Blue Dollar Quote on September 2, 2026
This Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the blue dollar is quoted at 1,525 pesos for purchase and 1,545 pesos for sale. Compared to the end of August, the informal currency has fallen about 1% so far this month. In the accumulated of 2026, the blue dollar shows a rise of 14% compared to its value at the end of 2025.[S1]
The blue dollar operates in the parallel or illegal market, without official opening or closing times, although its activity usually ends between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. In contrast, the official dollar, controlled by the Central Bank, closes at 3:00 p.m. on business days. The difference between the blue and the official rate remains substantial, reflecting the exchange gap.[S1][S2]
Official Dollar and Other Exchange Rates
According to Banco Nación, the official dollar is quoted at 1,485 pesos for buying and 1,535 pesos for selling this Wednesday. At the start of the day, around 6:14 a.m., other rates were recorded: the card dollar at 1,995.50 pesos, the MEP dollar at 1,529.75 pesos, the CCL (contado con liquidación) at 1,595.34 pesos, and the crypto dollar at 1,618.37 pesos.[S1][S2]
The card dollar results from adding to the official rate a 30% withholding as an advance payment of Income Tax. Until December 22, 2024, that surcharge reached 60%. This rate applies to all transactions abroad made with credit or debit cards, including services like Netflix or Spotify.[S2]
What Is the Crypto Dollar and the 'Small Face' Bills
The crypto dollar is an exchange alternative that allows accessing foreign currency through cryptocurrencies, an emerging option in Argentina due to its volatile exchange market. Unlike bitcoin, stablecoins such as Dai (DAI), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC) have their value anchored to the US dollar, offering relative stability. Operating outside the traditional exchange market and without regulation, the crypto dollar is considered a riskier and more speculative option for investors seeking coverage against inflation and economic turbulence.[S2]
To operate with the crypto dollar, savers must register on a digital platform, transfer pesos or dollars to the application, and then buy or sell. Regarding physical bills, the so-called 'small face' dollars are US$100 notes issued before 1996, with a smaller image of Benjamin Franklin. For some time, banks and exchange houses have faced savers who prefer only the newer 'big face' bills.[S2]
Why Is It Called 'Blue' Dollar?
The name 'blue' has several explanations. One indicates that in English, 'blue' refers not only to the color but also to something 'dark' or obscure. Another theory links it to operations through bonds or shares of companies known as 'blue chips'. It is also associated with the approximate color that appears when applying a marker to detect counterfeit bills.[S1]
