Why Trust Bankrate
Bankrate regularly surveys approximately 4,800 banks and credit unions in all 50 states to provide you with one of the most comprehensive comparisons of rates. All of the money market accounts below, which are savings accounts that may let you write a limited amount of checks per month, are insured by the FDIC at banks or the NCUA at credit unions. When selecting the best money market account for you, look for the highest yield while also considering introductory rates, minimum balances and accessibility.
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. The top banks listed below are based on factors such as annual percentage yield (APY), minimum balance requirements and broad availability.
Best Money Market Accounts & Rates
- Best Rate: BMO Harris: 2.20% APY
- High Rate: BBVA: 2.15% APY
- High Rate: UFB Direct: 2.15% APY
- High Rate: Sallie Mae: 2.00% APY
- Trusted Bank: State Farm: 2.00% APY
- Intro Rate: TIAA Bank: 2.00% APY
- Big Bank: Wells Fargo: 1.95% APY
- High Rate: Investors eAccess: 1.90% APY
Bankrate's guide to choosing the right money market account rate
Best Money Market Accounts: Bank Details
Here are Bankrate's top money market accounts for 2019:
$5,000 minimum deposit for APY
Best for a highest yield and ATM card
Overview: BMO Harris, which has its U.S. headquarters in Chicago, has nearly 600 branches in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. But people in those states aren’t eligible for the platinum money market account.
Perks: You can order checks for the platinum money market account, and you can also get an ATM card. The platinum money market account also doesn’t have any monthly maintenance fees, and you don’t need to keep a minimum balance in the account.
What to watch for: Balances less than $5,000 earn 0.05 percent APY. So if you’re going to go below that amount, you probably should get an account with a lower minimum balance to get a competitive APY. There is also a $50 account closing fee if you close the platinum money market account within 90 days of account opening. Residents of Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin are excluded from opening this account.
2. BBVA - 2.15% APY
$10,000 minimum deposit for interest rate
Best for high rate and check writing
Overview: Earlier this year, BBVA rebranded itself as BBVA worldwide. Previously, it was called BBVA Compass. While BBVA does have branches Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Alabama, California and Texas. This offer is only available in the other continental states and in Washington, D.C. The 2.15 percent APY on the BBVA money market account is on all balances over $10,000.
Perks: BBVA will deposit $100 into your new BBVA money market account if you open the account by Aug. 31 and have a balance of $10,000 or more on both Aug. 31 and Nov. 30. You can order checks for your BBVA money market account, and you can get an ATM card. But the money market account needs to be linked to a BBVA checking account with an ATM/debit card for you to be able to access money at an ATM.
What to watch for: To be eligible for the offer, you need to be a new BBVA money market account customer. If you had a BBVA money market account within the past 30 days, you’re not eligible for the offer. Also. the funds used to open the account can’t be currently on deposit at BBVA.
$25,000 minimum deposit for interest rate
Best for high rate and accessibility -- offers limited check-writing privileges and debit card
Overview: UFB Direct is an online bank that offers a money market account and savings account. UFB Direct is a division of Axos Bank. It is listed as a deposit accepting website under Axos Bank’s FDIC certificate. Like other online-based banks, it doesn't have the costs associated with brick-and-mortar institutions. So, it's able to consistently offer some of the highest rates available across all of its products. In particular, its money market account is very competitive, but not only in terms of APY. UFB's money market account offers the high yield of a money market account with the convenience of a checking account, allowing you to write a limited amount of checks per month.
Perks: The high-yield money market account from UFB compounds daily, helping to grow your money faster. It also offers a mobile banking experience, where you can manage your money, deposit checks and gain access to a suite of money management tools. And if you're looking for some liquidity in a money market account, this MMA allows you to write up to six checks per month.
What to watch for: Balances under $25,000 only earn 0.5 percent APY. UFB requires a somewhat hefty $5,000 minimum deposit to open an account. It also requires a $5,000 minimum balance to avoid the $10 monthly maintenance fee. If you can't swing the minimum, it's wise to compare this money market account from UFB with accounts at other banks and credit unions. Because deposit accounts through Axos Bank brands are all insured under the same FDIC certificate, make sure you don’t have money at any other Axos Bank brands or deposit accepting websites that would cause you to exceed FDIC insurance guidelines.
