Como Calcular Un Plazo Fijo En Pesos

Calculating a plazo fijo (fixed-term deposit) in Argentine pesos is essential for understanding the potential returns on your savings. This guide explains the calculation process, provides a calculator, and offers practical advice for making informed financial decisions.

What is a plazo fijo?

A plazo fijo is a fixed-term deposit offered by Argentine banks where you deposit a specific amount of money for a predetermined period. In return, the bank pays you interest on your deposit, typically at a fixed rate.

Plazo fijos are popular among Argentine savers because they offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, and the money is locked in for the agreed term, providing financial security.

How to calculate plazo fijo in pesos

Calculating the return from a plazo fijo involves determining the interest earned over the deposit period. The key factors are:

The initial deposit amount (capital)
The annual interest rate
The term length in days

The calculation is straightforward but requires converting the annual rate to a daily rate and then applying it to the capital.

The formula

The interest earned from a plazo fijo can be calculated using this formula:

Interest = Capital × (Annual Rate ÷ 365) × Term (days)

Where:

Capital is the initial deposit amount in pesos
Annual Rate is the interest rate per year (expressed as a decimal)
Term (days) is the length of the deposit in days

The total amount you'll receive at the end of the term is the sum of your capital and the interest earned.

Worked example

Let's calculate a plazo fijo with these parameters:

Capital: $100,000
Annual interest rate: 40%
Term: 90 days

Using the formula:

Interest = $100,000 × (0.40 ÷ 365) × 90

= $100,000 × 0.001096 × 90

= $100,000 × 0.09864

= $9,864

So the interest earned would be $9,864, and the total amount received would be $109,864.

Comparison of plazo fijo options

Here's a comparison of different plazo fijo terms with the same capital and interest rate:

Term (days)	Interest Earned	Total Amount
30	$3,287	$103,287
60	$6,574	$106,574
90	$9,864	$109,864
180	$19,728	$119,728
365	$40,000	$140,000

This table shows how longer terms result in higher interest earnings, but also require you to keep your money invested for longer periods.

FAQ

What is the difference between a plazo fijo and a savings account?: A plazo fijo typically offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, but requires you to lock in your money for a specific period. Savings accounts usually offer lower rates and allow more flexibility in accessing your funds.
Can I withdraw my money from a plazo fijo before the term ends?: Most plazo fijos have penalties for early withdrawal, which typically reduce the interest rate or amount you receive. Always check the terms and conditions before opening a plazo fijo.
Are plazo fijos insured?: Yes, plazo fijos are insured by the Argentine government up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. This means your money is protected in case the bank fails.
How often are plazo fijo interest rates updated?: Interest rates for plazo fijos are typically updated monthly, based on the central bank's policy rate and market conditions. You can usually find the current rates on your bank's website.
Is it better to reinvest plazo fijo interest or leave it in a savings account?: Reinvesting the interest can provide higher returns over time, but it means you're locking up your money for longer periods. Consider your financial goals and risk tolerance when deciding.