Which Bank Pays the Most CDI? Check Out the Best Digital Accounts in 2024

Which bank pays the most CDI in 2024? This is the question many Brazilians ask when seeking higher returns than the savings account. The truth is that several digital banks compete to offer the best yields, and the differences between them can result in substantial gains over time.

Why Leave the Savings Account?

The traditional savings account offers only 7.41% per year, plus the Referential Rate (which has been zero for some time). In contrast, digital accounts that offer returns linked to the CDI can reach 10.40% per year when applying 100% of the CDI for amounts kept above 30 days. This difference may seem small, but it accumulates significantly over time.

Understanding the CDI and Its Superiority

The CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) functions as the reference rate of the Brazilian financial market, closely tracking the Selic rate. Unlike the savings account, which is updated only once a month (on the deposit’s anniversary), the CDI is calculated daily, allowing for more frequent and dynamic earnings. When a product offers above 100% of the CDI, the potential return significantly surpasses the savings account gains, especially during periods of high Selic.

The Top Performers: Which Bank Pays the Most CDI?

If the question is “which bank pays the most CDI,” the answer points to Neon, which reaches up to 113% of the CDI after two years of resource retention. 99Pay also ranks among the best, offering up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000. Mercado Pago provides up to 105% of the CDI for Meli+ subscribers, while PicPay offers 102% of the CDI.

These rates substantially outperform the savings account yield. For example: R$ 1,000 invested for 24 months in PicPay (102% of the CDI) yields R$ 204.12, compared to R$ 129.29 that would be earned in a traditional savings account.

Options with 100% of the CDI Yield

Several banks remain competitive by offering 100% of the CDI from the start:

Nubank, one of Brazil’s largest digital banks, invests in Federal Public Securities with yields on all business days after the 31st day of deposit. Pagbank, a platform from PagSeguro, offers the Rendeira Account with automatic yield for balances kept for 30 days. Iti, from Itaú, provides immediate earnings on the first business day via the “My Goals” tool, allowing for organized savings by objectives.

Banco PAN features a different structure: the first 30 days yield 10% of the CDI, then switch to 100% of the CDI, with a minimum deposit of just R$ 30.

The Importance of Update Frequency

A key difference among digital banks is the calculation frequency. While the savings account updates earnings monthly, accounts linked to the CDI update daily. 99Pay highlights that its platform earns 110% of the CDI every day of the week, including weekends, when other wallets operate only during business hours. Additionally, it offers cashback on rides and recharges.

Similarly, PicPay calculates earnings on all business days, maximizing compound interest accumulation over the period.

Features Beyond Yield

Which bank pays the most CDI is not the only relevant question. The best digital accounts incorporate financial management tools. Nubank and Iti allow creating “little boxes” or personalized goals, segregating savings by objectives. PicPay offers “Piggy Banks” with a similar purpose. 99Pay combines high yields with cashback programs on transactions, adding value beyond the CDI.

Profitability Comparison

To better visualize which bank pays the most CDI:

• Neon: up to 113% of the CDI
• 99Pay: up to 110% of the CDI (saldos até R$ 5.000)
• Mercado Pago: up to 105% of the CDI (com Meli+)
• PicPay: 102% of the CDI
• Nubank, Pagbank, Iti, Banco PAN: 100% of the CDI

The difference between 100% and 113% of the CDI can represent extra gains of up to 13% over the base yield, potentially generating hundreds or thousands of reais more annually, depending on the invested volume.

Maximization Strategy in 2024

In a high Selic scenario, knowing which bank pays the most CDI has become essential to optimize savings. The recommended strategy is to evaluate not only the maximum rate offered but also:

• Time needed to reach maximum yield (Neon takes 2 years to reach 113%)
• Minimum balance required (some start at R$ 30)
• Additional benefits like cashback or goal organization
• Update frequency of the yield (daily vs monthly)

Conclusion

Which bank pays the most CDI? The answer depends on the investor’s profile and objectives, but Neon and 99Pay lead in percentage terms. However, institutions like Nubank, Iti, and Pagbank offer 100% of the CDI with greater accessibility and practical features from the start.

What is clear is that any digital account linked to the CDI offers a return superior to traditional savings. In 2024, leaving resources in savings means giving up gains of 3 to 5% annually compared to the best digital accounts. The choice of which bank to select should consider not only profitability but also compatibility with your financial habits and specific needs.