Best Ways to Send Money to Argentina in 2026

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Sending money to Argentina is more complex than most countries because of the gap between the official exchange rate and the unofficial "blue dollar" rate. The right transfer method can mean the difference between your recipient getting full value — or losing 30–40% of it.

Ways to transfer money to Arentina:

• Cheapest: USDT (stablecoin) via Binance or Coinbase — near-zero fees and rates close to the blue dollar. Best traditional option: Instarem (from 0.4%).
• Fastest: Crypto transfers (USDT) arrive in seconds. Revolut-to-Revolut is instant; MoneyGram cash pickup takes minutes.
• Best overall: Revolut or Instarem — transparent fees, competitive rates, fast delivery, and user-friendly apps. For large sums where security matters most, use a bank wire transfer.
• Best for cash pickup: Western Union or MoneyGram — ideal when the recipient doesn't have a bank account.

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Key factors to consider

1. Blue dollar

Argentina operates in a highly unstable economic environment with two exchange rates: the official rate and the black market rate called “blue dollar”. The latter offers a higher value for the US dollar compared to the official exchange rate, sometimes incredibly so.

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Argentina has had its real economy dollarized for more than 50 years; that is, the local currency (the peso) has a value relative to the price of the US dollar. So the price of the dollar in relation to the peso defines how much money yielded. Governments try to keep the price of the dollar as low as possible, but that has generated, out of distrust, a marginal dollar or blue dollar, which has its own price and is what people are governed by, and the real economy as well. Many providers use the official exchange rate, which may reduce the amount your recipient receives. This has made international transfers more complex.

{{Juan Francisco Miranda}}

2. Exchange regulations

On April 14, the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic announced the release of exchange rate controls through Communication “A” No. 8226. Now, individuals can purchase foreign currency without restrictions or bureaucratic barriers. At the moment, the limit has only been lifted for transactions made through digital channels. The purchase of pesos in cash is still limited to a maximum of $100 per month and requires filling out a declaration.

How to send money to Argentina from the US?

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1. International bank transfers

Bank wire transfer allows you to send money directly from your bank account to Argentina. It’s the most traditional and safe way for sending money abroad, and is particularly suitable if you need to send large sums of money or ensure the highest level of security. Banks usually charge higher fees and weaker exchange rates than transfer apps. Banks often charge significant fees for international transactions. For instance, the USA banks can charge up to $50, and the UK banks can charge up to £35. Additionally, such transfers typically take between 3 and 7 business days to process. 

To initiate a wire transfer, you need to gather and provide your bank with the recipient’s information: full name, bank name, bank SWIFT/BIC code, account number, contact number, address, and the reason for the transfer. All the transactions are subject to BCRA (Banco Central de la República Argentina) provisions on money and exchange, and to the AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Income) provisions. 

Pros

• Secure and reliable
• Have large transfer capacity
• Totally official and regulated

Cons

• High fees and commissions
• Not all banks offer international wire transfers
• Uses the official exchange rate
• Isn’t the fastest option for urgent transfers

2. Money transfer services

With the rise of digital careers and the fast-paced economy, online services have revolutionized the way to transfer money internationally. These services are generally faster, more reliable, and offer lower fees than traditional bank transfers. However, as these are online transactions, they raise some security concerns, such as the risk of identity theft and malware attacks.  Use providers with two-factor authentication and verify the recipient details before sendingPros

• Fast transfer processing
• Lower fees and commissions
• Favorable currency exchange rates
• User-friendly interface and mobile apps

Cons

• Limits on the amount of money transfers
• Possible hidden fees
• Not as secure and reliable

Below is a list of the most popular and trustworthy services you may use.

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Western Union

Best for: Cash pickup, recipients without bank accounts, travelers in Argentina sending money to themselves, and elderly relatives unfamiliar with apps. Also a strong option for first-time users — the welcome fee waiver makes the inaugural transfer essentially free.

