In a volatile global scenario, the Argentine Credit System Experience an accelerated transformation. Making intelligent financial decisions requires, now more than ever, going far beyond simply looking at the interest rate. Market reconfiguration, the new consumer behavior, the fall in inflation and the expectations of exchange stability are generating an environment with opportunities, but also with risks that could be amplified by international uncertainty if the context is not evaluated in an integral way.
The credit, for years relegated in Argentina, is living an boom. In a few months, the volume of credit went from representing 4.4% of GDP to reach 7.5%, according to the February Monthary (last available), prepared by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
This translates into larger loans, more extensive deadlines and an opening towards financing that covers from consumption to personal and productive projects. According to the survey of market expectations (REM) of February, the credit will continue to be accessible in an environment where the active reference interest rate (TAMAR) of private banks is projected in low: from 29.7% TNA in March to 24% TNA for December this year.
However, the appeal of a Low rate It can lead to errors if other variables are analyzed. “Although the interest rate is a relevant factor when requesting a loan, making a decision only based on it can be counterproductive if other aspects are not evaluated,” he analyzes Julián Sanclemente, CEO and co -founder of Alprestamothe first marketplace of financial products in Latin America.
Hidden costs, As commissions or additional charges, and the flexibility of the credit according to the personal situation of the applicant, they are equally determinants. “Opting only for the lowest interest rate can lead to overlooking hidden costs, so the total cost of the credit must be considered throughout the payment period,” he warns sancludly.
Next, the statements of Julián sancludelyCEO of Alprestamo, to iprofesional:
1. How do growth in the different private credit lines analyze from Alpretamo in recent months? What factors do they think they were promoted?
In recent months we noticed a rebound in the credit demand, mainly in personal lines and for working capital in SMEs. This growth responds to several factors:
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A macroeconomic context with greater predictability and low of inflation, which generates more confidence to make financial decisions.
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Greater competition in the financial system, where banks, fintechs and non -traditional entities offer more accessible products.
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And a strong digitalization in the processes of application, evaluation and granting of credit, which shortens times and improves the user experience.
Today the credit reappears as a viable planning and growth tool, both for people and for business.
2. What to take into account for credits to promote personal or business growth, instead of generating unnecessary indebtedness?
Well used credit is a lever to grow. The key is to have a clear and productive objective: finance something that generates value, such as training, a home improvement, or an investment in the business. Bread without a plan or to cover recurring expenses is usually an alert signal. You always have to wonder: what am I going to finance, will it return me more than it costs?
Julián Sanclemente, CEO and co -founder of Alprestamo
3. What factors should a person consider before requesting a loan?
There are three fundamental elements:
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The total financial cost (CFT): Do not stay alone with the quota, but to understand the real cost of the loan.
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The realistic payment capacity: It is key that the quota does not exceed 25-30% of the monthly income.
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The credit term: The shorter, the lower the cost, but you have to make sure you can pay it without affecting the day to day.
4. What strategies do they recommend for people to avoid over -indebtedness?
Planning is everything. We recommend taking control of income and expenses, setting a reasonable indebtedness stop and not adding credits in parallel without prior analysis. In addition, it is key to periodically review the conditions of current credits: many times it can be refinance or consolidate debt at better rates.
5. What are the main mistakes that people make when requesting credits and how can they avoid them?
One of the most common mistakes is to make hasty decisions: choose the first option without comparing, or focus only on the fee without looking at the total credit cost. Another frequent mistake is not clear why the loan is taken. The best way to avoid this is to inform yourself, compare alternatives and evaluate if the credit really adds value.
In Alprestamo we believe that the key is in “Know how to choose”: Have information, compare options and make financial decisions with criteria. That is why our platform allows the user to find the right product according to their profile, without pressures and 100% online.
6. What are the credit lines that are most demanded? Personal, mortgage or SME?
Personal credits remain the most demanded by volume, since they are faster to access and with the lowest level of requirements. However, in recent months the demand for SME credits grew strongly, especially to finance working and expansion capital. Mortgages still have latent potential, but they depend on greater stability and access to more competitive long -term rates.
How to make intelligent financial decisions in a changing market
7. What advice would give entrepreneurs seeking financing to grow their businesses without putting their financial stability at risk?
First, that they accurately define the fate of money: what impact will have on the business and in what period. Second, to evaluate their flow of funds and projection of income to ensure to be able to face the fees. And third, comparing options: today there are specific lines for SMEs with more convenient conditions than a personal loan. In Alprestamo companies we connect to entrepreneurs and SMEs with entities that finance from purchase of stock to investment in technology.
8. What is the profile of the user looking for a loan and for what? Is it for personal use or start a venture?
In Alprestamo we already have more than 6.2 million users in 6 Latin American countrieswhich allows us to have a broad and representative vision of financial behavior in the region.
The profile is diverse, but two large groups stand out:
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On the one hand, people between 25 and 45 years, wage earners or monotributistas, seeking planning for planned consumption: trips, home improvements, education or debt consolidation.
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On the other, entrepreneurs and independent workers who use credit as a tool to grow: buy merchandise, invest in advertising or acquire technology.
The interesting thing is that, beyond the country or the socioeconomic level, we see a clear trend: credit is no longer seen as an emergency solution, but as a planning tool. And that is where our role as a platform becomes value: help each user can Know how to choose The most appropriate option according to its reality and its objectives.
9. What is the advantage offered by Alprestamo to find a loan from its platform?
We are in full financial digitalization boom in Latin America. There were never so many options, so many entities, so many products … and precisely because of that, It was never so necessary to have a solution that simplifies and enhancing the user experience.
Alprestamo is that solution
Because it’s not just about technology, it’s about putting control in the user. That can compare, understand, and choose clearly and confidence. That I do not have to go from bank in bank or fill a thousand forms. Have everything in one place, in minutes, with total transparency.
We connect people and companies with banks, fintechs and financial entities that compete to offer them the best product according to their profile.
In an era where information is power, Our purpose is simple: that each person can know how to choose. Because choosing a loan should not be a privilege, but an accessible, fast and clear right for everyone.
