CDB or Direct Treasury: which investment offers better returns?


When we think about investing, the most common question is which investment offers the best return. Among the popular options are the CDB and the Tesouro Direto, two accessible, safe and interesting investments for those who want to grow financially. But which one actually provides a better return today? In this article, we will explain the characteristics of each option to help you decide with clarity.

What it is / How it works

CDB, or Bank Deposit Certificate, is a security issued by banks to raise funds. You lend money to the bank and, in return, receive interest at the end of the term. The return can be prefixed, post-fixed (usually tied to the CDI) or hybrid.

The Tesouro Direto, on the other hand, is a government program that offers public securities to individuals. You lend money to the government and, in return, receive interest until maturity. There are several types of securities, such as prefixed, inflation-linked and post-fixed.

Both work in a simple way: the investor buys the security, waits for the agreed period or can sell it earlier, taking into account the market price and possible costs. Normally, these investments have different liquidity and specific characteristics that influence the return.

Advantages and benefits

The CDB usually offers attractive returns, especially certificates issued by mid-sized banks or fintechs such as Conta Zé and PagBank. In addition, many CDBs are covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC), which guarantees up to a certain amount in case of problems with the financial institution.

The Tesouro Direto, in turn, is considered a very safe investment, as it is backed by the National Treasury. It allows investment starting from low amounts, offered by platforms such as BTG Pactual digital and XP Investimentos. The variety of securities makes it possible to adjust the investor's profile with different terms and indicators.

Precautions and points of attention

Despite the safety, both require important care. With the CDB, pay attention to the term and whether the security allows early redemption without significant loss. Also assess the financial health of the issuing bank, especially smaller institutions such as C6 Bank or Neon.

In the Tesouro Direto, you should look at the type of security and market conditions. Volatility can affect prefixed securities if you need to sell before maturity. In addition, it is necessary to check the fees charged by brokerages, which impact the return.

How to apply / get started

To invest in a CDB, open an account at digital banks such as Inter or fintechs such as Mercado Pago. After registering, choose the security, amount and term available in the app or website. The platform will handle the whole process automatically.

In the Tesouro Direto, the first step is to open an account with a brokerage or bank that offers the service, such as Banco do Brasil or Warren. Then, access the official platform, choose the security and invest the desired amount. The investment can be started with just a few reais.

Conclusion

The choice between CDB and Tesouro Direto depends on your profile, goals and available term. The CDB can generate more return in certain cases, especially when issued by banks that offer higher rates, but it involves assessing the institution. The Tesouro Direto offers stability and diversity, being ideal for investors seeking safety and flexibility.

The important thing is to recognize that both are excellent alternatives for those who want to start investing safely and with good return prospects. Assess your needs, risks and financial horizon to decide the best option for you today.

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