Western Union is one of the most familiar and popular choices for sending money to Argentina. It has several convenient options for receiving payments: at a local Western Union office, directly into a bank account, or through the Pago Fа́cil App (If the sender did not share bank account information). Western Union is, perhaps, one of the few methods where a debit card is not required. You can send and receive money in one of their many agent locations. This makes it a very convenient and traditional payment option, especially if you're sending money to an older relative.  For safety reasons, Western Union provides a tracking number (MTCN) to ensure that you are aware of every step of the transfer process. 

The transfers to Argentina may take up to 5 days and require the recipient's nationality and the purpose of the transfer to be provided. The service charges fees for each transaction, which vary depending on the brand, channel, and location. Western Union additionally makes money from currency exchange, so it's worth considering both factors when comparing different options. There is a calculator on their website that you can use to estimate the fees. If you're paying with a bank account, the fee for a transfer of $100 will be $10.99. A debit card transfer will cost $12.99. The cheapest option would be to pay in store, as this will only cost you $8 for the transaction.

MoneyGram

Best for: Fast cash pickup when Western Union queues are too long or fees are higher in your route. Good middle-ground option.

is another reliable and well-known service that can be used to transfer money to Argentina from anywhere in the world. Like Western Union, it offers both card and cash options for sending and receiving money, with a wide range of offices in Argentina. Depending on the chosen method, money can be received in Argentina within minutes or up to two business days. It's also one of the oldest and most secure methods of sending money. 

However, even well-established companies like these are not 100% safe. In September 2024 MoneyGram experienced a cybersecurity attack, which led to days-long delays and the theft of customer data. The company quickly resolved the issue, but they did not explain how the hacker was able to breach their system. Of course, no system is perfect, and this can happen with any service. However, MoneyGram has had such experience in the past, so it's worth taking note of this.

MoneyGram is not the cheapest option, but its fees are generally lower than those for direct bank transfers or Western Union. You can calculate your transaction with an online calculator. The cheapest option is to send cash to a location similar to Western Union, but the commission is lower. The standard commission for sending USD to ARS is $5.99. The exchange rate is also more favorable.

Pros:

• Lower fees than Western Union on average
• Fast: minutes for cash pickup
• Wide payout network in Argentina
• Slightly more favorable exchange rate than WU in some cases

Cons:

• Suffered a major cybersecurity breach in September 2024 with customer data theft — security concerns remain
• Smaller network than Western Union outside major cities
• Exchange rate still based on official rate (not blue dollar)
• Limits lower than Western Union for large transfers

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PayPal

Best for:Freelancers and business transactions, especially when both parties already use PayPal. Xoom is better for family transfers — combines PayPal's trust with cash-pickup options.

PayPal is one of the most well-known payment platforms available in more than 200 countries, including Argentina. It can be used for both personal and business transactions. PayPal is secure, fast, and easy to use: all you need to register is a valid email address, national ID or passport, and a link to a bank account or credit/debit card. 

PayPal transfers are usually instant, but in some cases, it can take up to 5 business days for money to be sent from your bank account to PayPal, and up to 3 business days for it to be withdrawn to the recipient's local bank account. The service charges fees for both domestic and international transactions. The final fee depends on the payment method. 

PayPal offers free domestic transfers when using the service's balance or a linked bank account. For debit or credit card transfers, there’s a fee of 2,9% + a fixed fee based on the sent currency: €0.35, $0.30, £0.20. For international transactions, an additional fee of between $0.99 and $4.99 will be added. PayPal also charges fees for currency conversion, so it's best to check the current market exchange rate before transferring funds.

Pros:

• Trusted global brand with strong fraud protection
• Xoom not affected by the new 1% US remittance tax
• Wide acceptance for business invoicing
• Cash pickup option via Xoom
• Fast for PayPal-to-PayPal transfers

Cons:

• Multiple layered fees that add up
• Currency conversion margin is among the highest (3–4%)
• Funds can be held or frozen by PayPal without warning
• Recipient often needs a PayPal account for personal transfers
• Uses the official rate (not blue dollar)

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Revolut

Best for:Digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who already use Revolut for international banking. Also good for regular small-to-medium transfers to a recipient with a stable bank account.

