What Is A Money Market Account? Bankrate
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We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Tony Anderson/Getty Images Written by Banking editor Mary Wisniewski is a banking editor for Bankrate. She oversees editorial coverage of savings and mobile banking articles as well as personal finance courses. July 26, 2022 Edited by Vice president Lance Davis is the Vice President of Content for Bankrate. Lance leads a team responsible for creating educational content that guides people through the pivotal steps in their Reviewed by Senior wealth manager, LourdMurray Kenneth Chavis IV is a senior wealth manager who provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management and tax planning services to business owners, equity compensated July 26, 2022 Share
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What is a money market account
A money market account is an interest-bearing account that you can open at banks and credit unions. They are very similar to savings accounts, but they offer some checking account features as well. Money market accounts are different from money market mutual funds. Money market accounts pay competitive rates and are a safe place to save your money. You may want to open a money market account if you want a predictable yield and a federally insured account. Money market accounts support more ways to withdraw money than traditional or . However, money market accounts are typically still limited to six withdrawals per month, and aren't intended to be used as a replacement for a checking account. Money market accounts may require bigger minimum deposits and balances compared to savings accounts. Pros and cons of money market accounts
Advantages
You can earn interest: Right now, the pay around 1.3 percent annual percentage yield (APY). Deposits are insured: Your money is per account owner with accounts at a bank or credit union. Cash is accessible: Your account often comes with a debit card and/or physical checks. Disadvantages
Large minimum deposit requirements: Money market accounts may require a larger deposit than traditional savings accounts either to open the account or to earn the top APY. Lower yields than other bank products: Certificates of deposit may pay a more competitive yield. There are restrictions on withdrawals: While you might write checks or use a debit card to move money out of your money market account, there are limits because these accounts are not primarily built for transactions. How money market accounts work
Money market accounts combine some features of savings and . They may come with or a debit card, like a checking account. But typically the number of withdrawals permitted each statement period is , as with a savings account. Unlike checking accounts, money market accounts accrue interest at competitive rates, which are frequently tiered based on the account's balance. The rate on a money market account is variable, and there may be a minimum balance requirement to earn the rate. Because they offer limited access to funds in the account, money market accounts might be a good fit for shorter term savings goals, such as . Then, you're able to access the money when necessary, unlike a , which typically doesn't permit withdrawals until the end of a set term length. How do I choose the best money market account
A good place to start when on the quest for a money market account is to take a look at some of the available. Start your search at your local bank or credit union, but also consider , which tend to offer higher rates. The APY indicates how much you will earn with compound interest over the year. In other words, it's the interest earned on your first deposit as well as the interest earned on top of other interest earnings. The higher the number, the more your money will grow. Next, review any account restrictions. Check to see whether the money market account requirements make it too difficult to earn the yield or to sidestep a fee. It's not uncommon to see large balance requirements, such as $25,000. Also, make sure to look for fees, including whether the account charges a penalty if you close it within three months of opening. Look out for monthly fees, transfer fees, shipping fees, inactive account fees and other penalties. One final thing to consider is what options are available for accessing funds in the account. Most money market accounts offer checks or a debit card with the account, but not always both. Some banks may also have varying limits on how many withdrawals you can make each statement cycle. Are money market accounts safe
Money market accounts at federally insured banks are protected by the in the event that a bank fails. The FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership type at each bank. This means that if you have $200,000 in a money market account and $50,000 in a checking account with the same bank, all of your money is protected. Anything over this amount would not be insured (unless it falls into a different ownership category, such as a jointly owned account). For federally insured credit unions, the funds in a money market account are insured by the , which has the same rules as the FDIC for how much of a depositor's money is protected. What is the difference between a money market account vs other accounts
Money market account vs checking account
While money market accounts may offer check-writing privileges, these accounts aren't designed to be used like checking accounts. A federal mandate historically limited withdrawals from savings and money market accounts to no more than six per month, which many financial institutions still impose. The best money market account rates are much higher than checking accounts, however. Money market account vs savings account
and money market accounts have more in common than not: They pay interest, and they are designed to keep you saving. But there are a few distinctions. Money market accounts may have higher minimum balance requirements. With a money market account, you can also get checks and/or a debit card. Don't expect this tool in your savings account. Money market account vs CDs
A CD could pay you a more competitive rate than a money market account, but your money is more liquid in a money market account than in a CD. If you are deciding between a money market account and a , evaluate what savings goals you have and how much access you'll need to the funds. What is the difference between a money market account and a money market fund
While money market accounts and have similar names, they are very different. Most notably, money market funds are not covered by FDIC insurance, and you could lose your principal. Here is a breakdown on their primary differences. MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT MONEY MARKET FUND Purpose of account For your emergency fund or shorter-term savings goals Often for individual investors who are seeking a parking spot for their cash How to invest Deposit money at a financial institution online or in person Buy shares at a brokerage, bank or a mutual fund company Accessing funds Can withdraw money up to six times per month You have ready access to cash Insurance coverage Up to $250,000 per bank or credit union customer No FDIC or NCUA insurance (even when you buy them through a bank) - Bankrate's contributed to an update of this story. ON THIS PAGE
Written by Mary Wisniewski Banking editor Mary Wisniewski is a banking editor for Bankrate. She oversees editorial coverage of savings and mobile banking articles as well as personal finance courses. Edited by Vice president Reviewed by Senior wealth manager, LourdMurray up next Part of Banking What every saver needs to know about money markets accounts. Apr. 4, 2022 Banking Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be a... Aug. 9, 2022 Banking Money market accounts have pros and cons as a place to stash cash. Aug. 15, 2022 Banking These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know. Aug. 11, 2022 Nov. 13, 2022