$0 minimum deposit for interest rate
Best for no minimum balance or fees
Overview: Sallie Mae may be mostly associated with student loans, but it also provides a range of savings products for consumers. The bank offers a money market account, high-yield savings account and CDs. And its rates are very competitive. Sallie Mae's yields are frequently among the highest in the country across all of its product offerings, something that can largely be attributed to its status as an online bank. Low overhead costs allow it to return those savings to its customers in the form of higher rates. Those higher yields extend to its money market account, which makes it a great option if you're looking for a place to keep your savings while earning interest.
Perks: Along with competitive interest rates, Sallie Mae's money market account requires no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fees. Account holders can write checks from their account and manage their account completely online at any time.
What to watch for: Because Sallie Mae is a completely online bank, it has no physical branches. If you like having the option of walking into a branch to talk to your teller or banker in person, Sallie Mae might not be the best choice for you. It's also important to note that while you can write checks from Sallie Mae's money market account, you're limited to six transactions or withdrawals per month. And Sallie Mae doesn't offer a checking account, limiting the liquidity of your banking experience. If you're looking for full-service banking, you might be better served at a different banking institution.
$1,000 minimum opening balance required
Best for ATM fee reimbursement perks
Overview: State Farm Bank officially began operating in March 1999. State Farm Bank doesn’t have branch offices. Customer service is provided by State Farm agents, via telephone customer service, the mail and online.
Perks: The State Farm Bank money market savings account has an ATM card available. When used for ATM withdrawals, there is no fee for withdrawals at State Farm Bank-owned ATMs, and accounts are rebated up to $10 per statement cycle when a non-State Farm Bank-owned ATM is used – if a direct deposit hasn’t been set up. With a direct deposit, there are unlimited ATM surcharge rebates when ATMs not owned by the bank are used. Limitations apply to this. For example, the direct deposit needs to occur during the statement cycle. Also, if the account is closed prior to the statement cycle ending, you won’t receive the ATM fee rebate.
What to watch for: This is an introductory APY for the first 12 statement cycles when opening a new consumer money market savings account. This means you won’t be eligible for the offer if you’ve had a State Farm Bank consumer money market savings account open or closed within the past 12 months. Also, a minimum balance fee will be assessed if the average balance for the month goes below $500. But if you have a direct deposit via automated clearing house (ACH), the minimum balance requirement is waived.
$500 minimum deposit to open account
Best for a guaranteed competitive rate
Overview: TIAA Bank, formerly known as EverBank, provides a range of banking, lending and investing options. Its deposit products include a high-yield money market account, checking, savings and CDs. In addition to competitive rates on banking products, TIAA Bank also offers mobile banking and online tools.
Perks: One of the biggest perks you'll find with TIAA Bank is its "Yield Pledge," which maintains that its yield pledge money market account rate will always be competitive and in the top 5 percent. Its money market account also has no monthly fee, allows for mobile check deposits and is IRA-eligible. As long as you keep at least $5,000 in your yield pledge money market account, TIAA Bank will reimburse all ATM fees charged by other banks. Regardless of your balance, you’ll be reimbursed up to $15 for ATM fees incurred by using non-TIAA Bank ATMs.
What to watch for: The 2.00 percent APY on its money market account is attractive, but it's only an introductory rate.
After a year, your rate drops according to your balance, with balances of $100,000 to $10 million earning the highest yields, at 1.8 percent APY. The ongoing yield for balances under $10,000 is 1.0 percent APY and 1.2 percent APY on balances between $10,000 and $24,999.99. Balances between $50,000 and $99,999.99 earn 1.65 percent APY.
$25,000 minimum balance for promotional interest rate
Best for competitive brick-and-mortar bank introductory rate
Overview: Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 in San Francisco. Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks – based on assets – in the U.S. and has approximately 7,800 locations.
Perks: The minimum opening deposit is $25 for the Platinum Savings account. Wells Fargo’s bonus APY of 1.95 percent APY is competitive for a big brick-and-mortar bank. To earn this bonus APY, you’ll need to have your Platinum Savings account linked to a Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship. You’ll also only earn this 12-month special interest rate if you deposit $25,000 or more from funds outside of Wells Fargo. This special rate offer is only available on aggregate balances up to $1 million.
What to watch for: The Platinum Savings Account does have check-writing privileges. But there is a cost to ordering checks. Also, the account has a special interest rate that lasts for 12 months. This bonus APY equals to 1.95 percent APY. But the standard yield is 0.05 percent APY and will double to 0.1 percent APY for those who have their platinum savings linked to a Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship.
