Klar vs. CETES: Invest $100 and Earn More with Low Risk in 2025?

Getting started in the world of investing can seem intimidating, especially with little capital. However, options like Klar and traditional CETES Directo allow you to start as low as $100 pesos. We analyze which one could offer you the best returns with controlled risk in 2025.

For many Mexicans, the idea of ​​investing their money conjures up images of large sums of money and complex financial knowledge. However, the financial landscape in Mexico has evolved, offering accessible, low-risk alternatives, ideal for those looking to take their first steps in the world of investment with amounts as modest as $100 pesos. Two options that stand out in this segment are the SOFIPO (Popular Financial Society) Klar and the government platform Cetesdirecto. Both promise security and the ability to grow savings, but which offers a better balance of return and risk for the novice investor in 2025?

Federal Treasury Certificates (CETES) are debt instruments issued by the Mexican Government, making them one of the safest investments available in the country. The Cetesdirecto platform, operated by Nacional Financiera, allows anyone to invest in these and other government securities easily and without intermediaries.

Main Features of CETES Directo:

• Minimum Investment Amount: You can start investing from $100 pesos.
• Commissions: Cetesdirecto generally does not charge commissions for opening or managing an account, nor for buying and selling securities.
• Risk: Considered very low, since they have the direct support of the Federal Government.
• Expected Yields: CETES yields vary depending on market conditions and are determined in weekly auctions held by the Bank of Mexico. For reference, at the June 3, 2025, auction, 28-day CETES offered an annual rate of 8.10%, while CETES with terms close to one year were offered at similar or slightly higher rates. It is important to note that these rates can fluctuate and, at times, barely exceed inflation, which could limit the real gain in purchasing power.
• Liquidity: CETES are issued for terms of 28, 91, and 182 days, and for terms of approximately one and two years. Although they can be sold before maturity on the secondary market, the price may vary.

CETES Directo's main strength lies in its security and accessibility. It's an excellent option for those who prioritize capital preservation and are looking for a simple introduction to the world of investing. However, its returns, while secure, may not be the most attractive compared to other emerging alternatives.

Klar is a Popular Financial Company (SOFIPO) that operates through a mobile app, offering various financial services, including investment options designed to be accessible and offer competitive returns. As a SOFIPO, it is regulated by the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) and is protected by Prosofipo insurance, which covers savers' deposits up to 25,000 UDIs (approximately $210,000 pesos, the value of which fluctuates).

Key Features of Investing with Klar:

• Minimum Investment Amount: You can start investing from $100 Mexican pesos.
• Expected Returns: Klar has stood out for offering rates of return higher than those of CETES on several of its products.
  • Fixed-Term Investments: Rates vary depending on the term. For example, starting June 2, 2025, Klar adjusted some of its rates, offering 10% annual interest for 180 days and 9% annual interest for 30 days for standard users. It's crucial to check current rates when investing, as they may change.
  • Klar Plus: Users who meet certain spending requirements with their Klar card (such as spending $3,000 per month) can access the Klar Plus tier, which offers higher yields, such as 12.5% ​​annualized yield over 180 days.
  • Klar Yield Fund: This product has offered promotional rates of up to 15% per year, although it's essential to review the specific conditions and validity of these promotions.
  • Guaranteed Rates: One advantage mentioned by Klar is that once an investment is locked in for a specific term, the rate of return is typically guaranteed until the maturity of that term, protecting the investor from unexpected declines during that period.
• Risk: While SOFIPOs carry a higher risk than direct government securities, Prosofipo insurance significantly mitigates this risk up to the coverage amount. It is vital to invest only in regulated SOFIPOs with a well-capitalized capitalization (NICAP).
• Flexibility: Klar offers various investment terms, from 7 days to one year, and "flex" investment options that allow partial or total withdrawals before maturity, although usually with a lower rate of return than fixed investments.
• Accessibility: The entire investment process is done through its mobile app, making it very convenient for tech-savvy users.

Klar's proposal is attractive to novice investors seeking a potentially higher return than CETES while maintaining a managed level of risk thanks to regulation and deposit insurance. The key lies in the constant review of the rates offered, since, as seen with the June 2025 adjustment, these can vary.

The choice between Klar and CETES Directo for a novice investor with $100 pesos will depend on their priorities and risk tolerance.

Comparative Table: Klar vs. CETES Directo (for small investors)

Additional Considerations for the Novice Investor:

• Diversification: Even if you start with $100, as your capital grows, it's important to consider diversification—that is, not putting all your eggs in one basket.
• Financial Education: Investing, even in low-risk options, requires information. Understanding how interest rates, terms, risks, and tax benefits work (Klar mentions tax exemption for investments under five annualized UMAs) is essential.
• Review SOFIPOs' NICAP: Before investing in any SOFIPO, including Klar, it's crucial to check their Capitalization Level (NICAP) in their CNBV reports. A NICAP above 131% (Category 1) indicates greater financial strength.

For a starting capital of $100 pesos, both Klar and CETES Directo are excellent starting points. If the primary goal is to familiarize yourself with the investment process with the greatest possible security, CETES Directo is a solid option. If you're looking for a potentially higher return, assuming slightly higher risk but still managed by Prosofipo regulation and insurance, Klar and other similar SOFIPOs may be more attractive, as long as you thoroughly research their terms and conditions.

The key is to start, learn, and adjust your strategy as you gain experience and your investment capital grows.