Anyone who is just starting to invest has surely asked themselves: “Tesouro Direto or CDB, which offers the better return?” This doubt is common because both are popular, safe and accessible options for those who want their money to grow. Understanding the differences and advantages of each helps you choose the investment best suited to your profile and financial goal.
What it is / How it works
Tesouro Direto is a government program that allows the purchase of public bonds over the internet. When you buy a bond, you are lending money to the government, which pays interest in return. There are different types of bonds, such as prefixed ones, those that follow inflation, and post-fixed ones.
The CDB (Bank Deposit Certificate) is a security issued by banks to raise funds. By buying a CDB, you lend your money to the institution, which pays a return that can be prefixed, post-fixed (usually tied to the CDI) or hybrid.
Advantages and benefits
Tesouro Direto is known for its safety, since the issuer is the federal government and the risk of default is considered low. In addition, it has affordable investments, with small amounts to get started, and good liquidity, with the possibility of daily sale.
The CDB, in turn, can offer higher returns, especially at smaller banks that seek to attract clients. Some CDBs have daily liquidity, but others require longer periods for redemption. Another advantage is the FGC (Credit Guarantee Fund) guarantee up to the limit of R$ 250 thousand, which protects the investor against bank failure.
Precautions and points of attention
With Tesouro Direto, an important point is the regressive income tax levied on the return, which can vary according to the investment term. In addition, platform fees, such as B3's, may apply, although they are low in many cases.
For the CDB, in addition to the equally regressive income tax, the investor should evaluate the issuing bank to understand its risk profile. Very high returns may indicate greater risk. Liquidity should be confirmed, as some CDBs have a grace period for redemption.
How to apply / get started
To invest in Tesouro Direto, you just need to open an account with a brokerage or bank that offers the service. Institutions such as BTG Pactual, XP and Modal provide platforms for buying the bonds, with easy guidance for the investor.
To buy a CDB, you can also use digital brokerages or banks, such as Inter, C6 Bank and Neon. It is important to analyze the available options and check whether there is a minimum investment amount. Opening an account and transferring money to the institution are the first steps.
Conclusion
Choosing between Tesouro Direto or CDB depends on your profile, how much you intend to invest and what liquidity you want. If you seek maximum safety and easy access, Tesouro Direto is ideal. For those who want to boost gains and are willing to take on a bit more risk, the CDB may be better.
The ideal approach is to diversify your portfolio, balancing these assets to take advantage of their benefits and minimize risks. With patience and research, you can make your money work in your favor without complication.
