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Best Money Market Accounts May 2024: Up To 5.48%

Editor,  Banking Writer
Deputy Editor, Banking

Reviewed

Updated: May 9, 2024, 8:28am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

The best money market accounts (MMAs) offer high rates, minimal fees and low minimum deposit requirements. Many also provide easy access to funds, allowing account holders to write checks or make debit card purchases from the account. The right money market account for you will depend on your financial goals and how much cash you’re prepared to deposit.

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Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the banking methodology for the ratings below.

  • 59 money market accounts studied
  • 44 nationwide banks and credit unions considered
  • 14 data points probed

Read More

Best Money Market Account Rates of May 2024

Here’s a list of the best money market accounts our experts have found, ordered from the highest to lowest annual percentage yield (APY).

See below to learn more about why we picked each account, the pros and cons, and to access individual bank reviews.

Annual percentage yields (APYs) and account details are accurate as of May 1, 2024.


Best Money Market Accounts 2024

Account Forbes Advisor Rating Best For Annual Percentage Yield Minimum Deposit Requirement Learn More
Connexus Credit Union Money Market Account 4.8 5-removebg-preview Best Money Market Account With Check-Writing Privileges Up to 4.01% with $1,000,000 minimum balance $1,000 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
Quontic Bank Money Market Account 4.7 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best Money Market Account With a Debit Card 5.00% $100 Learn More On Quontic Bank's Website
Zynlo Bank Money Market 4.7 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best for Deposit Insurance Coverage 5.00% on balances of $250,000 or less $10 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
First Internet Bank Money Market Savings 4.5 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best Money Market Account for Emergency Funds Up to 5.48% $100 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
Ally Bank Money Market Account 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best for Access to Cash 4.20% $0 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
Sallie Mae Bank Money Market Account 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best for Savings Goals 4.65% $0 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
EverBank Yield Pledge Money Market 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview-1 Best for Guaranteed Competitive Rates Up to 4.30% $0 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
Vio Bank Cornerstone Money Market Account 4.1 4-removebg-preview Best for Parking Cash 5.30% $100 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website
Bethpage Federal Credit Union Money Market Account 4.0 4-removebg-preview Best for Mobile Banking Up to 2.00% $1 Learn More On Bankrate.com's Website

Best Money Market Account With Check-Writing Privileges

Connexus Credit Union Money Market Account

4.8
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 4.01%

with $1,000,000 minimum balance

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

Up to 4.01%

with $1,000,000 minimum balance

$1,000

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts picked Connexus Credit Union’s High Yield Money Market Account because it’s a tiered-rate account paying higher dividends for larger deposits, and it comes with check-writing privileges.

Why We Like It

While the tiered APY makes for a more complicated earning structure than some of the other accounts on our list, the rewards may be worth the effort if you’re able to jump through some hoops.

What We Don’t Like

The minimum deposit requirement might be hard to meet for some, and if you don’t have at least $20,000 to save, you won’t earn much interest.

Who It’s Best For

Go for this account if you need to write checks and have at least $20,000 to save—the bigger the balance, the higher the APY.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive tiered dividend rate structure
  • Offers check-writing privileges
  • Easily met member qualifications
  • Membership is required
  • Dividends compounded monthly
  • Minimum balance required to earn dividends
  • High minimum deposit requirement
Details

Savers earn 0.25% APY for balances between $1,000 and $19,999.99, 2.51% APY for balances between $20,000 and $99,999.99, 2.76% APY for balances between $100,000 and 249,999.99, 3.01% APY for balances between $250,000 to $499,999.99, 3.26% APY for balances between $500,000 to $999,999.99. The highest tier pays 4.01% APY but requires a hefty balance of $1,000,000 or more..

While you must deposit at least $1,000 to open an account, there’s no penalty if your balance falls below $1,000. Balances below $1,000 do not earn dividends.

This account includes the ability to write checks. And Connexus offers 24/7 online and mobile banking options for access to your money.

In addition to the regular group and geographic categories of membership, you can become a member of Connexus by making a one-time $5 donation to the Connexus Association.

The yields earned on credit union accounts are referred to as dividends rather than interest. Connexus Credit Union dividends are compounded and credited monthly. All members must make a $5 deposit into a Connexus Credit Union savings account to establish membership before adding other types of accounts. There’s a $6 fee for certain types of transactions over four per statement period.

Best Money Market Account With a Debit Card

Quontic Bank Money Market Account

4.7
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

5.00%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Quantic Bank's Website

5.00%

$100

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts picked Quontic Bank’s Money Market account because it has a competitive tiered interest rate structure and comes with a debit card offering access to over 90,000 ATMs nationwide.

