Which Account Yields More in 2024? Complete Guide to Digital Institutions That Outperform Savings

The search for the best way to put idle money in the account has become a priority for many Brazilians in 2024. While savings continue to offer a less attractive return – currently around 7.41% per year plus the Referential Rate (which remains close to zero) – digital banks have emerged as a significantly more advantageous alternative, offering accounts that yield according to the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate).

Why Invest in Digital Accounts Instead of Savings?

The answer lies in more dynamic returns. When a bank offers an account that yields 100% of the CDI, you are receiving a rate that updates daily, tracking the behavior of the Selic rate. An investment of R$ 1,000 in an account that yields 100% of the CDI results in approximately 10.40% per year, representing a difference of nearly 3 percentage points compared to savings.

Digital accounts with automatic yield work simply: the deposited balance is invested in federal government bonds or financial derivatives, generating continuous returns. Unlike savings, which only accrue interest on the deposit anniversary, many of these accounts yield every business day, maximizing your gains.

The Main Market Players: Which Account Yields More?

Neon stands out with progressive yield: The platform offers a tiered system where the return starts at 100% of the CDI and gradually increases to 113% of the CDI after two years of permanence. For those valuing increasing profitability, this structure is particularly interesting.

Nubank maintains simplicity as a differentiator: One of the largest digital banks in the country offers 100% of the CDI without additional complexities. Money deposited into its payment account yields from the 31st business day, unlike savings which wait for the deposit anniversary.

PicPay combines organization and profitability: Besides yielding 102% of the CDI, it allows creating personalized “Piggy Banks” to categorize your savings. Simulations show that R$ 1,000 invested for 24 months would yield R$ 204.12 versus only R$ 129.29 in savings.

PagBank offers consistency: Its Rendeira Account automatically yields 100% of the CDI for balances held for more than 30 days, with operational simplicity and no additional fees.

Mercado Pago diversifies according to your pattern: The base yield is 100% of the CDI but increases to 105% of the CDI for Meli+ subscribers who maintain a minimum balance of R$ 1,000 monthly.

99Pay presents competitive layered yields: Balances up to R$ 5,000 yield up to 110% of the CDI, while larger amounts follow a different structure. An interesting feature: the yield occurs every day, including weekends, and also offers cashback on transactions.

Iti (Itaú) democratizes access: Provides 100% of the CDI through the “My Goals” feature, with yield from the first business day, functioning as both a planning tool and a revenue generator simultaneously.

Banco PAN stands out by volume: From R$ 30, the balance yields automatically – 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days and 100% of the CDI afterward. No maximum limit, accessible for any amount.

Unveiling the CDI: The Engine Behind Returns

The CDI represents the average interest rate practiced in short-term interbank loans. It serves as a reference for various products – CDBs, LCIs, investment funds – and its movement follows the Selic rate set by the Central Bank.

The crucial distinction: while savings use a fixed formula (70% of the Selic + Referential Rate), the CDI is recalculated daily, capturing market fluctuations with greater sensitivity. When a product offers 105% or 113% of the CDI, it guarantees a return higher than what the index itself provides, amplifying your gains.

In periods of high interest rates (like the current environment), this difference becomes significantly more pronounced.

Strategic Comparison: Which Account Yields More for Your Profile?

To maximize profitability, consider: If you will keep the money long-term, Neon and 99Pay offer the highest yields. If you seek simplicity with good returns, Nubank and PagBank deliver 100% of the CDI without complications. If you want to organize savings while investing, PicPay and Iti provide additional features. For those already with consumption patterns on the platform, Mercado Pago offers increased yield.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Return in 2024

The choice of which account yields more depends not only on the offered CDI percentage but also on your financial habits, savings volume, and capital retention time. The good news is that all these options far outperform traditional savings.

With yields ranging from 100% to 113% of the CDI – compared to the 7.41% annual rate of savings – you are facing substantially more advantageous opportunities. Many of these accounts also add benefits like cashback, planning tools, and no fees, making the scenario even more competitive.

Evaluating which account yields more requires considering your investor profile, but the conclusion is clear: migrating resources from savings to a digital account with CDI yield is a more efficient financial strategy in 2024. The digital bank market has solidified precisely because it offers this combination of profitability, flexibility, and accessibility that traditional savings cannot provide.