Which bank offers the highest returns? Comparison of 8 digital banks in 2024

If you still keep your money in savings, you’re leaving money on the table. Brazilian digital banks have revolutionized the market with accounts that generate returns well above the 7.41% annual rate of traditional savings. The question many ask is: which bank makes your money grow the most?

The Truth About Earnings

Modern digital accounts earn based on the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate), an index that closely follows the Selic rate and provides daily updates. While current savings update their earnings only once a month (on the deposit anniversary), products linked to the CDI operate every business day. The result? An account that yields 100% of the CDI generates approximately 10.40% per year – significantly better than savings.

Some banks have gone further and offer up to 113% of the CDI, which further enhances the profitability differential.

The 8 Best Digital Banks to Make Your Money Work

Nubank: Yield on Government Bonds (100% CDI)

One of the biggest names in the segment, Nubank invests your money in Federal Government Bonds through a payment account. Unlike savings, which only earn on the anniversary, here you profit every business day after 31 days in the balance.

Neon: Progressive Growth (up to 113% CDI)

Innovative model: starts at 100% of the CDI and rises to 113% as you maintain the balance. The maximum is reached after two years of permanence. The longer your money stays there, the fewer fees are deducted.

PicPay: Organization and Yield (102% CDI)

Operating since 2012, PicPay offers the “Piggy Banks” feature to separate your savings by goals. The daily yield is 102% of the CDI. A practical simulation: R$ 1,000 in 24 months generates R$ 204.12 versus only R$ 129.29 in savings.

PagBank: Total Simplicity (100% CDI)

PagSeguro’s account solution offers the “Rendiment Account” that automatically yields 100% of the CDI for amounts that remain on the platform for 30 days.

Mercado Pago: Subscription Advantage (up to 105% CDI)

Anyone with an account earns at least 100% of the CDI. But if you are a Mercado Livre (Loyalty Program) subscriber and transfer R$ 1,000+ monthly, your balance increases to 105% of the CDI.

99Pay: Mobility Pays (up to 110% CDI)

The transportation app 99 offers yields of up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000. Above that, it combines 80% + 110% of the CDI. Bonus: cashback on rides and phone recharges.

Iti (Itaú): Financial Goals (100% CDI)

Itaú’s digital solution offers the “My Goals” tool, which automatically yields 100% of the CDI from the first business day. Perfect for organizing financial objectives.

Banco PAN: No Prohibitive Minimum (100% CDI)

Starts with just R$ 30 minimum balance. Yields 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days and rises to 100% in subsequent months. No maximum accumulation limit.

Understanding the CDI: Why Does It Yield More?

The CDI represents the average interest rate between short-term interbank loans and serves as the basis for CDBs, LCIs, and funds. Its daily update makes it more responsive to market fluctuations compared to savings, which has a fixed formula (70% of the Selic + Referential Rate).

When a product offers above 100% of the CDI, it delivers a return higher than savings, especially in periods of high Selic.

Which to Choose? A Matter of Strategy

The answer about which bank’s money yields the most depends on your profile. If you seek maximum absolute return, Neon (113%) and 99Pay (110%) lead. If you want stability with good returns, Nubank and PAN are solid options. If you prioritize extra features like cashback or goal organization, each option has its own advantage.

The 2024 scenario with elevated interest rates has made it imperative to optimize your investments. Leaving money in savings means accepting lower returns when clearly better alternatives exist. Digital banks not only deliver higher profitability – they also offer flexibility, additional features, and app access.

To maximize your gains, choose the one that combines the best yield with the tools you will actually use. The accumulated difference over months can be substantial.