Brubank18%Remunerated account
Banco Voii17%Remunerated savings account

These rates are estimated and can vary daily because they are tied to money market funds. Unlike a fixed deposit, you can withdraw your money at any time without losing earned interest.

Fixed Deposits: Guaranteed Rates, Locked Money

If you prefer certainty, the Central Bank publishes daily rates for all banks. The best online 30-day fixed deposit rates in August 2026 are:

BankTNA (30 days)
Banco de Comercio23%
Reba23%
Banco Mariva23%
Banco CMF22.5%
Bibank22.5%
Crédito Regional CF22.5%
Banco Meridian22.25%
Banco Voii22.25%
Banco BICA22%
Banco Columbia22%
Banco del Sol21%
Banco de Córdoba20.75%
Banco Dino20%
Banco Provincia19.5%
Banco Nación (online)19%
Banco Macro18.5%
BBVA18.5%
ICBC17.7%
Galicia17.5%
Credicoop17.5%
Ciudad17%
Santander16%
Patagonia16%

Note that the TNA (Nominal Annual Rate) is the annual interest rate without compounding. For a 30-day deposit, the monthly return is roughly TNA/12, before any taxes.

Practical Example: $2,000,000 at 30 Days

According to Radio Mitre, with $2,000,000 in a Banco Nación fixed deposit:

  • In branch (TNA 15.50%): interest of $25,479.45, total at maturity $2,025,479.45.
  • Via home banking (TNA 19%): interest of $31,232.88, total $2,031,232.88.

The difference between the two channels is $5,753.43 in favor of the digital option—a clear incentive for online banking.

If you instead choose a digital wallet like Ualá Plus 2 (24% TNA), the monthly yield would be approximately $39,452, with the added flexibility of withdrawing anytime.

What Should You Choose?

The decision depends on your profile:

Fixed Deposit

✔ Guaranteed rate from day one.
✔ Know exactly what you'll earn.
✖ Money locked for 30 days or more.
✖ Early cancellation loses interest.

Digital Wallet

✔ Daily interest and immediate liquidity.
✔ Use money for payments and transfers.
✖ Variable rate, can change without notice.
✖ Some have balance caps.

Financial advisors suggest combining both: keep a portion in remunerated accounts for daily expenses and another in fixed deposits for short-term goals. Always read the fine print and compare rates before committing.

Sources: La Nueva | Infobae | La Nación | Radio Mitre