$0 minimum deposit for interest rate
Best for Highest Rate with No Minimum Balance
Overview: Investors eAccess is a trade name of Investors Bank. Investors Bank, founded in 1926, is headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey. The bank has more than 150 branches in New Jersey and New York. But in the other 48 states, customers can take advantage of the eAccess Money Market, which has one of the most competitive APYs available.
Perks: The Investors eAccess Money Market account currently earns one of the highest yields available, at 1.90 percent APY, and interest compounds daily. That APY is good for balances under $2 million, and there is no limit on the number of eAccess Money Market accounts that you may open. It’s offered only as a personal account. The eAccess Money Market has no hidden fees and doesn’t have a minimum balance required to avoid fees. Investors Bank offers the Investors Mobile app, which allows you to deposit up to $3,000 daily per user and $6,000 daily per account. The app is available for both Apple iOS and Android phones. Investors Bank also offers customer service over the phone seven days a week.
What to watch for: The eAccess Money Market account doesn’t have check-writing privileges and doesn’t offer a debit card, an ATM card for ATM access or the ability to send an outbound wire transfer. But you’re allowed to make up to six withdrawals via Online Banking per month. These can be made either via an external account transfer or byway of an ACH, which electronically debits your eAccess Money Market and sends the money to another financial institution. These may not exceed $250,000 per monthly statement cycle. United States citizens and permanent residents 18 years or older throughout the U.S. are eligible for the eAccess Money Market account, as long as they don’t live in New Jersey or New York.
What to consider before opening a money market account
What is a money market account and how does it work?
A money market account is a type of savings deposit account that can be found at banks and credit unions. These high-rate money market accounts may pay a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts, but their minimum deposit and balance requirements may be higher.
Money market accounts may come with checks and a debit card, which distinguishes them from traditional savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The check-writing capability of these accounts provides a degree of flexibility and liquidity often not found in other savings vehicles.Money market accounts allow for up to six withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle. Though some withdrawals, such as those made from an ATM, are unlimited.
Like a traditional savings account, there's no set term for maturity with a money market account — you can park cash for an unlimited amount of time. But the way the institution can use your money is different from a savings account.Banks and credit unions can use the money deposited into money market accounts for low-risk investments, like certificates of deposit, Treasury notes and government-backed bonds. Institutions can mainly use the money deposited into traditional savings accounts for loans.
That said, safety is still a top feature of these financial tools. Money market accounts are insured up to $250,000 at banks that are insured by FDIC. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) provides all members of federally insured credit unions with $250,000 of coverage for single ownership accounts at a National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) credit union.
Who should get a money market account?
Anyone looking for a safe place to stash a good chunk of money and earn some interest may benefit from a money market account. But these accounts make particularly good sense in a handful of situations. For example:
- Setting up an emergency savings fund.
- Saving for a goal, such as saving for a home purchase or a vacation.
- Growing your savings in a high-yield account that may offer the opportunity to write an occasional check.
- Earning a higher yield than you’re earning in your current savings or checking account.
As a saver, it's important to know the differences between a money market account, savings account, and a CD.
Are there any risks to having a money market account?
An FDIC-insured account is safe as long as your funds are within insurance limits. No customer has ever lost a penny in an insured deposit account, according to the FDIC,
Money market accounts at online banks, brick-and-mortar banks or credit unions are safe as long as the institution is an FDIC bank or NCUA credit union and you’re within insurance guidelines.
The FDIC and the NCUSIF, at NCUA credit unions, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. For instance, if needed, the FDIC can draw on a line of credit with the U.S. Treasury.
Can you lose your money in a money market account?
Generally, your money is protected and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government if it’s within FDIC guidelines at a bank insured by the FDIC or at an NCUA credit union, which has the NCUSIF to insure accounts. But if you have money over the FDIC limit or funds that exceed the NCUSIF insurance limits, you could lose money if that financial institution fails.
Both the FDIC and NCUA offer estimators to help you estimate whether your bank or credit union balances may be covered. Always double-check with the FDIC or NCUA and your financial institutions to confirm insurance coverage.
You could lose money in a money market account if you don’t report an unauthorized transaction in a timely fashion. Generally, you have a window of 60 days after your statement was sent to tell your bank.
How do interest rates affect money market rates?
Interest rates determine how much interest your money market account earns. The more money you have in your money market account and the higher interest rate you’re earning, the more money you’ll earn on your money in this account.
