Investing safely and earning good returns is the goal of many Brazilians. Two common and accessible options are Tesouro Direto and CDB. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of each one to help you decide which investment offers the better return and safety for your profile.
What are Tesouro Direto and CDB: how do these investments work?
Tesouro Direto is a federal government program that allows you to invest in public bonds over the internet. You lend money to the government and, in return, receive interest at maturity or semi-annual interest, depending on the bond chosen. It is a safe investment, since the risk of default by the Brazilian government is considered low.
The CDB (Bank Deposit Certificate) is a security issued by banks to raise funds from investors. When you buy a CDB, you lend money to the bank and receive interest later, which can be prefixed, post-fixed, or linked to inflation. The return and safety of a CDB depend on the issuing financial institution.
Advantages and benefits of Tesouro Direto and CDB
Tesouro Direto offers several benefits, such as daily liquidity on post-fixed bonds, the possibility of investing with small amounts, and a variety of options with different maturities and indexes. In addition, it is backed by the government, which increases the safety of your investment.
CDBs, on the other hand, can offer higher returns, especially when issued by smaller banks, which offer competitive rates to attract investors. Another benefit is coverage by the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) for amounts up to a certain limit per bank, which works as an extra guarantee for the investor.
Precautions and points of attention when investing in Tesouro Direto and CDBs
Although Tesouro Direto is safe, it is important to consider the incidence of taxes and fees, such as income tax and the custody fee charged by B3. In addition, returns may vary with fluctuations in interest rates and inflation.
When investing in CDBs, safety is linked to the soundness of the issuing bank. Larger banks tend to be more stable but pay lower interest. Smaller banks pay more, but the risk increases. Always check whether the amount invested is within the FGC limits for your protection. Also be careful with redemption terms and possible penalties for early liquidation.
How to apply and start investing in Tesouro Direto or CDBs
To invest in Tesouro Direto, you need an account with a brokerage or bank that is enabled, such as XP, Rico, or Modal. After registering your CPF, you can choose the bond that best fits your profile and start investing with amounts from around 30 reais.
To invest in CDBs, open an account with digital banks such as Inter, Banco Original, or with brokerages such as Guide and Órama. You can choose among different CDBs, evaluating term and return before investing. The minimum investment varies by issuer, usually from 100 reais.
Conclusion
Both Tesouro Direto and CDBs are safe options for investors seeking good returns. Tesouro Direto is ideal for those who prefer the safety of the government and a variety of choices. CDBs can provide a somewhat higher return, especially with smaller banks, but require attention to the issuing institution and guarantee limits.
The best investment will depend on your profile, goals, and time horizon. Assess your financial goals, consider the safety and return of each option, and start investing consciously with the bank or brokerage that best meets your needs.
