CDB or Tesouro Direto: where to invest R$1,000 this year?

The choice between CDB or Direct Treasury is, historically, the first major dilemma for those who start investing in fixed income in Brazil.

With R$ 1,000, it's natural to seek maximum profitability with the security that your conservative profile demands.

In 2025, we're living in a climate of high interest rates, making this decision more crucial than ever. It's important to understand the nuances of each investment to optimize your money.

Knowing where to invest your first R$ 1,000 before the end of the year can define your financial future and your relationship with the market.

We will analyze the advantages, risks, and liquidity of each asset, from the perspective of the current Selic rate level and the security of the FGC.

This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed and strategic decision, going beyond the basics.

Summary

• What is CBD and how will it position itself in 2025?
• How does the FGC protect your CDB investment?
• What is Tesouro Direto and what is its current relevance?
• Why is the Selic rate crucial for Tesouro Direto?
• CDB or Direct Treasury: What is the best choice for R$ 1.000?
• How to choose the ideal title CDB or Direct Treasury?
• What precautions should I take when investing in fixed income today?

What is CBD and how will it position itself in 2025?

The Bank Certificate of Deposit, the famous CDB, represents a loan you make to the financial institution.

When you buy a loan, you lend money to the bank, receiving interest in return. It serves as a way for the bank to raise funds to finance its own lending activities.

According to recent data, CDBs have become a favorite among Brazilians due to their variety of terms and attractive rates.

Many smaller banks, in need of funding, offer CDI percentages (close to Selic) above 100%.

In a year like 2025, with the Selic rate raised to 15% per year, post-fixed bonds stand out in terms of profitability.

You can find fixed-rate CDBs, where the interest rate is set at the time of application, offering predictability.

Others are post-fixed, pegged to the CDI, ideal for the current environment of high interest rates and uncertainty. The hybrid option, which combines the IPCA with a fixed rate, protects your money from inflation.

Its flexibility, especially regarding the daily liquidity offered by some issuers, makes CDB an excellent option for your emergency fund.

However, it's crucial to check the issuing bank's reliability, as high profitability may indicate greater risk. Remember that the money is locked in until maturity to guarantee the agreed rate.

Read more: Goal-Based Investing: How it Works and Benefits

How does the FGC protect your CDB investment?

The guarantee of the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) is the main factor that provides security to CDBs and other bank securities.

The FGC works as a type of insurance, returning the invested amount if the financial institution goes bankrupt or undergoes intervention.

The guarantee covers up to R$250,000 per CPF or CNPJ per institution or financial conglomerate.

The maximum FGC coverage limit is R$1 million per CPF or CNPJ, considering a period of four years.

This rule was implemented to encourage diversification and limit exposure to smaller or higher-risk banks.

In 2025, the FGC celebrated 30 years, reinforcing its central role in building trust in the National Financial System.

Recent regulations from the National Monetary Council (CMN) in August 2025 increased the liquidity requirement for banks with funding concentrated in guaranteed deposits.

This measure aims to mitigate risks and encourage more prudent management of bank liabilities. Therefore, the protection system has been improved, offering greater solidity to depositors.

What is Tesouro Direto and what is its current relevance?

Tesouro Direto is the National Treasury's program for the sale of federal government bonds to individuals, with the aim of financing public debt.

In practice, you lend money to the Brazilian government, considered the lowest credit risk asset in the country.

Security lies in the government's ability to issue currency or raise taxes to meet its payments.

The great relevance of Tesouro Direto currently lies in its unparalleled security and liquidity, especially that of Tesouro Selic.

It is ideal for short-term goals, such as your emergency fund, allowing withdrawals within one business day (D+1).

Other Treasury bonds offer inflation protection and fixed-rate returns over the long term.

National Treasury bonds are divided into three main types: post-fixed (Tesouro Selic), prefixed (Tesouro Prefixado) and hybrid (Tesouro IPCA+).

The initial investment can be quite low, starting from R$ 30.00, democratizing access to the capital market for investors with R$ 1,000.

This accessibility and the government's sovereign guarantee are invaluable.

Tesouro Direto, however, may suffer from the so-called mark-to-market, especially fixed-rate and IPCA+ bonds redeemed in advance.

