Blue Dollar Price Today: Retail Quote and Market Analysis

The blue dollar exchange rate experienced fluctuations in the parallel market today, reflecting the characteristic volatility of Argentina’s informal currency. The unofficial rate shows its own dynamics, independent of the official control exercised by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) over the currency.

Official and parallel exchange rates today

At Banco Nación, the retail currency is priced at $1385 for buying and $1435 for selling. Meanwhile, the blue dollar in the parallel market is approximately $1405 for buying and $1425 for selling, showing a significant difference from the official rate.

The BCRA maintains control over the retail currency, with the rate published starting at 10 a.m. The blue dollar rate is known roughly between 11 and 11:30 a.m., when financial institutions and exchange houses in Buenos Aires provide their references. Unlike the official currency, which operates during banking hours, the blue dollar operates without a fixed schedule, reflecting transactions in the illegal market.

Considering the parallel rate, approximately $141,500 is needed to buy 100 dollars in the informal market this Monday.

Impact of oil prices and BCRA exchange policies

Oil prices surged significantly, reaching their highest level in over three and a half years. This increase is attributed to the escalation of the Middle East conflict, which has shaken global financial markets, including Argentine assets.

JP Morgan Chase analyzed the potential impact of this scenario on Latin America. The report highlights that Argentina appears as one of the relative beneficiaries within the region, thanks to the growth of its unconventional oil production in Vaca Muerta. This factor could play an important role in Javier Milei’s government economic program.

The BCRA announced the start of a new phase in its monetary program, focusing on two key aspects:

• Band float regime: Starting January 1, 2026, the ceiling and floor of the exchange rate band will evolve monthly based on the latest monthly inflation data reported by Indec (National Institute of Statistics and Censuses).

• Pre-announced reserve purchase program: From January 1, 2026, the BCRA will initiate a program to accumulate international reserves consistent with money demand and liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

MEP and CCL dollar: financial alternatives

Beyond the official and parallel dollar, other relevant rates exist in the market. The MEP dollar (Electronic Payment Method) is at $1433.13, while the CCL dollar (Contado con Liquidación) reaches $1477.99.

The MEP dollar offers a legal alternative to obtain foreign currency through buying and selling bonds quoted in pesos (such as AL30). The process involves converting these bonds into their dollar-quoted equivalents and selling them in foreign currency.

The CCL dollar is another financial tool that allows converting pesos into dollars abroad. For companies and investors, it is the main way to acquire and legally transfer foreign currency out of the country. It involves buying shares or debt securities in pesos that are quoted both domestically and internationally, then transferring them to an overseas account and selling for dollars.

Cryptocurrencies and stablecoins: value references

The crypto dollar or stablecoin, which operates 24/7 throughout the year, serves as a reference when official quotes are unavailable. These digital currencies maintain parity with the US dollar.

Today’s main quotes are:

• DAI: $1454.52
• USDC: $1459.76
• USDT: $1456.56

Bitcoin (BTC), the most prominent cryptocurrency today, is trading at $74,360 USD. It is an increasingly accepted asset worldwide for commercial transactions.

Ethereum (ETH), the cryptocurrency of the Ethereum platform, is valued at $2,330 USD today. It ranks as the second-largest digital currency by market capitalization and is widely used for DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) applications.

These cryptocurrencies can be accessed through exchange platforms like Ripio, where stablecoins pegged to the dollar can be purchased.

How to buy dollars via online banking

Since the removal of currency controls, banks now allow dollar purchases through online banking. Each bank has specific hours for this operation.

Steps to follow:

1. Log into your bank’s online banking and ensure you have sufficient funds.

2. Find the “Operations” section (or similar) and select “Buy/Sell Dollars.”

3. Enter the amount you want to buy in pesos. The system will show how many dollars you will get based on the current rate.

4. Review the details, accept the terms, and click “Confirm.”

It is advisable to check with your bank beforehand about service availability and operating hours.

Card dollar and country risk

The card dollar is used for purchases made abroad or for international services. Since the elimination of the PAÍS tax, its value is calculated by adding a 30% perception as an advance on Income Tax to the retail dollar rate. Currently, it costs $1865.50.

The country risk indicator, prepared by JP Morgan, stands at 593 points today.

Other currencies and market assets

The euro is sold in the parallel market at $1635.88.

According to Banco Nación, the Brazilian currency is traded at $269 for buying and $284 for selling.

Inflation outlook and perception refunds

The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (Indec) will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February this Thursday, March 12. Private forecasts estimate inflation for the second month of the year to be between 2.4% and 2.9%, similar to January’s 2.9%. This price increase is driven by meat and regulated services.

Those who made purchases abroad can request a refund of the amounts withheld during 2025 as perceptions of Income Tax and Personal Assets. This is an ARCA process that can be done online.

For those not subject to Income Tax or Personal Assets, the steps are:

1. Log into the ARCA official site with CUIT and fiscal password.

2. Find and select the “Perception Refund” service (or “My Withholdings” to check first).

3. Choose the year 2025, month by month (e.g., 202501 for January), and select the listed perceptions.

4. Submit the request and save the receipt.

You can track the status of the process in the “My Withholdings” section under “Search”; the refund is deposited into the taxpayer’s bank account.

Quotation schedules and dynamics

The official dollar rate, controlled by the BCRA, closes on business days at 3 p.m., as it operates during banking hours. The blue dollar, being part of the illegal market, has no official opening or closing times, though it usually ends its trading session between 3 and 4 p.m.

Unlike other rates, the crypto dollar is active constantly, regardless of hours, weekends, or holidays, accessible through exchange platforms where stablecoins pegged to the dollar can be purchased.