Why We Like It

This account requires a relatively low $100 minimum deposit to open the account and charges no monthly maintenance fee.

What We Don’t Like

If you need to make more than six transactions per statement cycle, you’ll be charged $10 per transaction over the limit.

Who It’s Best For

Look into this account if you want to earn interest while still being able to use a debit card—as long as you don’t plan on using it more than six times each month.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive tiered-rate structure
  • Low minimum deposit requirement
  • Debit card privileges
  • Extensive ATM network
  • Customer service available via live chat, email or phone
  • Customer service isn’t available 24/7
  • Excess transaction fee of $10
  • Highest rate paid only on balances of $150,000 or more
Details

Savers earn a healthy interest rate no matter how much money is in their accounts. The 5.00% annual percentage yield applies to all balance tiers, which are identified as $0.01–$4,999.99, $5,000.00–$149,999.99 and balances over $149,999.99.

You can choose to use a debit card with this money market account. And Quontic has an extensive network of more than 90,000 ATMs nationwide. Keep in mind that you’re limited to six transactions per statement cycle—there’s a $10 charge for each transaction over six.

Customer service is available Monday through Friday via live chat, email or phone. The bank also offers a highly rated mobile app.

Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. There’s an excess transaction fee of $10 for certain types of transactions over six per statement cycle.

Best for Deposit Insurance Coverage

Zynlo Bank Money Market

4.7
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

5.00%

on balances of $250,000 or less

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$10

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

5.00%

on balances of $250,000 or less

$10

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts liked the Zynlo Bank’s Money Market account because all deposits with Zynlo are 100% insured. This means no matter how much you deposit, your full balance will be covered by insurance in the event of a bank failure. Deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. Above that amount, deposits are insured by the Massachusetts-based Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF).

Why We Like It

Zynlo Bank’s Money Market account offers a competitive rate: 5.00% APY for balances of up to $250,000. Account balances of more than $250,000 earn 0.10% APY. Plus, there’s no monthly maintenance fee.

What We Don’t Like

To access your funds, you’ll have to transfer them to a checking account as this MMA doesn’t come with a debit card or checks.

Who It’s Best For

This account is ideal for anyone who wants to earn interest and guarantee full protection of their funds, even if their balance goes over the typical $250,000 insurance limit.

Pros & Cons
  • No insurance coverage cap on deposits
  • No fee for excess transactions
  • $10 minimum deposit requirement
  • Customer service available 24/7
  • App has few ratings, with lower ratings on Google Play
  • No checks or debit card included with the account
Details

You can open the account with only $10 and earn the APY with a minimum balance of $0.01.

Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. The current APY is 5.00% APY for balances of up to $250,000. Account balances of more than $250,000 earn 0.10% APY. You’re limited to making six transactions per statement cycle from your account, but Zynlo doesn’t charge a fee for excess transactions.

Zynlo doesn’t offer checks or a debit card with this account. But you can access your account online or via the bank’s mobile app. Customer service is available 24/7 by phone.

Best Money Market Account for Emergency Funds

First Internet Bank Money Market Savings

4.5
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 5.48%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$5

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

Up to 5.48%

$100

$5

Editor's Take

We chose First Internet Bank because its money market account offers a tiered APY structure that pays a generous rate on all balances, making it ideal for building an emergency savings fund. Its monthly fee is waived on balances of $4,000 or more, and emergency funds tend to be large enough to surpass this minimum.

Why We Like It

This full-service online bank also offers competitive checking, savings and CD accounts, so you can do all your banking in one place.

What We Don’t Like

Other money market accounts don’t charge monthly fees, so if your balance might fall below $4,000, it’s best to go with those. Also, this account doesn’t come with an ATM card, which could be a pro or a con depending on your needs.

Who It’s Best For

Opt for this account if you have at least $4,000 to save and you prefer not to have an ATM card so you can avoid impulsive spending.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive APY
  • Low initial deposit requirement
  • All balances earn APY
  • Full-service banking options
  • Monthly fee for balances under $4,000
  • Interest compounded monthly
  • No check-writing or debit card privileges
  • No ATM network
Details

First Internet Bank’s Money Market Savings offers a competitive 3.77% APY with a daily balance of $1 million or less or a 5.48% APY with a daily balance above $1 million. There is a $5 monthly maintenance fee, but you can avoid this by keeping an average daily balance of at least $4,000. Customers can open an account for $100, lower than required by some other banks and credit unions.

To get a debit card or checks, you’ll need to open a separate checking account with First Internet Bank. There’s no ATM network, but the bank does provide up to $10 per month in ATM surcharge rebates.

Interest is compounded and credited monthly. There’s an excess transaction fee of $5 for certain types of transactions beyond six per statement cycle.

