🇦🇷 Argentina · Business Banking
Opening business and personal bank accounts, remote options, required documents, and fees.
Quick answer
Argentine banking is peso-centric with strict currency controls. Residents open an account with a DNI and a CUIL/CUIT tax ID plus proof of address; dollar accounts are heavily controlled and a permanent DNI is needed for full services. The Central Bank (BCRA) regulates banks.
Banks are regulated by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA). A company needs its CUIT and registry documents to open a corporate account; foreign-exchange rules can apply.
- Opening a corporate account requires the CUIT and company documents.
- Foreign-exchange access and transfers can be subject to central-bank rules.
- Both peso and (where permitted) foreign-currency accounts exist.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get your DNI and CUIL/CUIT
A DNI (national ID) is the key document; your CUIL tax ID is generated with it. A permanent DNI unlocks full services (dollar accounts, deposits); a provisional status limits you to basic peso or payroll accounts.
- 2
Choose a bank and account type
A major bank (Banco Nación, Galicia, Santander, BBVA) or a digital wallet; you can hold peso accounts and, where permitted, tightly-controlled dollar accounts.
- 3
Gather your documents
DNI, CUIL/CUIT and proof of address (a utility bill in your name or a police address certificate).
- 4
Complete KYC and note currency controls
Banks run identity and anti-money-laundering checks. Access to foreign exchange and transfers is subject to Central Bank (BCRA) rules — check limits before buying or moving dollars.
- 5
Activate the account and set up payments
Receive your card and home banking, then set up transfers (CBU / alias) and bill payments.
Checklist
- DNI (national ID) — permanent for full services
- CUIL / CUIT (tax ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill or police certificate)
- Company documents + CUIT — corporate accounts
- Initial deposit (if required by the bank)
Official authorities
- Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA)
Central bank and banking regulator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an Argentine bank account without a DNI?
Full accounts generally need a DNI; non-residents may use a CDI for limited purposes, and some banks accept a provisional DNI for basic peso accounts.
Can I open a dollar account?
Yes where permitted, but dollar accounts are heavily scrutinised and subject to Central Bank currency controls; peso accounts are easier to open and operate.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.