When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers the federal funds rate, its benchmark rate, that tends to affect the yields on money market accounts. Since December 2015, the Fed has raised rates nine times, which has helped some money market account yields increase.
How liquid is a money market account?
You’re generally able to access the money in your account at any time without incurring a penalty. An exception is if you were to close a money market account that has an early close-out penalty. These penalties usually occur during the first 90-180 days of opening the account.
Also, a bank is required to reserve the right to require at least seven days’ written notice if you want to withdraw from a money market account. But, as noted by the Federal Reserve, this right is rarely, if ever, exercised.
What is the difference between a jumbo money market account and a traditional money market account?
A jumbo money market account is likely to have a higher minimum balance requirement than a normal money market account. Generally, a jumbo deposit product requires a minimum balance of $100,000. The same minimum balance requirement is also true with jumbo CDs. Jumbo money market accounts are rare, but there are at least two institutions that offer them:
- Navy Federal Credit Union offers 1.35 percent APY on its jumbo money market savings account. This yield applies to balances of $250,000 and higher. You can also earn 1.25 percent APY on a balance between $100,000 to $249,999. But in order to open an account with Navy Federal Credit Union, you or one of your family or household members must have ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense or National Guard.
- Alaska USA Federal Credit Union offers a jumbo money market account that requires a $100,000 minimum balance to earn the account’s top yield of 0.35 percent APY. You can join the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union by being affiliated with a company, organization or community that has requested that the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union serve its members. You can also join if you’re related to someone qualified to join the credit union. Most people who live or work in Alaska, Washington, San Bernardino county in California and Maricopa County in Arizona can qualify for a membership, according to the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union website.
Money market account fees and minimums
Minimums and fees to open and maintain a money market account vary by institution.
There are typically a few types of minimums you should watch for: minimum deposit requirements to open an account, minimum amounts to earn the APY and minimums to avoid fees.
Watch for monthly fees, transfer fees, shipping fees, inactive account fees or any other penalty you might incur for not using the account to the bank's specifications.
Here's when to consider a money market account:
- You want an account that offers liquidity, safety and a higher interest rate than traditional savings or checking accounts.
- You want the ability to write checks or you may be able to use a debit card up to six times per month.
- You want immediate access to funds if you're ever in a bind.
- You want a good spot to keep your emergency fund.
- You don't want to lock up your money in a CD for an extended period, but you still want a comparable interest rate and the safety of an FDIC- or NCUA-backed account.
What is the average interest rate on a money market?
The average interest rate on a money market account is currently 0.24 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey of institutions.Yet some banks are offering at least eight times that. That makes it crucial to shop around for the best deal when you're searching for a money market account.
It's important to remember that institutions can change their interest rates at any time, pushing returns higher or lower depending on the market.That can be a boon in an environment where rates are on the rise.While interest rates on money market accounts have been historically low over the past several years, lately, they've been increasing.
Money market accounts and compounding interest
Something to consider when shopping for a money market account is how often the institution compounds interest. This can vary from institution to institution, with money market accounts compounding either daily, monthly, quarterly or even annually.
The faster interest is compounded, the better your returns.Remember, because of compound interest, even small deposits into a money market account can add up to sizable amounts over time.
You can use our compound interest calculator to calculate your potential earnings on a money market account.
How is interest calculated on money market accounts?
Interest is usually calculated by compounding on a daily, monthly, quarterly or annual basis on money market accounts. Most money market accounts are likely to compound interest on a daily or monthly basis. The APY on an account includes the effect of compounding. So, when you compare APYs, you can tell which account is going to help your money grow the most.
How do I open a money market account?
Opening a money market is as easy as choosing which bank and account is right for you. Some money market accounts don’t have a minimum opening balance requirement, so you won’t have to worry about keeping a certain amount in the account or incurring a maintenance fee. Compare the top APY accounts with the minimum balance that you’re comfortable with to make the best decision for your saving needs.
What is a high-yield money market account?
A high-yield money market is a money market account that has a competitive APY. In some instances, money market accounts may have higher APYs than savings accounts.
But technically, a money market is a savings deposit account, according to the Federal Reserve. The main differentiator is that a high-yield money market account may allow for check-writing privileges and/or have ATM accessibility (though a savings account may have ATM accessibility).