This means the bond's price fluctuates daily based on future interest rates. If you sell before maturity at an unfavorable time, you could incur a loss.

+ How to invest your Income Tax Refund money? 

Why is the Selic rate crucial for Tesouro Direto?

The Selic rate, the economy's basic interest rate, is crucial because it serves as a direct reference for the Treasury Selic and an indirect reference for all other assets.

The Treasury's Selic yield is tied to the variation of this rate plus a small fixed surcharge. With the Selic rate high, the return on this security is immediate and advantageous.

In September 2025, the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) maintained the Selic rate at 15% per year, one of the highest rates in two decades.

This high level was driven by persistent inflation and concerns about the country's public finances. These conditions create an excellent environment for floating-rate fixed income.

A Selic rate of 15% means that idle money yields much more, increasing the attractiveness of the Selic Treasury for security.

This high interest rate cycle makes fixed income investments more competitive compared to variable income.

You gain security and profitability at the same time, something rare in the market.

On the other hand, a high Selic rate also increases the cost of loans and slows down economic activity in general.

For investors, the current interest rate scenario allows them to accumulate wealth in low-risk assets, such as the Tesouro Selic.

Monitoring Copom's decisions every 45 days is vital to adjusting your strategy.

CDB or Tesouro Direto: Which is the best choice for R$1,000?

The decision on where to invest your R$ 1,000, if in CDB or Direct Treasury, should be guided by your timeframe objective and liquidity needs.

Beginning investors often need money for emergency funds or very short-term goals. In these cases, liquidity is the deciding factor.

Imagine you are building a wall (your asset) and you need two types of cement for the base.

A cement is the Selic Treasury, which dries quickly and allows you to access the base in an emergency.

The other is a CDB long-term, which hardens more slowly but offers superior resistance, i.e., greater profitability.

For your emergency reserve, the Tesouro Selic is unbeatable, offering daily liquidity and the country's maximum sovereign security.

You withdraw today and the money is deposited into your account tomorrow, without the risk of sudden devaluation.

Although some CDBs offer daily liquidity, they still carry the credit risk of the banking institution.

Now, if you have R$ 1,000 set aside for a medium-term goal, such as a down payment on a car in three years, the CDB may be superior.

You can find a CDB from a medium-sized bank paying 110% of the CDI, locking in a higher return than the Treasury Selic.

In this case, the FGC security fully covers your invested value of R$ 1,000.

Example 1 (Emergency Reserve): Maria has R$ 1,000 for savings and opted for the Treasury Selic. In September 2025, her car tire went flat, and she needed R$ 300 quickly.

In less than 24 hours, the money was available in the account, without having to suffer from mark-to-market or early redemption fees. Liquidity proved essential.

+ Where to invest 1000 reais? Learn how to multiply your money!

How to choose the ideal CDB or Treasury Direct title?

Assessing the economic landscape and your own goals is crucial to determining which investment is right for you.

The high interest rate environment of 2025 favors fixed income, but the choice between bonds depends on your horizon.

For long-term and inflation protection, the IPCA+ Treasury is excellent and the profitability is real.

To choose the ideal CDB, check the rate offered (above 100% of the CDI is always better) and the maturity of the paper.

The longer the maturity date, the lower the Income Tax rate to be paid, reaching 15% after two years.

Prioritize medium-sized or small banks that offer more aggressive rates, as the FGC guarantees security.

With Tesouro Direto, the choice is simpler: Tesouro Selic for the short term and liquidity, and Tesouro Prefixado or IPCA+ for the long term.

Remember that Tesouro Direto, unlike some CDBs, has a custody fee of 0.20% per year, charged by B3. Although small, it should be considered in the final calculation.

The smartest thing to do is combine both options in your portfolio.

The Treasury Selic serves as a liquidity base, and the CDB with a longer maturity allows capturing the highest rates.

Diversification minimizes risk and optimizes returns, protecting you from unforeseen events on both sides of the credit market.

What is the current data that validates this strategy?

The fixed income market in Brazil has reached a significant milestone, surpassing the 100 million investors with a total volume exceeding R$ 2.9 trillion, according to B3 data from 2025.

