Treasury Direct or CDB: which offers better returns and safety?


Choosing between Tesouro Direto and CDB is a common question for those seeking safety and return on their investment. Both are accessible options for beginner and experienced investors, each with specific characteristics that influence yield and risk. In this article, we will compare these investments to help you make an informed decision.

What is Tesouro Direto and how does CDB work

Tesouro Direto is a federal government program that allows individual investors to buy public bonds. These bonds work like loans to the government, which pays interest to the investor on the maturity date or periodically. They are considered low-risk investments, as they are backed by the National Treasury.

On the other hand, the CDB (Bank Deposit Certificate) is a security issued by banks to raise funds. When you invest in a CDB, you are lending money to the bank, which pays you interest on a future date. The safety of a CDB depends on the issuing financial institution and coverage by the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC), which protects amounts up to a set limit.

Advantages and benefits

Tesouro Direto stands out for its high liquidity and the variety of options that suit different financial goals. You can choose prefixed, post-fixed or inflation-linked bonds, which helps protect your purchasing power. In addition, the costs to invest are low and affordable.

The CDB, meanwhile, often offers attractive returns, especially those issued by smaller banks or fintechs, which need to attract investors. Many CDBs pay a percentage of the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate), which is usually a good benchmark for return. Another advantage is that you can invest with low minimum amounts, making access easier.

Precautions and points of attention

When investing in Tesouro Direto, it is important to consider the price volatility of the bonds before maturity. Some bonds are more sensitive to changes in the basic interest rate, which can cause temporary losses if you need to sell before the term ends.

In the case of CDBs, the main concern is the financial health of the issuing bank. Smaller institutions may offer higher rates, but the risk is also greater. In addition, the FGC guarantee limit is up to a specific amount per taxpayer ID (CPF) and per institution, which calls for diversification to protect your funds.

How to apply for or start investing

To start with Tesouro Direto, you must open an account with a brokerage or bank that offers access to the program, such as XP Investimentos, Modalmais or Ágora. After that, simply transfer the money and choose the bond that best fits your profile.

For CDBs, the process is similar: open an account with a financial institution, such as Banco Inter, Sofisa Direto or even traditional banks like Banco do Brasil. Check the CDB options and their terms before investing to make sure they meet your expectations.

Conclusion

Between Tesouro Direto and CDB, the choice depends on your profile and financial goal. Tesouro Direto offers greater safety and diversified options, ideal for those seeking stability. CDBs can provide higher returns, especially if you accept greater risks and diversify across banks.

Understanding the characteristics of each investment and its risks is essential to deciding which alternative will bring better returns and security for your wealth.

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