Is it worth investing in a fixed term? Everything you need to consider before locking away your savings

The fixed term remains one of the most chosen savings tools by Argentinians due to its simplicity and because it allows knowing from the very beginning how much will be received at maturity. However, the scenario has changed in recent months. With the deregulation of minimum rates and a yield that has remained well below levels recorded at other times, many savers have begun to wonder if it is still worth locking away money for 30 days.

The answer depends on the goal of each investor. For those who prioritize security and seek to avoid the volatility of other financial instruments, the fixed term continues to be a valid option. On the other hand, those who aim to obtain a return that matches or exceeds inflation must analyze the available alternatives in greater detail before making a decision.

Currently, each bank freely defines the rate it offers to its clients, so the difference between one entity and another can represent several thousand pesos more for the same investment. Therefore, comparing the available proposals has ceased to be a recommendation and has become an almost mandatory step before making a deposit.

The situation of fixed terms in August 2026

Since the Central Bank eliminated the mandatory minimum rate for fixed term deposits, financial entities have started to compete by offering different yields. This has led to significant differences between traditional banks, digital banks, and financial companies.

The largest entities maintain rates close to 16% and 19% nominal annual for 30-day deposits, while some private banks and financial companies exceed 22%. This gap has a direct impact on the final profitability of the investment, especially when large amounts are placed.

Another issue that has changed is that many entities reserve the best rates for those who establish the fixed term through home banking or electronic channels. In some cases, conducting the operation from a branch implies accepting a lower yield compared to the electronic channel.

What should I consider before depositing a fixed term?

Before investing, it is advisable to define what the money is needed for. The traditional fixed term requires keeping the capital locked during the agreed period, which is generally 30 days. If there is a possibility of needing those funds before maturity, it is probably not the most suitable tool.

It is also important to evaluate the real yield. The rate published by the bank represents a nominal gain, but the true result depends on how inflation evolves during that same period. If prices rise above the interest earned, the saver may end up losing purchasing power even though they receive more pesos at maturity.

Another key point is to check if the bank allows establishing fixed terms for non-customers and if the best rates are available only through digital channels. These conditions can significantly modify the final yield of the investment.

The rates offered by the main banks

Comparing rates before investing can translate into a considerably higher gain without modifying either the capital or the chosen term. According to the official comparator of the Central Bank for online deposits of 30 days, the main entities offer the following Nominal Annual Rates (TNA):

• Banco Nación: 19% (electronic channel)
• Banco Provincia: 19.5% for customers and up to 21% for non-customers
• Banco Macro: 19.5%
• Banco BBVA: 18.25%
• Banco ICBC: 17.2%
• Banco Galicia: 17.5%
• Banco Credicoop: 17.5%
• Banco Ciudad: 17%
• Banco Santander: 16%
• Banco Patagonia: 16%

Fixed term or UVA fixed term?

The choice mainly depends on the goal of the saver and the time during which they can do without the money. The traditional fixed term allows knowing from the start how much will be received at maturity. It is simple, of low risk and is usually the option chosen by those who need to recover the capital in 30 days. Its main limitation is that the profitability is fixed from the beginning and can lose appeal if inflation exceeds the interest offered by the bank.

The UVA fixed term, on the other hand, adjusts the capital according to the evolution of inflation measured by the CER index and adds an additional rate. As a downside, it requires keeping the money locked for a much longer period, generally 180 days or more, depending on the chosen modality. This makes it not a suitable alternative for those who need liquidity in the short term.

In short, the fixed term remains a useful tool for conservative profiles that prioritize predictability over profitability. However, the current scenario requires being more careful than in previous years: comparing rates between entities, analyzing the economic context, and evaluating whether the money can remain locked during the expected term are fundamental steps before making a decision.