Which Account Yields the Most in 2024? Discover Alternatives to Digital Banks

Have you ever stopped to think about how much you’re leaving on the table by keeping your money in the savings account? With yields tied to the CDI, digital banks emerge as a much more profitable option. But which account yields the most? The answer isn’t simple – it depends on how long you plan to keep the money invested and which platform you choose.

Why Do Digital Banks Yield More?

The difference starts with how the returns are calculated. While the savings account offers a fixed formula of 7.41% per year (70% of the Selic rate plus the Referential Rate, which is zero ), the CDI is updated daily and better reflects market interest rate fluctuations. A practical result: those investing at 100% of the CDI achieve about 10.40% per year – already a significant advantage.

Additionally, most digital banks credit the yield daily, while savings accounts update only once a month. This means constant gains, every business day, without needing to do anything.

The Highest Yields: Above 110% of the CDI

If your goal is to maximize gains, some platforms offer yields exceeding 100% of the CDI:

99Pay leads with up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000. The key difference is that it operates even on weekends and holidays, and offers cashback on rides and recharges. Above this amount, the yield drops to 80% of the CDI.

Neon presents a progressive structure: starting at 100% of the CDI and reaching 113% after two years of maintaining the account. The longer the money stays there, the higher the percentage of yield – a smart strategy to foster customer loyalty.

The Second Group: Between 100% and 105% of the CDI

Mercado Pago offers 100% of the CDI for any individual account holder. But those who are subscribers of Meli+ (loyalty program) and maintain at least R$ 1,000 monthly reach 105% of the CDI.

PicPay delivers 102% of the CDI with a unique feature: it allows organizing savings into categorized “Piggy Banks.” According to platform simulations, R$ 1,000 in 24 months yields R$ 204.12 (CDI) versus only R$ 129.29 in the savings account.

Nubank, one of the largest digital banks, offers 100% of the CDI in a payment account (not a savings or traditional checking account). The money is invested in Federal Public Securities and yields on all business days after the 31st day.

The Reliable Base: 100% of the CDI

PagBank (PagSeguro platform) offers the “Rendeira Account” with 100% of the CDI automatically after 30 days of holding.

Iti (Itaú’s digital bank) also delivers 100% of the CDI, but with a functional difference: the “My Goals” tool allows you to separate money by objectives, similar to Nubank’s “little boxes,” and it starts earning from the first business day.

Banco PAN starts modestly: offering 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days, then jumps to 100% of the CDI. The advantage is that it yields daily from a minimum balance of R$ 30.

Understanding the CDI: The Heart of the Yield

The CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) is the average interest rate for short-term loans between banks. It serves as the basis for calculating yields on CDBs, LCIs, investment funds, and now, digital accounts.

When you see “100% of the CDI,” it means your yield fully tracks this rate. Above 100%? The bank is offering an extra bonus over the index. This is why the account that yields the most can vary depending on the context – a higher percentage on one platform might be less attractive if there are withdrawal restrictions or minimum balance requirements.

Practical Comparison: How Much Do You Earn?

Imagine R$ 10,000 invested for one year:

• Savings: R$ 10,741 (7.41% per year)
• Account with 100% CDI: R$ 11,040 (estimated at 10.40%)
• 99Pay (110% CDI): R$ 11,100+

The difference may seem small at low amounts, but with larger investments and longer terms, choosing the right account makes a substantial difference.

Which One to Choose?

If you want the highest rate: Neon (up to 113% CDI) or 99Pay (up to 110% CDI).

If you prefer simplicity: Nubank or Iti offer a robust experience with 100% CDI.

If you want flexibility: Mercado Pago or PicPay combine yields with additional features.

If you’re starting small: Banco PAN accepts from R$ 30.

Conclusion

In 2024, keeping money in the savings account is increasingly unjustifiable. Digital banks compete aggressively on yields, offering from 100% to 113% of the CDI – numbers that traditional savings accounts can’t match.

The yield is daily, automatic, and hassle-free. Moreover, many accounts include features like goal organization, cashback, and intuitive interfaces. So, when considering which account yields the most for your savings, you have robust and reliable options that turn your idle money into an asset working for you every day.