Which Digital Account Yields the Most in 2024? Complete Comparison of 8 Platforms

Why Abandon Savings Accounts in 2024?

Keeping resources idle in traditional savings accounts has become synonymous with loss of profitability. While savings yield only 7.41% per year plus the Referencial Rate (zeroed out), modern digital accounts offer more attractive alternatives linked to the CDI. The question is: which digital account yields the most for your specific goals?

The answer is not straightforward. Different platforms provide varying levels of return, ranging from 100% to 113% of the CDI, depending on how long the money remains invested and the account features.

How Do Digital Accounts Outperform Savings?

The key difference lies in the calculation mechanism. While savings accounts use a fixed formula (70% of the Selic rate plus TR) and update monthly on deposit anniversaries, digital accounts with CDI-based yields operate continuously.

The CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) reflects the average interest rate practiced among banks in short-term operations. This index is updated daily, reflecting immediate market condition changes. When a product offers 100% of the CDI, the investor receives this rate in full; above that, an additional premium is earned.

A practical example: R$ 1,000 invested for 24 months in an account that yields 102% of the CDI generates approximately R$ 204, while in a savings account, it would yield only R$ 129 – a 58% difference in return.

The 8 Main Options: Detailed Analysis

Platforms with Maximum Yield (105% to 113%)

Neon stands out with increasing profitability. Starts at 100% of the CDI and increases by 2% every six months until reaching 113% after two years. The longer the investment period, the lower the discount rate.

Mercado Pago offers 100% of the CDI automatically for any individual account. Meli+ subscribers maintaining a minimum balance of R$ 1,000 monthly earn 105% of the CDI. The strategy is simple: link consumption data to the loyalty program.

99Pay, integrated with the mobility app, offers up to 110% of the CDI on balances up to R$ 5,000. Above this amount, the return drops to 80% of the CDI. The differential includes cashback on rides and mobile top-ups, functioning even on weekends.

Intermediate Options (100% to 102%)

Nubank allows deposited amounts to earn 100% of the CDI, automatically invested in Federal Public Bonds. Unlike savings, updates occur on all business days after the 31st day, not just monthly.

PicPay offers 102% of the CDI with an interesting feature: “Piggy Banks” allow organizing savings by customized categories. Earnings occur daily on business days.

PagBank (PagSeguro platform) automatically invests the money in your Rendeira Account: 100% of the CDI after 30 days of investment.

Iti (Itaú) offers 100% of the CDI from the first business day through the “My Goals” tool, functioning as a calendar of segmented financial objectives.

Variable Grace Period Yield

Banco PAN operates with a tiered system: balances starting at R$ 30 earn 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days, then switch to 100% of the CDI afterward. There is no maximum limit, making it accessible to different profiles.

Which Digital Account Yields the Most? Decision Factors

The answer depends on your profile:

• Maximum pure return: Neon (113% CDI over two years) or 99Pay (110% CDI immediately for balances up to R$ 5,000)
• Best cost-benefit: Mercado Pago (105% CDI without complex requirements) or Nubank (yield from the 31st day in public bonds)
• Flexibility from the start: 99Pay or Iti (quick returns without long lock-in periods)
• Lower entry barrier: Banco PAN (minimum R$ 30)

Understanding the CDI and Its Advantages

The CDI functions as a mirror of actual interbank operations, accurately reflecting market liquidity conditions. Since it is updated continuously and not fixed by decree (like savings), it automatically adapts to scenarios of rising or falling interest rates.

When the Selic rate is high, as currently, products linked to the CDI tend to offer more substantial differentials compared to savings accounts. The margin can reach 3% or more annually during periods of high rates.

Overall Return Landscape

The eight digital banks analyzed show convergence: most offer at least 100% of the CDI, with some special premiums reaching 113%. This represents a significant quality leap compared to the traditional 7.41% annual savings rate, especially considering that these CDI rates vary with the Selic rate.

Besides higher yields, many platforms add functionalities: goal organization, cashback on transactions, loyalty programs with bonuses. The 2024 landscape has solidified these accounts as a viable alternative not only for profitability but also for smarter resource management.

Final Considerations

Which digital account yields the most is no longer the right question; the proper question is: which yields more for your usage pattern and time horizon.

If you have resources to leave idle for two years, Neon offers the best return. If you seek flexibility, Nubank and Iti provide access to earnings from early on. If you regularly use Mercado Livre, Mercado Pago integrates gains with your natural consumption behavior.

In 2024, switching to CDI-yielding digital accounts represents smart savings maximization, especially in a high-interest-rate environment. The annual gain may seem modest in absolute values, but over long periods, it adds up significantly, making it indefensible to keep resources in conventional savings.