Image: ARQ (formerly DolarApp)
Image: KASTARQ (DolarApp) vs KAST
Quick answer
ARQ (formerly DolarApp) is built for Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, with free local transfers, a free virtual card and 1% ATM fees, but it charges 3 USDc per deposit from abroad and pays cashback only on paid plans. KAST works in far more countries, pays 1.5% back for free and charges no FX on Latin American currencies until the end of 2027, but its ATM fee is $3 plus 2%.
ARQ (DolarApp) and KAST compared
| ARQ (DolarApp) | KAST | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 5.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Best for | People in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil who want to save and spend in dollars. | Freelancers and remote workers who get paid in dollars or stablecoins and want bank rails plus a card in one app. |
| Cashback | 0% on Standard, 1% to 2% on paid plans | 1.5% to 3% back in USD |
| Card cost | Virtual card free. Physical card $4.99 shipping in Mexico, free with Premium or a balance over $100. | First two virtual cards free, then $2 each (some regions charge $2 even for the included cards). Standard physical card: no card fee, $40 delivery. |
| Annual fee | Standard free. Premium $70 a year. Prestige $200 a year. | Standard free. Premium $1,000 a year. Private $10,000 a year. |
| FX | No card payment fee. ARQ converts at its own rate; the spread isn't published. 5% on purchases charged in Argentine pesos. | 0.5% to 1.75% on non-USD purchases, depending on your country of residence. 0% on purchases in 16 Latin American currencies until 31 December 2027. |
| Conversion | Local-currency deposits and transfers are free | 0% top-up and card spend fee on stablecoins |
| ATM | 1% on Standard. Prestige metal card 3%. | $3 plus 2% per withdrawal (plus the FX fee on non-USD cash). Up to $500 per withdrawal, 3 withdrawals or $1,500 per 24 hours. |
| Custody | Custodial. Balances are held as USDc and EURc with ARQ's partners. | App account (KAST holds the balance, not a self-custody wallet) |
| Network | Mastercard | Visa (Platinum on Standard, Infinite on paid tiers) |
| Top up with | Local bank transfers in MXN, COP, ARS or BRL; US dollar account details (ACH and wire); Euro account details (SEPA); USDC on Ethereum or Polygon | Stablecoins: USDT, USDC, PYUSD and RLUSD across 10+ chains; 25+ other coins including BTC, ETH and PENGU; US account details for ACH and wire; EU IBAN for SEPA transfers |
| Withdraw by | Local bank transfers; Payments to US and euro bank accounts; ATM cash | Transfer to an external bank account; Send dollars, local currency or crypto to people in supported payout countries; Send crypto onchain; ATM cash withdrawals |
| Where it works | Residents of Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. | KAST says the card works in 170+ countries and at 150M+ merchants. Account availability depends on where you live and on regulatory approval. |
| Last checked | 17 October 2026 | 17 October 2026 |
Which one should you pick?
If you live in one of ARQ's four countries and mostly move money locally, ARQ is the simpler, cheaper dollar account. If you get paid from abroad in USD or stablecoins and spend in local currency, KAST's free cashback and FX waiver usually come out ahead. For cash, ARQ is cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper abroad, ARQ (DolarApp) or KAST?
On the entry tier, KAST has the lower FX markup. ARQ (DolarApp): No card payment fee. ARQ converts at its own rate; the spread isn't published. 5% on purchases charged in Argentine pesos.. KAST: 0.5% to 1.75% on non-USD purchases, depending on your country of residence. 0% on purchases in 16 Latin American currencies until 31 December 2027..
Which pays more cashback, ARQ (DolarApp) or KAST?
KAST has the higher top rate. ARQ (DolarApp): 0% on Standard, 1% to 2% on paid plans. KAST: 1.5% to 3% back in USD. Check caps and requirements on each review.
Are ARQ (DolarApp) and KAST self-custody?
ARQ (DolarApp): Custodial. Balances are held as USDc and EURc with ARQ's partners.. KAST: App account (KAST holds the balance, not a self-custody wallet).