Current Money Market Rates
As of today, the highest money market rate is 5.07% compared to a national average rate of 0.60%.
Here are today’s money market account rates:
- Average APY: 0.60%
- Highest Rate: 5.07%
Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of September 26, 2024. Rates are based on a $10,000 minimum deposit amount.
What Are Money Market Rates?
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.
How Does a Money Market Account Work?
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.
How To Open a Money Market Account
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 Account vs. Savings Account
Money market accounts share similarities with both savings and checking accounts. Like savings accounts, a money market account allows you to deposit money at your convenience and earn regular interest on your balance. Both accounts are safe and liquid, with easy access to your cash and insurance on your deposit. Either account can have monthly fees, withdrawal restrictions and balance requirements to earn interest and avoid fees. However, money market accounts typically have higher fees and balance requirements.
Like checking accounts, money market accounts often offer debit cards and checks, making them more convenient than the average savings account. However, money market accounts may limit your transactions, making MMAs less than ideal for regular use.
Is a Money Market Account Worth It?
A money market account is worth it if you’re looking for a safe place to keep some cash while earning interest. These are FDIC- or NCUA-insured accounts that provide convenient options for accessing your money and higher interest rates than many other deposit accounts offer. If you can meet the initial deposit requirements to open an account and maintain balance requirements to earn the best rates, a money market account may make sense for you.
But a money market account may not be worth it if you will end up paying more in fees than you earn in interest or if minimum balance requirements and transaction restrictions cause you unnecessary stress. If you need an account for everyday use, consider an interest checking account. For lower minimums, you might have better luck with a savings account.
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