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As of today, the highest money market rate is 5.12% compared to a national average rate of 0.60%.
Here are today's money market account rates:
Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of May 7, 2024. Rates are based on a $10,000 minimum deposit amount.
Interest rates for money market savings accounts are often called money market rates. These earnings are typically credited as a percentage of your savings balance on a daily or monthly basis. Money market rates change every day. Banks and credit unions that pay tiered rates often reserve the best rates for the largest balances.
An interest rate represents the earnings made solely on your account balance. A yearly rate of return that factors in compound interest is called your annual percentage yield (APY). Compound interest is interest that accrues on the interest as you earn it.
A money market account (MMA) is a type of interest-bearing deposit account offered by banks and credit unions. MMAs at banks are insured by the FDIC, while MMAs at credit unions are insured by the NCUA. In both cases, depositors are covered for up to $250,000 per account type, protecting your money in the event of bank failure. Money market accounts work like other savings accounts in that you deposit money freely and earn interest on your balance. You can take out funds whenever you need to, but you may be restricted to six transactions per statement period.
Money market accounts typically pay higher interest rates than other deposit accounts, including traditional savings accounts. And unlike typical savings accounts, they usually offer debit cards, check-writing capabilities or both, providing convenient access to cash. Money market accounts often have higher deposit and balance requirements than many bank accounts.
Before opening a money market account, look into at least a few options with different banks. Compare minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, withdrawal limits and APYs to choose the best fit. Don't forget to check out the conditions to earn the highest interest rates too.
You can typically apply for a money market account online or in person. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, employment status and income, address and Social Security number, as well as show a government-issued ID. Then, once you're approved, you can make your initial deposit.
Money market accounts work like savings accounts in some ways and like checking accounts in others. Similar to savings accounts, money market accounts let you deposit funds as you please and earn interest on your savings. Both are highly liquid and safe deposit accounts that may have withdrawal restrictions, balance requirements and monthly fees.
Similar to checking accounts and unlike most savings, money market accounts can come with debit cards, checks or both. This makes them a little more flexible than the typical savings account, but money market accounts may limit transactions and aren't intended for daily use. Money market accounts also tend to have higher fees and deposit and balance requirements.
A money market account is worth it if you want to save now but have easy access to your cash later. The accounts are safe options for putting away money because they're FDIC- or NCUA-insured and won't lose value. As long as you can meet deposit and balance requirements to avoid fees and earn interest, you'll be in good shape with a money market account.
If you can't fulfill the requirements for earning the highest rates, or if a money market account imposes fees that exceed your earnings, an MMA might not be worth it. Explore other savings accounts for smaller balances, or consider interest-bearing checking accounts if you frequently need to access your funds.