Revolut offers a fresh approach to digital banking and is one the most user-friendly and efficient options when it comes to sending money to Argentina. All you need to do is download the app, add money to your Revolut account and enter the recipient's details or choose them from your contact list. Transfers to other Revolut users are usually instant. However, as the Revolut card is not currently available for residents of Argentina, bank transfers may take 3-5 days to process.

Revolut offers low fees and real-time exchange rates, making it useful for frequent transfers. With Revolut no fees are hidden: you can see the exchange rates in real-time before you send the money, as well as an approximate time of arrival

Note that additional currency transfer rates are not applied only on weekdays. Some Reddit users have been complaining about unfavorable rates, unaware of this fact. 

Pros:

• Transparent, low fees with real-time preview
• Mid-market exchange rates on weekdays
• Multi-currency wallet (hold USD, EUR, GBP, ARS)
• Excellent mobile UX
• Built-in budgeting tools

Cons:

• Cards not available in Argentina
• Bank transfers slow (3–5 days)
• 1% FX markup on weekends
• Monthly free FX limits on Standard plan
• Customer service entirely in-app — no phone line

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Instarem

Best for:Everyday personal transfers of $500–$10,000 where you want the best rate without learning crypto. Also good for freelancers who don't want PayPal's fees.

Instarem is an international money transfer service regulated by the Bank of Lithuania. It has a user-friendly app, a wide range of currencies, and its fees are among the lowest on the market. Their exchange rates are similar to those offered by Revolut, with slightly better competitive pricing. Instarem is transparent about their charges: you can see all the fees in the app before sending money. For personal transfers, the fees start at 0.4% and depend on the amount sent, currency, and payment method. For business transfers, a standard fee of 0.65% is applied when sending money, and a standard fee of 0.3% is applied for receiving. 

Transfers to Argentina are usually instant, but they can also take up to 2 business days due to various factors such as the chosen payment method and delays in the banking system. You can track every step of the transfer process in the app, and will get a notification when the recipient has received the money.
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Pros:

• Among the lowest fees on the market (from 0.4%)
• Mid-market exchange rates
• Loyalty program: free transfers after enough volume
• Fully transparent — see total cost before sending
• Regulated by a European central bank

Cons:

• Bank deposit only — no cash pickup option
• Smaller network than WU/MoneyGram
• Recipient must have an Argentine bank account
• Some routes limited
• Less brand recognition (can feel less trustworthy to first-timers)

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3. Cryptocurrency transfers

Best for:Tech-savvy users prioritizing maximum value, freelancers paid by international clients, and anyone wanting to convert at rates close to MEP/blue dollar. Particularly powerful for recurring or large transfers.

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Argentina is one of the countries where interest in cryptocurrency is constantly growing due to the current economic instability and high inflation. The average revenue per user in the cryptocurrency market is projected to be $64.1 in 2025. Approximately 5 million people, out of a total population of 45 million, use digital assets on a daily basis. Cryptocurrency is legal in Argentina and is considered an intangible asset, which means it is taxable. The tax is calculated based on the amount of money you earn.

USDT transfers are often faster and cheaper than bank transfers. Bitcoin, Ethereum or any other cryptocurrency can be transferred in seconds, and the exchange rates are often more favorable. The most popular cryptocurrency exchange platforms are Binance and Coinbase. They both can be used to exchange cryptocurrencies in Argentina. Stablecoins such as USDT typically have the lowest transaction fees and are therefore the most attractive option for transferring funds.

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Note that while cryptocurrency is not restricted, it's still not the most secure way to transfer money. In Argentina, cryptocurrency is used to access US dollars and make transactions outside of the traditional banking system. Therefore, it's important to stay informed about any government regulations that could affect cryptocurrency transactions in the country.

