Savings Account Returns 2024: Complete Calculation Guide

Savings accounts remain the most popular investment among Brazilians, but do you know exactly how much they yield in 2024? With changes in the Selic rate and specific remuneration rules, it’s essential to understand how to correctly calculate your money’s return.

In this article, you’ll discover the current rules, simulate different scenarios, and compare profitability with other investment options. Use our savings calculator to run your own simulations while following the explanations.

How savings account yields work

New savings account rules

Since 2012, savings accounts have two remuneration rules that depend on the Selic rate value. This change was implemented to make the investment less attractive in high interest rate scenarios, encouraging other investment types.

The applied rule depends on the account’s anniversary date. For deposits made before May 2012, the old rule applies (0.5% per month + TR). For later deposits, the new rules apply.

When it yields 0.5% + TR

Savings accounts yield 0.5% per month plus TR (Reference Rate) when Selic is above 8.5% per year. This is considered the “traditional” savings rule.

Currently, TR is practically zero, so in practice the yield stays close to 0.5% monthly or 6.17% per year (compound interest).

Example: R$ 10,000 in savings with Selic above 8.5% → R$ 50 per month → R$ 617 per year

When it yields 70% of Selic

When Selic is at 8.5% per year or less, savings yield 70% of Selic + TR. This rule was created for low interest rate periods.

With current Selic near 11.25% (December 2024), savings are operating under the first rule (0.5% + TR).

Current Selic rate and impact on savings

2024 Selic history

The Selic rate went through important changes in 2024:

• January to April: 11.75% per year
• May: First reduction to 10.75%
• June-July: 10.50%
• September: 10.75%
• November: 11.25%
• December: 12.25% (current)

Projections for coming months

The Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) signaled Selic increases to combat inflation. Projections for 2025 indicate:

• First half: Selic between 12.25% and 13.50%
• Second half: Possible stabilization above 12%

With these values, savings will continue yielding 0.5% per month + TR throughout 2025.

How to calculate savings yields

Calculation formula

To calculate monthly savings yields, use these formulas:

Selic > 8.5% per year:

• Monthly yield = Applied amount × 0.005 (0.5%)

Selic ≤ 8.5% per year:

• Monthly yield = Applied amount × (Annual Selic ÷ 12) × 0.70

Practical monthly and annual example

Let’s simulate a R$ 5,000 investment in savings with current Selic:

Total annual yield: R$ 334.93 (6.70% on initial value)

Tip: Use our savings calculator to automatically simulate different amounts and periods.

Important considerations

Savings yields are credited monthly on the account’s anniversary date. If you withdraw before that date, you lose the entire month’s yield.

Savings are also exempt from Income Tax for individuals, unlike other investments that have regressive taxation.

Savings vs other investments

Comparison with CDB

Bank Deposit Certificates frequently offer superior profitability to savings:

Even with IR incidence, well-remunerated CDBs outperform savings. Savings advantages lie in tax exemption and immediate liquidity.

Comparison with Treasury Direct

Treasury Selic offers more predictable profitability and generally superior returns:

• Treasury Selic: Tracks 100% of Selic rate (minus IR and custody fee)
• Estimated net yield: 8.5% per year (considering 17.5% IR after 2 years)
• Liquidity: Daily, with redemption on next business day

Choosing between savings and Treasury Selic depends on your risk profile and liquidity needs.

Automatic yield simulator

Our calculator automates all these complex calculations. You can:

• Simulate different amounts for initial investment
• Project additional monthly contributions
• Compare scenarios with Selic changes
• View charts of portfolio evolution

Access the savings calculator and test different investment strategies.

Available features

• Automatic calculation based on current Selic
• Regular monthly contribution simulation
• Comparison with other investments
• Projections for different periods
• Portfolio evolution charts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does R$ 1,000 yield in savings per month?

With the current rule (Selic > 8.5%), R$ 1,000 in savings yields R$ 5.00 per month (0.5%), totaling approximately R$ 67 per year with compound interest.

Are savings still worth it in 2024?

Savings are worthwhile for emergency reserves due to IR exemption and daily liquidity. For medium and long-term investments, CDBs and Treasury Selic offer superior returns.

How is the savings anniversary calculated?

The anniversary is counted from the first deposit date. If you deposited on the 15th, yields will always be credited on the 15th of each month. Withdrawals before this date make you lose the period’s yield.

Do savings risk losing money?

No. Savings are guaranteed by FGC (deposit insurance) up to R$ 250,000 per CPF and per institution. They’re considered zero-risk investment for principal capital.

What’s the difference between old and new savings?

Accounts opened before May 2012 always yield 0.5% + TR, regardless of Selic. New accounts follow the rules: 0.5% + TR (Selic > 8.5%) or 70% of Selic + TR (Selic ≤ 8.5%).

Is it better to keep in savings or invest in CDB?

For emergency reserves: savings (immediate liquidity, no IR). For planned investments: well-remunerated CDB outperforms savings even after deducting Income Tax.

How to simulate savings yields with monthly contributions?

Use our savings calculator by entering the initial amount and desired monthly contributions. The tool automatically calculates compound interest and shows month-by-month evolution.