Which Digital Bank Yields the Most in 2024? Discover the Best Options

Leaving resources idle without generating returns is wasting opportunities. Traditional savings, although safe, offer insufficient yields for those looking to make their money work. Fortunately, modern digital banks present a viable solution: accounts with returns linked to the CDI, a mechanism that significantly outperforms conventional savings.

Why a high-yield digital bank makes a difference

While savings generate only 7.41% per year plus the Referential Rate (currently zero), a digital account indexed to 100% of the CDI can yield 10.40% annually. This difference becomes even more pronounced when investors choose digital banks offering 110%, 113%, or even 105% of the CDI. The gains are not just marginal – over 12 months, this differential can amount to hundreds or thousands of reais.

The explanation lies in how the CDI works: it is calculated daily, reflecting the average loan rate between financial institutions and closely tracking the Selic rate. Unlike savings, which update earnings monthly only on deposit anniversaries, the CDI offers continuous and more dynamic updates.

The 8 Digital Banks with the Best Yield Performance

Nubank – The Pioneer with 100% of the CDI

Among digital banks, Nubank has established a leadership position by offering a payment account where resources are invested in Federal Public Securities. The key feature: interest credited on all business days after the 31st day of deposit, not just monthly like savings. For those seeking a high-yield digital bank with simplicity, this is a solid choice.

Neon – Progressive Growth up to 113% of the CDI

Neon adopts a progressive loyalty strategy. It starts at 100% of the CDI and increases to 113% every six months, reaching its peak after two years of continuous use. The longer the investor maintains a balance on the platform, the lower the retention on gains. This model encourages long-term commitment.

PicPay – Organization Feature with 102% of the CDI

Founded in 2012, PicPay adds a 102% CDI yield to its “Cofrinhos” feature – virtual compartments to categorize savings by goal. Simulated application: R$ 1,000 over 24 months in PicPay generates R$ 204.12, while savings offers only R$ 129.29 in the same period.

Pagbank – Yielding Account with 100% of the CDI

Pagbank, the financial platform of PagSeguro, offers the Yielding Account mode, which operates with total automation: immobilized balance for 30 days yields 100% of the CDI without additional operations.

Mercado Pago – Bonus for Meli+ Customers

In Mercado Pago account, the base yield is 100% of the CDI. However, Meli+ program subscribers who deposit R$ 1,000 or more monthly reach 105% of the CDI. This is a differential for frequent users of the Mercado Livre ecosystem.

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

99Pay offers a tiered structure: balances up to R$ 5,000 yield up to 110% of the CDI; above that, the combination offers 80% of the CDI + up to 110% on amounts below R$ 5,000. An additional highlight is cashback on transactions like rides and recharges, with daily yields including weekends.

Iti – Goal Tool with 100% of the CDI

Iti, Itaú’s digital bank, provides automatic returns of 100% of the CDI via the “My Goals” feature from the first business day. Similar to “Cofrinhos,” it allows organizing financial goals with continuous profitability.

Banco PAN – Tiered Yield Starting at R$ 30

PAN enables any balance above R$ 30 to automatically earn. Structure: 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days, increasing to 100% of the CDI afterward. With no maximum accumulation limit, it’s an accessible option for beginners.

Comparative of Yield and Features

The eight digital banks show variations between 100% and 113% of the CDI. Besides yield, considering additional features – goal organization, cashback, minimum requirements – is essential to choose which high-yield digital bank aligns with your strategy.

Understanding the CDI and Its Supremacy over Savings

The Interbank Deposit Certificate (CDI) is a reference rate reflecting the average short-term loan cost among banks. It is used as an index for CDBs, LCIs, investment funds, and increasingly, checking accounts of digital banks.

Savings: Yield = 70% of the Selic + Referential Rate, updated monthly on deposit anniversaries.

CDI: Yield = Percentage of the CDI (100%, 105%, 113%), updated daily, offering greater dynamism and faster response to interest rate changes.

When a product offers 113% of the CDI, it guarantees higher returns than savings, especially in scenarios of elevated Selic.

2024 Outlook and the Right Decision

The year 2024 has solidified diversification in investment options, with high-yield digital banks gaining prominence. The choice among the eight should not be based solely on the maximum CDI percentage but on a combination of yield, features, minimum balance requirements, and user experience.

For investors aiming to optimize short-term returns with maximum flexibility, 99Pay with up to 110% of the CDI stands out. For those planning long-term maintenance, Neon, scaling up to 113%, offers progressive incentives. Those valuing financial organization find sophisticated tools in PicPay, Iti, and Mercado Pago.

In a context of rising interest rates, maximizing returns on emergency reserves or savings is a smart decision. The digital banks that yield the most emerge as a superior alternative to traditional savings, combining competitive returns with operational flexibility and modern features that restore financial control to the investor.