Central Bank rules allow an account on a precaria, but many people are still turned away. What to bring, what happens at the branch, and what to do if the answer is no.
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Esta guía está escrita en inglés hasta que su versión en castellano tenga la misma revisión legal. A continuación, el texto en inglés.
It is possible, but expect it to take persistence. Central Bank rules allow an account on a precaria (temporary certificate), yet many people are still turned away, and the answer often depends on the branch and the employee.
Before you file for residency. A tourist savings account exists on paper. The Central Bank created it in 2021. A Central Bank spokesperson said the number of these accounts ever opened was 0. Until you file, plan to use your cards and account from home.
After you file, with a precaria and a CUIL. You can try a bank branch. The rules allow it. Results vary.
With your ID card. Once you hold the ID card, bank accounts and cards become available. Most of the problems on this page come from not having it yet.
The precaria is the certificate Migraciones gives you after you file for residency. It lasts up to 90 days and can be renewed. Take the current one to the bank.
The CUIL (labour and social-security number) is issued by ANSES, the social security office. Sources disagree on whether you need an appointment. Check before you go.
What people were asked for in reported cases: Passport (and visa if applicable), precaria and a CUIL; some were asked for monotributo proof.
One forum user who succeeded also brought proof of address, a certificado de domicilio (proof of address).
Bring your passport and a precaria that is still valid.
Reports from 2024 and 2025 are mixed. Applicants visit several branches; results depend on the employee; some systems reject passport numbers containing letters.
Some people were turned away even with every paper the Central Bank lists. Others got an account only after asking for a supervisor, or after showing a letter from Migraciones. Some tried several branches before one said yes.
Forum users in 2025 also reported accounts that were opened and later closed for lack of local income.
None of this is a rule. It is what people report. Your branch may be quicker, or slower.
Try another branch of the same bank, or another bank. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
Formal remedy: A complaint to the BCRA.
We do not yet have a sourced guide to filing that complaint. Keep a note of the branch, the date and who you spoke to.
Forum users report that Mercado Pago needs a DNI. It checks your face against the card. Some users without a DNI reported their accounts being blocked.
We have no confirmed 2026 rules for other app-based banks and wallets. Assume a DNI is needed until a provider tells you otherwise.
Some guides describe a free peso account for immigrants that accepts a passport. We have not found the Central Bank rule behind it, so ask the bank directly.
We have not confirmed whether a personal dollar account can be opened on a precaria.
Your DNI is requested together with your residency application. It can only be issued once residence is approved. It is then mailed to the address you declared.
We have no official figure for how long that takes. Keep your account and cards from home working until then. Check that your home bank lets you use them abroad.
If you have not filed for residency yet, start with the routes you may fit in the Route Finder. For moving money in the meantime, read Bringing and spending money.
Esto es información general, no asesoramiento legal. Para asesoramiento sobre tu situación particular, hablá con un abogado
Cada página de ruta explica el requisito, qué necesitás y cuánto cuesta.
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