Which Bank Offers the Highest Returns? Comparison of 8 Digital Platforms in 2024

If you still keep your money idle in savings, it’s time to rethink that strategy. The reality is that there are much more profitable alternatives spread across Brazilian digital banks, and the difference in your wallet can be quite significant.

Why is your savings account earning so little?

Savings follows a fixed formula: 70% of the Selic rate plus the Referencial Rate (which has been zero for some time). With the current yield around 7.41% per year, your money is literally losing value. Even worse: the yield is only updated once a month, on the deposit anniversary.

On the other hand, digital accounts indexed to the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) offer daily updates and returns ranging from 100% to 113% of the CDI. This means you could be earning 10.40% per year or even more, depending on the platform chosen.

Understanding the CDI: why does your money yield differently?

The CDI is the average interest rate on short-term loans between banks. Unlike savings (which has a fixed return), the CDI fluctuates according to the Selic, offering a much more dynamic and daily-updated return.

To give you a practical idea: R$ 1,000 in CDI at 102% over 24 months yields R$ 204.12, while in savings it would only yield R$ 129.29. This R$ 75 difference may seem small, but in larger amounts, the impact is exponential.

The highest yields: which bank makes your money grow the most?

If your goal is to maximize gains, some banks stand out:

Neon leads with up to 113% of the CDI. The yield starts at 100% and gradually increases each semester until reaching the maximum in two years. The longer you keep your money there, the lower the discount rate and the higher the return.

99Pay offers 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000, with the added advantage of cashback on rides and recharges. Additionally, the yield works even on weekends, unlike other platforms.

Mercado Pago reaches 105% of the CDI for those who subscribe to the Meli+ (Mercado Livre loyalty program) and maintain balances from R$ 1,000 monthly. Regular users already earn 100% of the CDI.

Platforms with 100% of the CDI yield

Not all offer premium percentages, but many guarantee 100% of the CDI, which is already much higher than savings:

• Nubank: yield from the 31st day, with daily updates on business days. Your money is automatically invested in Federal Public Securities.

• Pagbank: part of the PagSeguro structure, offers the Rendeira Account with automatic application after 30 days of permanence.

• Iti (Itaú): “My Goals” feature applies 100% of the CDI from the first business day, with visual organization of financial goals.

• Banco PAN: starts at 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days and rises to 100% after that period. Requires a minimum balance of R$ 30.

• PicPay: offers up to 102% of the CDI with the “Cofrinhos” feature that organizes savings by customized categories.

The real impact: how much are you leaving on the table?

Choosing between savings and CDI is not just about percentages. It’s about concrete money. In a simulation: while R$ 10,000 in savings would yield approximately R$ 741 annually, the same amount in 100% of the CDI would generate R$ 1,040. The R$ 299 difference may seem modest, but over a 5-year horizon with regular contributions, the gap only widens.

For those with R$ 50,000 saved, the difference rises to nearly R$ 1,500 annually. For R$ 100,000, it exceeds R$ 3,000.

Features beyond yield

Most digital banks don’t just offer better interest rates. Many add benefits such as:

• Organization of savings by goals (Nubank, Iti, PicPay)
• Cashback on specific transactions (99Pay)
• Loyalty programs with subscriptions (Mercado Pago)
• Access to other integrated financial products

Which bank makes your money grow the most? The right choice depends on your goals

If you want maximum gross return, Neon with 113% of the CDI is the choice. If you seek a balance between yield and features, Nubank or PicPay offer good options. If you already use the Mercado Livre ecosystem, Mercado Pago makes sense. If you prioritize cashback and weekends, 99Pay is interesting.

The truth is that any of these platforms will offer yields substantially higher than savings in 2024. The important thing is to let your money grow on business days (or every day, in some cases) instead of letting it stagnate in a traditional account.

In a scenario of moving interest rates, maximizing your gains is strategic. These digital accounts not only offer better returns but also greater flexibility, improved financial organization, and access to modern features. It’s worth making the switch.