Argentina delivery riders face soaring debt as platform loans hit 700% interest

Delivery riders in Argentina are increasingly indebted to the very platforms they work for. The Sitrarepa union reports that interest rates on platform‑offered micro‑loans can reach up to 700% per year, forcing many couriers to work 10‑12‑hour shifts to repay them.

The Central Bank’s recent report shows a 122% rise in the number of gig‑economy workers taking such credit in 2025, after a 177% jump between 2023‑24. Average debt for self‑employed couriers stands at about 900,000 Argentine pesos, with independent workers accounting for 54% of borrowers and over 62% of the total loan volume.

Platforms justify the financing as financial inclusion. PedidosYa says it has issued 57,000 loans totalling $84 million, limited to 30% of a rider’s income and payable over six months. Rappi, through a partnership with Banco Galicia, also offers credit and bancarisation services. Union leader Belén D’Ambrosio calls for state regulation, warning that the current model creates a cycle of dependency and financial precarity for thousands of workers.