The platforms that allow transfers are not easy to understand and use by the general public, so some of them end up being a difficulty rather than a help. All this results in uncertainty and fear when using digital platforms. The same goes for cryptocurrencies, which remain a mystery for a large part of the population. The great general difficulty is the ignorance and bureaucratic disorder in sending and receiving money to Argentina. The forms process can be complex, incomprehensible for ordinary people, and also it is usually modified so it turns out to be a big obstacle. This actually favors large companies.

{{Juan Francisco Miranda}}

How to Send Money to Argentina: Step-by-Step

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Six steps to make sure your transfer arrives fast, safely, and with maximum value.

1. Choose your provider

Start with the comparison table above and pick based on your top priority — lowest fees, fastest delivery, cash pickup, or closest rate to the blue dollar. Don't default to your bank; specialized services almost always offer a better deal.

Tip: If the recipient doesn't have a bank account, choose Western Union or MoneyGram for cash pickup. For tech-savvy recipients, USDT delivers the best value.

2. Compare exchange rates and the final ARS amount

Don't just look at the fee — look at how many pesos your recipient will actually receive. Some "zero-fee" services hide their margin in the exchange rate, which costs you far more than a transparent flat fee.

Watch out: A bank wire with a $5 fee that uses the official rate can deliver 30–40% fewer pesos than a USDT transfer at the blue dollar rate. Always compare the final ARS payout.

3. Enter the recipient's details

Depending on the provider, you'll need some combination of: full legal name, CBU/CVU (Argentine bank account number), alias bancario, DNI or passport number, address, and reason for transfer.

Critical: One wrong digit in the CBU and the money is either rejected, lost, or sent to the wrong account. Ask the recipient to copy-paste their details, never read them over the phone.

4. Pick your payment method

The way you pay affects both the fee and the speed. Options usually include:

• Bank account (ACH/SEPA) — cheapest, 1–3 days
• Debit card — fast but slightly more expensive
• Credit card — fastest, but highest fees plus cash advance charges from your bank
• Cash in store — only for WU/MoneyGram, best when you don't have online banking
• Crypto wallet — for USDT, lowest cost and fastest delivery

5. Review every fee before confirming

On the final confirmation screen, check three things: (1) the transfer fee, (2) the exchange rate (compare it to xe.com mid-market), and (3) the exact ARS amount the recipient will get. If anything looks worse than you expected, cancel and try a different provider.

Tip: Screenshot the confirmation screen — it's your proof if anything goes wrong.

6. Send the transfer & save your tracking number

After confirming, you'll get a tracking reference — Western Union's MTCN, a MoneyGram reference number, a PayPal transaction ID, or a blockchain transaction hash for crypto. Save it immediately and share it with your recipient so they can track and claim the funds.

Tip: Keep the tracking number for at least 90 days. You'll need it for any refund, dispute, or tax declaration.

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Tips for sending money to Argentina

Before sending money, compare the exchange rate, transfer fee, and delivery speed.

• Compare exchange rates. Argentina’s currency is unstable due to inflation and operates within two systems: the official exchange rate and the blue dollar exchange rate. To get the best value for your money, it's important to choose an option that's closest to the blue dollar rate. 
• Choose the right transfer method. Check the possible delivery options, such as cash pickup, bank account transfers, or direct card deliveries. And choose the best and most comfortable option for the recipient. 
• Verify the recipient’s details carefully. Depending on the platform or transfer method you select, double-check all details to ensure that there are no delays or lost funds. Some services may require the name and bank account details, while others may also ask for information such as an address and passport details of the recipient.

First, find out if the transfer can be received in the currency of origin. Since last year, dollars can be entered through transfers and received in that currency in bank accounts. But this can be changed at any time. The second thing is to be attentive to the provisions of the Central Bank of Argentina, who establishes the rules for this. If you are going to use a digital platform, find out if this platform allows the transfer in the currency of origin to a bank account based in Argentina, and that this transfer can be received without being converted, that is, converted to local currency (if this happens the dollar value of the transfer is lower because the blue dollar is still quoted above the official dollar).
{{Juan Francisco Miranda}}

Have ethical practices in mind

Make transparency, security, and allegiance to international and local laws your number one priority when choosing a way to send money to Argentina.