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💰 Tesouro Direto: A Practical Guide for Beginners

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Learn what Tesouro Direto is, how it works, the types of available bonds, and how to start investing safely—even with a small amount of money.

Tesouro Direto: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Safe Investing

📌 Introduction

Do you want to start investing but fear risking your money right away?
Tesouro Direto might be your best starting point.

Simple, secure, and accessible, this government program allows anyone to invest with just R$30 and earn more than a traditional savings account.

In this practical guide from Dicas de Bolso, you will learn:

  • What Tesouro Direto is

  • How it works

  • Types of available bonds

  • Expected returns

  • Step-by-step to start investing

🏛️ What is Tesouro Direto?

Tesouro Direto is a program created by the Brazilian National Treasury in partnership with B3 that allows individuals to invest in federal government bonds online in a simple and secure way.

When you invest in Tesouro Direto, you are lending money to the government, which pays you interest in return—like being the bank of Brazil.

⚙️ How Does Tesouro Direto Work?

  1. Choose a bond
    There are different types of bonds, each with its own term and return type.

  2. Invest through a brokerage
    You can buy bonds through your broker’s website or directly on the Tesouro Direto website.

  3. Receive interest payments
    Depending on the bond, you may receive interest semiannually or only at maturity.

  4. Get your principal back at maturity
    Or sell beforehand if needed, but the amount will depend on market value at the time.

🧾 Types of Tesouro Direto Bonds

📌 Tesouro Selic (LFT)

  • Return: Linked to Selic rate (Brazil’s basic interest rate)

  • Ideal for: Emergency fund

  • Advantages: Safety and low volatility

  • Liquidity: Can be redeemed anytime

📌 Tesouro Prefixado (LTN)

  • Return: Fixed rate (e.g., 10% per year)

  • Ideal for: Those who want to know exactly how much they’ll receive at maturity

  • Risk: Selling before maturity may result in losses

📌 Tesouro IPCA+ (NTN-B Principal or with Semiannual Interest)

  • Return: Inflation (IPCA) + fixed rate

  • Ideal for: Protecting purchasing power long-term

  • Great for: Retirement or long-term goals

💡 Which Bond Should You Choose?

Goal Recommended Bond
Emergency fund Tesouro Selic
Short/medium-term goal Tesouro Prefixado
Retirement/long-term Tesouro IPCA+

💰 How Much Does Tesouro Direto Yield?

Returns depend on the bond chosen. Examples:

  • Tesouro Selic 2029: yields 100% of Selic (currently 10.50% p.a.)

  • Tesouro IPCA+ 2035: IPCA + 6% p.a.

  • Tesouro Prefixado 2027: fixed 10.7% p.a.

⚠️ Note: These rates vary daily according to the market.

🧾 Costs and Taxes

  • Custody fee (B3): 0.2% per year

  • IOF tax: only if sold within the first 30 days

  • Income tax: regressive rate starting at 22.5% down to 15% after 2 years

🛣️ How to Start Investing in Tesouro Direto?

  1. Open an account with a licensed brokerage (e.g., NuInvest, XP, BTG, Inter) — preferably without brokerage fees.

  2. Access the Tesouro Direto website: www.tesourodireto.com.br

  3. Use the simulator to estimate your potential earnings.

  4. Transfer money to your brokerage account via TED or PIX.

  5. Buy your desired bond by choosing the amount and confirming the purchase.

🔒 Is Tesouro Direto Safe?

Yes. It is considered the safest investment in Brazil because it is backed by the federal government.
You only lose money if you sell before maturity under unfavorable conditions.

📈 Tip for Beginners: Use Tesouro Direto as the Base of Your Portfolio

Before moving to riskier investments like stocks or real estate funds, build a solid foundation with Tesouro Direto.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a lot of money to invest?
    No. The minimum investment is around R$30.

  • Can I redeem at any time?
    Yes, all bonds have daily liquidity, but Tesouro Selic is the most suitable for this.

  • Is Tesouro Direto better than savings?
    Yes! It offers higher returns, equal safety, and more flexibility.

✅ Conclusion

Tesouro Direto is a safe, accessible, and effective gateway for anyone wanting to start investing wisely.
With a small amount of money and a bit of planning, you can make your money work for you and reach your financial goals calmly.