- On average, each Argentine now has 4 bank accounts and 3.5 digital accounts.
- QR payments grew by more than 200%.
- Financial tools such as the digital check are also leading consumer preferences.
The Argentine financial ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth in the adoption of digital accounts and electronic payment methods during 2024.
This data was shared by Coelsa, a technology company focused on the financial sector, which launched an indicator detailing the evolution of payment methods and financial tools used by Argentinians.
Account openings
In 2024, there was a 48% increase in the opening of bank accounts (CBU) and non-bank accounts (CVU), reaching a total of 262.3 million accounts.
This increase translates to the opening of 33.8 million new accounts in the last four months of the previous year. Currently, 38.9 million people have bank accounts, while nearly 30 million use digital wallet accounts. On average, each individual has 4 bank accounts and 3.5 digital accounts. According to data from the Central Bank, they are distributed as follows:
| Category | Year 2024 |
|---|---|
| Checking accounts | 8,305,819 |
| Savings accounts | 105,081,005 |
| Social savings accounts | 15,079,215 |
| Pension accounts | 14,557,297 |
| Fixed-term deposits (Individuals) | 4,431,695 |
| Fixed-term deposits (Companies) | 198,999 |
| Mortgage loans | 315,522 |
| Personal loans | 332,006 |
| Other loans | 49,625,804 |
| Credit card holders | 25,703,909 |
| Credit cards (plastics) | 40,243,682 |
| Debit cards | 85,231,661 |
Adoption of QR code payments
QR code payments have shown exponential growth, with 157 million transactions recorded in the last quarter of 2024, representing a 212% increase compared to the previous year. This method is primarily preferred by Millennials (62%), followed by Generation X (25%). The supermarket and store sectors lead in QR payments, with an average transaction amount equivalent to $17. 62% of those who adopted this system are men, and 38% are women.
The top merchants leading QR payments include:
- Supermarkets: 32%
- Small businesses: 18%
- Restaurants: 12%
- Gas stations: 6%
- Pharmacies: 6%
- Professional services and freelancers: 5%
Digital checks
The use of digital checks (ECHEQ) has surpassed physical checks, representing 52% of the total checks issued. This trend indicates a shift toward more efficient and secure payment solutions in the business sector.
Mortgage loans
Another major development in Argentina is the return of mortgage loans. According to data from the consulting firm Empiria, the amount lent by banks for mortgage loans has reached $830 million, with $240 million granted in December 2024.
