Digital Accounts: Which Yields More in 2024?

If you still keep your money sleeping in traditional savings accounts, you might be missing out on real earning opportunities. In 2024, the highest-yielding digital accounts have emerged as a concrete and accessible alternative for those looking to maximize profitability.

Why Leave Savings

The reality is simple: savings accounts yield approximately 7.41% per year plus the Referencial Rate (currently zero). Meanwhile, a high-yield digital account offers returns tied to the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate), which hovers around 10.40% per year. The difference is not trivial.

The reason lies in the calculation. Savings accounts operate with a fixed formula: 70% of the Selic rate plus TR, and the yield is credited only on the deposit’s anniversary. The CDI, on the other hand, is recalculated daily, reflecting the reality of the financial market in a much more dynamic way.

Understanding the CDI

The CDI represents the average interest rate on short-term loans between banking institutions. It is the basis for the profitability of investments like CDBs and funds. When an account offers “100% of the CDI,” it means you receive that rate in full. Above that, “110% of the CDI” indicates an even higher return.

The Best Digital Account Options in 2024

Nubank stands out as one of the major players. Its payment account yields 100% of the CDI applied to Federal Government Bonds, with the advantage of accruing interest on all business days after the 31st day, not just on the anniversary.

Neon offers a progressive model: starting at 100% of the CDI and increasing to 113% every six months, reaching the maximum after two years. The longer you keep the balance, the lower the rate deducted.

PicPay, active since 2012, provides a digital account that yields 102% of the CDI daily. The platform allows organizing savings into thematic “Piggy Banks.” A simulation on the website shows: R$ 1,000 in 24 months yields R$ 204.12 versus R$ 129.29 in savings.

Mercado Pago offers a base yield of 100% of the CDI. Subscribers to Meli+ who maintain a balance above R$ 1,000 monthly get 105% of the CDI.

99Pay attracts with an aggressive proposal: up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000. Additionally, it offers cashback on rides and phone recharges, accruing interest daily, including weekends.

PagBank, PagSeguro’s platform, offers the Rendeira Account with 100% of the CDI automatically on balances held for 30 days.

Iti, Itaú’s digital solution, provides 100% of the CDI from the first business day through the “My Goals” feature, similar to piggy banks on other platforms.

Banco PAN operates in a stepped manner: 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days, then 100%, with a minimum of R$ 30 in the account.

Practical Comparison

The choice depends on your profile. If you seek maximum profitability and plan to keep your money idle for long periods, Neon with its 113% is interesting. If you want simplicity and good returns from the start, Nubank or Mercado Pago work well. If you frequently use urban mobility, 99Pay adds cashback to the yields.

The accumulated difference over the year is significant. A digital account that yields 102% to 113% of the CDI generates substantially higher gains compared to the 7.41% annual savings rate, especially in periods of high Selic rates.

The 2024 Scenario

The growth of digital banks reflects a transformation in the Brazilian financial market. These institutions not only offer better returns but also functionalities like organizing financial goals and cashback programs.

In a context of rising interest rates, maximizing the return on savings is no longer optional. A high-yield digital account is not a luxury; it’s a strategy. The superior profitability combined with flexibility and additional benefits makes these platforms attractive for those who want to make their money work for real.

The decision to migrate to CDI-yielding digital accounts emerges as a smart move to optimize gains in 2024, especially when compared to the stagnant returns of traditional savings.