This growth demonstrates confidence and the migration of resources from savings to more profitable assets.

This statistic validates Brazilian investors' priority for security and attractive rates, which fixed-income assets provide.

A high interest rate environment encourages this search for guaranteed profitability.

What precautions should I take when investing in fixed income today?

Even when investing in fixed income, which is generally safer, you need to take some essential precautions.

First, never confuse liquidity with maturity, as a CDB can mature in 5 years but offer daily redemption.

However, early redemption may result in lower than expected profitability.

Another crucial point is the correct application of Income Tax, which has a regressive table on income.

The longer the money remains invested, the lower the tax rate charged, being 22.5% for investments of up to 180 days.

The ideal is to keep the money invested for at least two years, reaching the rate of 15%.

It is essential to constantly monitor the credit risk of the CDB issuer.

Smaller banks pay higher rates because the market perceives a subtly higher risk.

Although the FGC covers the amount, no one wants to face the bureaucracy of using it. Always consult the financial institutions' soundness reports.

Example 2 (Credit Risk): João, attracted by a CDB of 120% of the CDI with maturity in 4 years, invested R$ 1,000 in a small bank.

The bank faced liquidity problems and was liquidated by the Central Bank. João, whose balance was less than R$250,000, received his money back through the FGC, but the process took months.

The extra profitability did not compensate for the headache and waiting time.

You should always prioritize your brokerage, ensuring that it is properly regulated and authorized by the Central Bank.

The reliability of the intermediary is as important as the security of the security itself. Stay informed about regulatory changes, such as the new FGC rules of 2025.

To learn more about the FGC's regulatory security and updates on deposit rules, you can consult the official website of the Credit Guarantee Fund, which holds the Authority on the subject.

O FGC is the maximum guarantee for CDBs. (Source: FGC – Credit Guarantee Fund).

Conclusion

Given the interest rate scenario of 15% per year in 2025, fixed income is consolidated as an excellent option for investors with R$ 1,000.

O CDB or Direct Treasury are solid and safe choices, but their ideal application depends on your investment purpose.

For emergency reserves, with a focus on liquidity and low risk, the Treasury Selic prevails.

If your goal is medium or long term, and you're willing to lock up your money until maturity to seek a greater return, CDB stands out.

Options with 110% of the CDI, guaranteed by the FGC, offer a higher return than government bonds. Remember, the smart investor doesn't choose the "best" option, but rather the option most appropriate for the situation.

The secret to financial success lies in the consistency of your strategy: diversify, respect your deadlines, and understand the security that the FGC and the National Treasury offer.

With R$ 1,000, you are already in the wealth multiplication game.

Have you ever stopped to think about how much your money is losing today sitting in your checking or savings account?

For current data on the Selic rate, the main indicator of the profitability of these assets, visit the official website of the Central Bank of Brazil. (Source: Central Bank of Brazil).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is R$ 1,000 enough to invest in CDB or Tesouro Direto?

Yes, R$ 1,000 is more than enough to start investing in both modalities.

Tesouro Direto allows minimum contributions starting from R$ 30.00, and many CDBs require only R$ 100.00 or R$ 500.00.

Which of the two has greater liquidity for immediate redemption?

The Tesouro Selic offers the greatest liquidity for immediate redemption, with the money deposited into the account on D+1 (one business day).

Although some CDBs have daily liquidity, the Tesouro Selic has the government's guarantee and transparency.

Is the CDB that pays 120% of the CDI always better than the Treasury Selic?

It is not always better; it is more profitable, but it requires an analysis of the issuer's credit risk and the maturity of the security.

The Selic Treasury has sovereign security, while the CDB has the FGC guarantee, but only up to R$ 250 thousand.

Should I worry about Income Tax when choosing between CDB or Tesouro Direto?

Yes, both investments follow the same regressive income tax table, which is a crucial factor.

Investing for more than 720 days guarantees the minimum rate of 15%, maximizing your net gains.

What is Mark-to-Market and how does it affect my choice?

Mark-to-Market affects Treasury bonds, fixed-income and IPCA+ bonds, causing the price to vary daily.

It does not affect the Treasury Selic or post-fixed CDBs held until maturity, making it irrelevant in the short term.