These withdrawal features on both a high-yield money market account and a savings account are limited under Regulation D to no more than six “convenient” transfers or withdrawals per statement cycle. Some banks may impose even more limitation on withdrawals and check-writing on a high yield money market account.
Money market account FAQs
Is a money market account safe?
Money market accounts are safe if they’re at an FDIC-insured bank or a federally insured credit union. FDIC deposit insurance covers accounts at FDIC banks up to at least $250,000. An account at an NCUA institution has a standard share insurance amount of $250,000 per share owner, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category.
"Savings accounts and money market accounts offer the security of federal deposit insurance and complete liquidity so you can access your cash at any time. Seek out competitive returns so you can preserve your buying power and benefit as interest rates rise further."
- Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst.
Is a money market account a savings or checking account?
Money market accounts are savings products, but they often act as a hybrid of traditional savings and checking accounts, carrying characteristics of both.
Money market accounts tend to come with a higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts but with higher minimum deposit and balance requirements.
Like savings accounts, money market accounts only allow for up to six withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle, making them best for parking
cash.
But like a checking account, they may come with checks and possibly a debit card, allowing you to make purchases directly from the account.
How do I choose a money market account?
The best way to choose a money market account is to compare APYs and minimum balance requirements. You’ll want to look at minimum balance requirements to avoid a maintenance fee and the minimum to earn the stated APY.
Also, look at features such as ATM access via an ATM card and check-writing privileges. If these features aren’t offered, that’s OK, but make sure you understand how you’ll access this money. If it’s money that’s going to be used daily, then a checking account might be more appropriate than a money market account.
If you want to physically walk into a bank and talk to a banker about your money market account, choose a bank that has brick-and-mortar locations. If this doesn’t matter to you – and earning a high APY is more important – then an online bank will probably be the best way for you to earn more interest. An online bank may offer convenient customer service options through its phone availability, and it may have secure messaging on its website or mobile app. It may also allow live chatting with a customer service representative.
Do money market accounts pay interest monthly?
Money market accounts typically credit interest monthly. You’ll typically receive your interest payment on or around the same date each month. Generally, money market account interest compounds on a daily or monthly basis.
How is a money market account different from a negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account?
A negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account is classified as a transaction account, while a money market account is a non-transaction account, according to the Federal Reserve.
NOW accounts allow an unlimited number of third-party payments, while money market accounts are restricted to six “convenient” transfers or withdrawals per month under Regulation D. Some banks may restrict money market account transactions further.
Like money market accounts, a bank reserves the right at any time to require seven days’ written notice for a withdrawal from a NOW account under Regulation D, though this right is rarely exercised, according to the Federal Reserve.
Unlike NOW accounts and money market accounts, checking accounts are demand deposit accounts (DDAs). This means withdrawals from checking accounts are payable on demand, or on fewer than seven days’ notice, according to the Federal Reserve.
What is a good money market account?
A good money market account carries a competitive APY and has minimum balance requirements that fit your needs so you avoid incurring any fees. A good money market account may offer an ATM card for ATM access or check-writing privileges.
These accounts aren’t meant for daily use, so it’s OK if the account doesn’t have these features. Just know how you’re going to access your money when you need to.
Characteristics that the best money market accounts share
The best money market accounts have low or no minimum balance requirements. And if they do have higher balance requirements, the best money market accounts reward you for keeping this balance. The balance requirement doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s within what you plan on keeping in the account so that you earn a maximum APY and don’t incur fees.
The best money market accounts offer ATM cards for ATM access and check-writing privileges – and complimentary checks – for writing an occasional check. Though under Regulation D, money market accounts don’t permit more than six of these “convenient” transactions per month.
Can you pay bills and write checks with your money market account?
Some money market accounts, but not all, provide the ability to write checks and pay bills directly from the account. These accounts may even come with a debit card. But there's a limit to the number certain transactions you can make. Money market accounts only allow for up to six types of withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.
If check writing is a feature you want in a money market account, confirm with the institution before opening an account that their product offers that capability.
Are money market account rates taxable?
All taxable and tax-exempt interest must be reported on your federal income tax return. Most interest that you receive or that’s credited to an account that you can withdraw without penalty is taxable income in the year it becomes available to you, according to the IRS.
Always consult with your accountant to answer your specific tax questions.
How are money market accounts insured?
Like savings accounts and CDs, money market accounts are insured at banks by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) up to $250,000. They are insured up to the same amount at credit unions by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).
Should the bank or credit union fail, the FDIC or NCUA guarantees your money will remain safe.
