Digital Accounts with Automatic Yield: The Best Alternatives to Savings in 2024

The search for profitability in the Brazilian financial market has increasingly led investors to abandon traditional savings accounts in favor of innovative solutions. Digital banks have emerged as the protagonists of this transformation, offering accounts with automatic yields that significantly outperform conventional returns.

Why Abandon Savings?

The answer lies in the numbers. While savings accounts yield 7.41% per year plus the Reference Rate (currently zero), a digital account with automatic yield linked to 100% of the CDI generates an annual return of 10.40%. The difference may seem modest, but over longer periods, it represents substantial gains.

The fundamental distinction lies in the update frequency. Savings accounts calculate earnings monthly, based on deposit anniversaries. Meanwhile, the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) — the reference rate that guides short-term investments between financial institutions — is updated daily, reflecting market fluctuations more accurately.

How Automatic Yield Accounts Work

A bank with automatic yield operates simply: the deposited money works continuously, without the need for additional actions from the client. Most offer yields linked to the CDI, which tracks the Selic rate and determines the performance of products like CDBs and investment funds.

The key difference is in the variety of rates offered. While some platforms guarantee 100% of the CDI from the first business day, others offer tiered returns or bonuses for premium clients. This diversity reflects fierce competition in the digital banking segment.

The Eight Main Digital Banks with Automatic Yield

Nubank - 100% of the CDI

The country’s largest digital bank offers daily yield on payment accounts, different from both checking and traditional savings accounts. The money is automatically invested in Federal Public Securities, with gains accumulated every business day after the 31st day.

Neon - Up to 113% of the CDI

Stands out for its progressive model: the yield starts at 100% of the CDI and increases every six months, reaching 113% after two years of permanence. The longer the investment period, the lower the deducted rate, encouraging customer loyalty.

PicPay - Up to 102% of the CDI

Founded in 2012, offers a “Piggy Banks” feature that allows organizing savings by customized categories. The yield of 102% of the CDI is calculated daily. In official simulations, R$ 1,000 invested for 24 months generates R$ 204.12 versus R$ 129.29 in savings.

PagBank - 100% of the CDI

The Rendeira Account, offered by PagSeguro’s platform, automatically applies 100% of the CDI on balances held for more than 30 days. The process is fully passive, with no management needed.

Mercado Pago - Up to 105% of the CDI

Offers a minimum yield of 100% of the CDI for any individual client. Those who subscribe to Meli+ (Mercado Livre’s loyalty program) and maintain a monthly balance above R$ 1,000 get 105% of the CDI, making better use of their resources.

99Pay - Up to 110% of the CDI

The mobility app 99 offers a yield of up to 110% of the CDI for balances up to R$ 5,000. Above this limit, it combines 80% of the CDI with 110% in smaller amounts. An important differentiator: it yields every day of the week, including weekends, and offers cashback on rides and recharges.

Iti - Up to 100% of the CDI

Itaú’s solution for digital banks, offering 100% of the CDI from the first business day through the “My Goals” feature. The tool allows segregating savings by specific objectives, similar to competitors’ piggy banks.

Banco PAN - Up to 100% of the CDI

Offers daily automatic yield starting from R$ 30 in balance. The profitability begins at 10% of the CDI in the first 30 days, then increases to 100% of the CDI subsequently. No maximum balance limit, suitable for different investor profiles.

Profitability Comparison

The joint analysis of the eight options reveals variation between 100% and 113% of the CDI. This range represents significant differences over the long term. An investment of R$ 10,000 in an account with 113% of the CDI can yield approximately 20% more than one with 100% of the CDI over periods of 12 to 24 months, depending on the trajectory of the Selic rate.

Beyond gross profitability, many accounts offer additional features: goal organization, cashback programs, benefits for premium clients, and easy access via app.

Understanding the CDI

The CDI represents the average interest rate practiced in short-term interbank operations. It functions as a thermometer of the financial market, quickly reflecting the Central Bank’s decisions on the Selic rate. Products linked to the CDI (CDBs, LCIs, funds) tend to offer more dynamic returns than fixed-rate investments.

The crucial difference between CDI and savings: while savings use a fixed formula of 70% of the Selic plus TR (with monthly update), the CDI is recalculated daily. In scenarios of high Selic, this difference widens considerably.

Conclusion

In 2024, the digital bank market consolidates as a viable and profitable alternative for those seeking to maximize their gains. Accounts with automatic yield not only outperform savings in profitability but also add practicality, flexibility, and additional benefits.

The choice between 100% and 113% of the CDI depends on the investor’s profile and time horizon. For long-term applications, platforms with progressive tiering like Neon may offer better cost-benefit. For those seeking liquidity and simplicity, options with 100% of the CDI from the start already represent significant gains.

In a context of elevated interest rates, maximizing savings yields has become imperative. Digital banks with automatic yield thus emerge as a strategic solution for those who want their money to work efficiently.