Which Bank Pays the Most CDI? Comparison of the 8 Best Digital Accounts in 2024

If you keep your savings idle in a traditional account, have you ever stopped to think about how much you’re missing out on? The reality is that classic savings accounts do not keep up with the pace of modern investments. In 2024, digital banks have transformed the Brazilian financial landscape, offering accounts with returns linked to the CDI – and the difference in returns is significant.

Why Keeping Money Idle No Longer Makes Sense

Savings still yield about 7.41% per year. It might seem interesting until you discover that a regular digital account offers 100% of the CDI, generating approximately 10.40% per year. This difference is not small: R$ 1,000 invested for 24 months yields R$ 129.29 in savings versus R$ 204.12 in CDI – a difference of over 57%.

The question smart investors are asking now is: which bank pays the most CDI? The answer isn’t unique, because it depends on your profile and the volume you intend to keep.

The Mechanism Behind the CDI and Why It Yields More

The CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) functions as a dynamic indicator of the interest rates practiced among financial institutions. Unlike savings – which has a fixed yield calculated monthly – the CDI is recalculated daily, following the Selic rate.

This daily update is key. While in savings your return is only incorporated on the deposit’s anniversary, in CDI each business day generates gains. For an investor questioning which bank pays more CDI, this frequency is fundamental.

The 8 Digital Banks with the Highest Return in 2024

Nubank: The Pioneer with 100% of the CDI

Nubank has established itself as the largest digital bank in the country, offering a payment account where the money is automatically allocated in Federal Public Securities. Unlike savings (which yields once a month), Nubank credits returns every business day after the 31st day of deposit.

Neon: Up to 113% of the CDI (Progressive Growth)

Neon has implemented an intelligent loyalty strategy: starting at 100% of the CDI and gradually increasing to 113% every six months. Customers who stay on the platform for two years reach the maximum. For those seeking to answer which bank pays more CDI, Neon often leads this ranking.

PicPay: 102% of the CDI with Integrated Financial Organization

Operating since 2012, PicPay stands out with its “Piggy Banks” feature – essentially categorized savings within the same account. The yield of 102% of the CDI is credited daily, offering organization and profitability simultaneously.

PagBank: Solid with 100% of the CDI

PagBank, the platform of PagSeguro, launched the Rendeira Account promoting 100% of the CDI on balances that remain for at least 30 days. It’s a reliable option for those who value the established brand behind the service.

Mercado Pago: 105% of the CDI for Meli+ Customers

Mercado Pago offers 100% of the CDI to everyone. But if you subscribe to Meli+ and keep R$ 1,000 or more in the account monthly, you receive 105% of the CDI. A structure that rewards the most engaged user in the ecosystem.

99Pay: Up to 110% of the CDI with Cashback

99Pay innovates by combining CDI rate with cashback benefits. For balances up to R$ 5,000, it offers up to 110% of the CDI. Unlike other wallets, this return is credited seven days a week, including weekends. Additionally, users earn cashback on rides and recharges.

Iti: 100% of the CDI from Day One (Itaú Digital)

Iti, the digital version of Itaú, offers a return of 100% of the CDI through the “My Goals” feature – similar to piggy banks on other platforms, but with the difference of starting to yield from the first business day, not after 30 days.

Banco PAN: CDI Scaling (10% and 100%)

Banco PAN establishes a tiered model: the first 30 days yield 10% of the CDI, after that, 100% of the CDI. Any balance starting from R$ 30 earns automatically every day, with no maximum limit.

Which Bank Pays the Most CDI? The Answer Depends on Your Scenario

Understanding the Difference: CDI Versus Savings

Savings follows an immutable formula: 70% of the Selic plus the Referential Rate (currently zero). Its yield is calculated once a month, on the deposit’s anniversary. In other words: if you deposit on the 15th, you wait until the 15th of the next month to see the return incorporated.

The CDI, on the other hand, is recalculated every business day. Its profitability follows Selic fluctuations in real time. When a product offers above 100% of the CDI – like Neon with 113% – it means the bank is transferring an additional premium over the reference rate to the customer, multiplying gains during periods of high Selic.

Practical Scenarios: How Much Do You Earn in Each Bank

Consider R$ 10,000 invested for 12 months at 10.40% per year in CDI:

• Savings: R$ 741 return
• 100% CDI: R$ 1,040 return
• 110% CDI: R$ 1,144 return
• 113% CDI (Neon): R$ 1,173 return

For an investor with R$ 100,000, this difference jumps to R$ 11,730 versus R$ 7,410 – an advantage of R$ 4,320 annually just by choosing the right bank.

Features Beyond Return

Yield is important, but not everything. Also consider:

Financial Organization: PicPay and Iti offer goal categorization, facilitating planning.

Additional Benefits: 99Pay combines return with cashback on everyday transactions.

Ease of Access: Nubank offers seamless integration with your payment account.

Brand Security: PagBank (PagSeguro) and Iti (Itaú) provide confidence from established institutions.

How to Choose: Practical Tips

1. Check the Minimum Balance: Banco PAN accepts R$ 30, while 99Pay has different return tiers based on volume.

2. Consider Long-Term Holding: If you plan to keep resources long-term, Neon with progressive growth is advantageous.

3. Align with Your Habits: Do you frequently use Mercado Livre? Mercado Pago with Meli+ boosts your return. Use 99 taxis? 99Pay adds cashback.

4. Update Frequency: All offer daily or business day yields, but check withdrawal policies.

Conclusion: Which Bank Pays the Most CDI in 2024

The straightforward answer is: Neon, with 113% of the CDI after two years of stay. However, the best choice for you might be different.

If you seek maximum immediate return, 99Pay (110% of the CDI) is more accessible. If you value stability, Nubank and Iti are safe with 100% of the CDI. If you combine investment with daily purchases, 99Pay with cashback offers double returns.

In 2024, leaving savings in the traditional savings account represents a significant opportunity cost. Digital banks have democratized access to rates that rival sophisticated investments. The question is no longer whether to switch banks, but which one aligns best with your investor profile.

Switch your account now and see the difference: it’s not just about which bank pays more CDI, but how much you will miss out on each month you delay this decision.