Where to Save Money in 2024: Digital Accounts That Outperform Savings

2026-01-04 11:42:48

The search for better returns than savings accounts has led many Brazilians to explore the accounts that yield daily interest offered by digital banks. In 2024, leaving funds idle in traditional banking apps is a missed opportunity for gains. The good news: there are multiple alternatives in the market that offer returns significantly higher than the 7.41% annual savings rate.

Why Do Digital Accounts Yield More?

The fundamental difference lies in the calculation method. While savings accounts use a fixed formula—70% of the Selic rate plus the Referential Rate (which has been zero for some time)—accounts that yield daily use the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate), which constantly updates their earnings. The CDI, linked to the Selic rate, reflects interbank market fluctuations with much more dynamism.

In practice, an account offering 100% of the CDI generates approximately 10.40% per year, while savings accounts stay at 7.41%. But this is just the beginning. Some digital banks offer up to 113% of the CDI, further amplifying this advantage.

The Main Market Players in 2024

Platforms with Higher Profitability

Neon leads in earning potential, offering up to 113% of the CDI for those who keep their investment for two years. The progressive program starts at 100% and increases every semester, rewarding investor loyalty. A simulation shows that R$ 1,000 would earn about R$ 204 in 24 months versus R$ 129 in traditional savings.

99Pay, a mobility platform, offers up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000, with the unique feature of operating even on weekends. Additionally, it adds cashback on purchases and rides, creating a complementary earning ecosystem.

Mercado Pago provides 105% of the CDI for subscribers of the Meli+ program, as long as they maintain R$ 1,000 or more monthly. For regular users, the return starts at 100% of the CDI.

Balanced Options

Nubank does not lead in percentages but democratizes access with 100% of the CDI from the first business day. The differential: the money is automatically invested in Federal Public Securities, with daily (not just monthly as in savings) returns.

PicPay offers 102% of the CDI with an interesting tool: “Cofrinhos” (Piggy Banks) allow organizing savings by category. It’s especially useful for those who prefer thematic investments.

Banco PAN has a tiered structure: 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days and 100% afterward. It requires a minimum balance of R$ 30 to start, with no maximum limit.

Corporate Accounts of Large Institutions

PagBank (PagSeguro platform) offers the “Rendeira Account” with 100% of the CDI automatically after 30 days of inactivity. It is aimed at those seeking simplicity without aiming for maximum yields.

Iti (from Itaú) integrates 100% of the CDI into the “My Goals” feature, its response to thematic portfolios. It functions as a financial organization tool with overall return.

Practical Comparison to Choose Your Account

The decision depends on your profile:

For maximum yield: Neon (113%) or 99Pay (110%)
For flexibility: Nubank (earnings from day 1)
For organization: PicPay (Cofrinhos) or Iti (My Goals)
For simplicity: PagBank (no complications) or Banco PAN (no limit)
For those already using marketplaces: Mercado Pago (integration with Meli+)

Understanding CDI Versus Savings

The CDI reflects the average rate of loans between banks and moves along with the Selic. Unlike savings— which yields monthly on the deposit’s anniversary—accounts that yield daily update their earnings every business day.

When a product offers “above 100% of the CDI,” it multiplies the profitability of the base rate. During periods of high Selic, this advantage is dramatically amplified.

The 2024 Scenario

With interest rates rising, maximizing returns on savings is no longer optional. Digital accounts have evolved from mere fads to concrete and secure alternatives. Many offer additional features—from cashback to goal organization—that traditional savings simply cannot provide.

Choosing between these digital banks is no longer “if” to migrate, but “which” digital account to bring your money to. With variations from 100% to 113% of the CDI, the accumulated difference over years can amount to thousands of reais extra in your assets. In a dynamic financial market like today’s, ignoring these opportunities means leaving guaranteed gains on the table.

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