Taking the bus in Buenos Aires can eat up a big chunk of your paycheck, and keeping track of which digital wallet offers discounts on public transit depending on the day is a real hassle. What you need to know is that some digital wallets and banks will refund up to 100% of your fare, without any complicated paperwork and using the cell phone you already have.
These are the four options currently available: Cuenta DNI, Mercado Pago, NaranjaX, and MODO. Here’s everything you need to know to save money on buses.
How much you save on buses with each digital wallet: days and amounts
Below, we’ll explain how each digital wallet works when it comes to giving you a discount or refund on your bus fare.
Cuenta DNI: up to 100% cashback
- Refunds of up to 100%
- Valid when paying with NFC on buses.
- Available every day of the week.
- Monthly limit: $10,000.
- Refunds are credited within 24 to 48 hours.
Mercado Pago: up to 100% cashback
- Up to 100% cashback on buses and subways.
- The percentage varies depending on the user’s profile and the payment method used.
- Monthly limit: $10,000.
- Refunds are credited within 24 to 72 hours.
NaranjaX: up to 100% cashback
- Up to 100% cashback when paying with NFC using a Visa card.
- There are special promotions depending on the bank and the card.
- The limits and validity periods depend on each promotion.
- Refunds are credited within 24 to 48 hours.
MODO: up to 50% off
- Up to 50% discount with Visa cards from participating banks.
- The discounts are partial and can be combined.
- The limits and validity periods depend on the active promotion.
- Refunds are credited within 24 to 72 hours.
Which digital wallet is best for you when traveling by bus
Leading the pack is Cuenta DNI. It’s the simplest option if you have an account with Banco Provincia because it gives you a 100% refund every day regardless of your user profile, with a fixed monthly cap of $10,000.
In second place is Mercado Pago because it also offers up to 100%, but the percentage varies depending on your history and the payment method you use. It’s worth checking the app before you head out to see exactly which benefit is active for you.
NaranjaX is a good option if you have a linked Visa card: promotions vary by bank and can be very convenient depending on the current agreement.
And MODO, although it only covers up to 50%, allows you to accumulate partial discounts, which can add up significantly if you travel every day.
How to activate the bus fare refund
Check the monthly limits in your wallet app to see how much credit you have left and make sure the NFC feature is enabled on your phone. Link a compatible card or load money onto the wallet of your choice.
When you board the bus, tap your phone or card on the validator just as you would with SUBE. The refund is processed automatically: the payment is processed, and the money is returned to your account within a few hours.