Is a money market account a worthwhile investment?
A high-rate money market account can be both a worthwhile investment and a shorter-term savings tool for liquid money. It’s a worthwhile investment for money that needs to earn a competitive APY (annual percentage yield) and be kept safe. One of the safest places is an eligible account at a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) bank that’s within FDIC insurance limits. If your money market account is at an FDIC bank -- or has National Credit Union Share Insurance (NCUSIF) protection if it’s at an National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) credit union – then your account is covered if it’s within coverage limits.
A money market account is a worthwhile investment if you value, generally, quick access to your account, a predictable APY and a federally insured account.
There are other investments that may have higher rates of return, but they may also have potential risk of principal. So, a money market account may be a worthwhile investment for funds you can’t afford to risk. A high-rate money market account may be the perfect place for money that you intend to grow but may be needed in the near future.
Why do money market accounts pay higher interest?
Generally, a high-rate money market account pays a higher APY than a checking account because banks can assume that your money will be in there for a longer period. Yes, you could withdraw from a money market account – just like you could in a checking account – but a money market account has built-in restrictions because its transactions are restricted under Regulation D. Unlike a checking account, money market accounts are limited to six “convenient” transfers and withdrawals per month. According to the Federal Reserve, these restricted transfers and withdrawals include transfers to another account to act as overdraft protection, direct bill payments, telephone transfers, withdrawals initiated by fax, computer, email or internet instruction, and transfers or withdrawals made by check, debit card or other similar method used to pay other third parties.
Savings accounts may have a higher APY than money market accounts. One potential reason is that savings accounts generally don’t offer an additional withdrawal option, such as check-writing privileges, that some money market accounts have.
Money market account vs. CDs
A money market account is for money that needs to be accessible. A CD is more for longer-term money that won’t be used during the CD’s term, mainly because you don’t want to incur an early withdrawal penalty. Sometimes you’re rewarded with a higher APY in a CD than you would earn in a liquid money market account.
A money market account may offer you check-writing privileges or ATM access. These components can help you access this money, if needed.
But a money market account is restricted by Regulation D, which means you can’t make more than six convenient transfers or withdrawals per month.
How is a money market account different from a money market fund?
A money market account, or money market deposit account, is considered a savings deposit. A money market deposit account is generally insured up to $250,000, like checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs, as long as it’s in an insured account at an FDIC-insured bank.
A money market mutual fund – or money market fund – isn’t FDIC-insured. These accounts are likely to be invested in securities, such as Treasury Bills and government or corporate bonds or short-term CDs, according to the FDIC.
The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protects money market mutual funds – which are securities – according to the SIPC. The SIPC only protects cash if it’s being held in connection with a purchase or sale of a security, according to the SIPC.
Do money market interest rates fluctuate?
Money market account interest rates generally are variable, meaning they can fluctuate. The only typical exception to this is if the money market account has an introductory rate that’s guaranteed for a certain period of time. These typically are guaranteed for anywhere from three months to a year.
If you pursue one of these introductory rates, compare it with the institution's current standard rates. This may give you an idea of how competitive the bank will be after the introductory period ends.
Can you add money to a money market account?
Yes, you can add to a money market account. Money market accounts are liquid accounts, so you can add to the account at any time.
Nanks may allow you to deposit checks using a mobile app. While additions aren’t limited, withdrawals may be limited on a money market account because of Regulation D. Regulation D limits the number of “convenient” transfers or withdrawals made per statement cycle. But adding to your account isn’t limited.
MMA vs. Savings
Pros and Cons
While a money market account is very similar to a traditional savings account, there are some pros and cons to each.
Here are some of the pros of a money market account over a savings account:
- Money market accounts may offer check-writing and debit card capabilities.
- Money market accounts may offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts.
Here are some of the cons of a money market account compared with a savings account:
- Money market accounts typically have a higher minimum deposit requirement.
- Money market accounts often have a higher minimum balance requirement to earn interest.
- Money market accounts may come with more fees than a traditional savings account would charge.
If you want the ability to write checks or use a debit card, money market accounts are a good alternative to traditional savings accounts. And you'll typically get a better return.
But if earning a high return is your priority, don't forget to check out the rates on high-yield savings accounts found at online banks. The rates on these accounts can often be superior to money market accounts and traditional savings accounts, although they may come with some additional requirements.
Best Money Market Accounts & Rates of October 2019
