Digital Accounts That Yield the Most: Which to Choose in 2024?

The investment landscape for small savers has changed significantly in recent years. While traditional savings continue to offer modest returns, the digital accounts that yield the most have established themselves as a viable alternative for those seeking to maximize gains without significant risks. Most of these platforms use the CDI as a reference, generating returns that far exceed the 7.41% annual rate of conventional savings.

Why Do Digital Accounts Yield More?

The fundamental difference lies in the index used. While savings follow a fixed formula (70% of the Selic plus the Reference Rate), the digital accounts that yield the most are tied to the CDI, which reflects the average interbank loan rate and is updated daily.

This dynamic results in more substantial real gains. An account offering 100% of the CDI can generate 10.40% per year, while products that provide 110% or 113% of the CDI offer even higher yields. Additionally, these accounts offer other advantages: daily yield (not just monthly), with no administrative fees and immediate liquidity.

The Main Players in 2024

Nubank: The Pioneer at Scale

Provides a yield of 100% of the CDI through a payment account that automatically invests in Federal Public Securities. The key difference is in frequency: unlike savings, the yield occurs on all business days, not just deposit anniversaries. After the 31st day, the capital begins to generate returns.

Neon: Progressive Yield

Structured a model where the yield increases according to the duration of the resources. It starts at 100% of the CDI and evolves to 113% after two years of account opening. This approach encourages the formation of a long-term emergency reserve.

PicPay: Organized with Gains

Allows investors to create themed “Piggy Banks” to organize savings. The yield of 102% of the CDI translates into practical results: R$ 1,000 in 24 months generates R$ 204.12 in gains versus R$ 129.29 in traditional savings.

Pagbank: The Solution of the PagSeguro Ecosystem

The Rendeira Account provides 100% of the CDI after 30 days of permanence. It integrates into the platform’s service universe, offering easy transfers and transactions.

Mercado Pago: Bonus for Loyal Users

Offers 100% of the CDI to everyone but grants 105% to Meli+ subscribers who maintain a monthly balance above R$ 1,000. This loyalty strategy connects to Mercado Livre’s benefits program.

99Pay: Competition in the Mobility Segment

Balances up to R$ 5,000 yield 110% of the CDI daily, including weekends. Above this cap, it mixes 80% + 110% according to distribution. Adds cashback on rides and phone recharges, creating multiple points of value.

Iti: The Alternative from Itaú

Itaú’s digital bank offers 100% of the CDI through the “My Goals” feature, which works similarly to competitors’ piggy banks. The yield starts from the first business day.

Banco PAN: Financial Inclusion

Allows any balance starting at R$ 30 to automatically earn daily. In the first 30 days, the return is 10% of the CDI; afterward, it rises to 100%. No maximum deposit limit.

Understanding the CDI: The Key to Returns

The Interbank Deposit Certificate (CDI) functions as a thermometer of the financial market. It represents the average interest rate banks charge each other for short-term operations. When it rises or falls, it directly affects the yield of all products tied to it—CDBs, LCIs, and the digital accounts themselves.

Periodicity matters: CDI is recalculated daily, while savings follow a monthly schedule. During periods of high Selic, this difference amplifies. A product that yields above 100% of the CDI literally outperforms savings in real profitability.

Strategy for Choosing in 2024

The landscape reveals that the digital accounts that yield the most offer a variety of proposals. The choice depends on your profile:

• Maximum profitability: Neon (113% CDI) or 99Pay (110% CDI)
• Combination of yield + features: PicPay or Mercado Pago
• Simplicity and reliability: Nubank or Iti
• Financial inclusion: Banco PAN

In an environment of high interest rates, leaving money idle in savings means losing purchasing power. The digital accounts that yield the most have emerged as a natural market response to this inefficiency, offering flexibility, security, and returns that adequately reflect the real cost of money in the economy.