Best for Access to Cash

Ally Bank Money Market Account

4.4
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

4.20%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

4.20%

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts liked the Ally Bank Money Market Account because it pays a competitive APY and makes your cash easily accessible. Although certain types of withdrawals and transfers are limited to six per statement cycle, you can make unlimited withdrawals at more than 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs throughout the nation.

Why We Like It

Ally reimburses for up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged by out-of-network U.S. ATMs.

What We Don’t Like

You’re limited to 10 convenient withdrawals and transfers per month with this account. While Ally no longer charges excessive transaction fees, it can close your account if you continually exceed this limit.

Who It’s Best For

This MMA is ideal for savers who use ATMs and want both checks and a debit card.

Pros & Cons
  • 24/7 customer support via phone, chat and email
  • Competitive APY
  • No minimum deposit required to open
  • Checks and debit card included
  • Reimbursement of up to $10 per statement cycle for out-of-network U.S. ATM fees
  • No physical branch locations
Details

Ally Bank pays a competitive 4.20% on all balance tiers APY on its Money Market Account with no minimum deposit requirement. Account holders get standard checks and a debit card with this account.

Online-based Ally Bank provides 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat and email. It also gets high ratings for customer satisfaction.

Ally keeps fees to a minimum—it doesn’t charge fees for monthly maintenance, ACH transfers, incoming domestic or international wire transfers, cashier’s checks or copies of online statements.

Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. Ally recognizes three balance tiers—less than $5,000, $5,000 to $24,999.99 and $25,000 or more. All three tiers pay the same money market account APY.

Best for Savings Goals

Sallie Mae Bank Money Market Account

4.4
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

4.65%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

4.65%

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts ranked Sallie Mae Bank’s money market account highly because savers can pair this competitive MMA with the bank’s SmartyPig savings account. The SmartyPig Account comes with tools to create and track progress toward specific money goals—like an online piggy bank. The bank’s MMA gives consumers a place to earn a high rate on savings they’ve already built, and the SmartyPig Account helps them set and achieve new savings milestones.

Why We Like It

The combination of a high APY with no monthly maintenance fee or minimum deposit requirement makes this account a clear winner.

What We Don’t Like

The bank’s mobile app could be more user friendly.

Who It’s Best For

Consider Sallie Mae’s MMA if you’re working on building your savings. The savings tools and competitive APY should provide extra motivation.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive APY
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum opening deposit requirement
  • All balances earn APY
  • Check-writing privileges
  • No debit card
  • Poorly rated Sallie Mae Banking mobile app
Details

Sallie Mae Bank’s money market account features a competitive 4.65% APY with no minimum deposit requirement and no monthly maintenance fee. The account doesn’t come with a debit card, but account holders can write checks.

Money market account transfers out of the account to repay loans at Sallie Mae are unlimited.

Interest on Sallie Mae money market accounts is compounded daily and paid monthly.

Best for Guaranteed Competitive Rates

EverBank Yield Pledge Money Market

4.4
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 4.30%

4.30% intro for the first year on balances up to $250,000; then ongoing rates apply.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

Up to 4.30%

4.30% intro for the first year on balances up to $250,000; then ongoing rates apply.

$0

$0

Editor's Take

Our experts picked EverBank’s Yield Pledge Money Market account because it guarantees that the interest rate you earn on its money market account will be among the top 5% of “competitive accounts.” This is based on accounts from the 10 largest banks and thrifts in 10 large U.S. markets.

Why We Like It

EverBank’s Yield Pledge Money Market account pays intro APY of 4.30% for the first year on balances up to $250,000; then the ongoing rate of 4.05% applies and has no monthly fees or minimums.

What We Don’t Like

There’s a $10 excessive transaction fee, so this account isn’t good for everyday spending.

Who It’s Best For

Look into EverBank’s Yield Pledge MMA if you want to take advantage of a generous promotional APY and prefer to have debit card and ATM access.

Pros & Cons
  • Offers Yield Pledge promise
  • Large ATM network
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Comes with a debit card
  • Offers reimbursement for third-party ATM charges
  • $10 excessive transaction fee
Details

Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. EverBank charges $10 per transaction over the allowable limit of six per statement cycle. EverBank recognizes five balance tiers—less than $10,000, between $10,000 and $24,999.99, between $25,000 and $49,999.99, between $50,000 and $99,999.99 and $100,000 and up. The lower your balance tier, the lower the APY you earn.

Best for Parking Cash

Vio Bank Cornerstone Money Market Account

4.1
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

5.30%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

5.30%

$100

$0

Editor's Take

Vio Bank’s Cornerstone Money Market Account made our list because it earns one of the highest APYs available and, unlike many MMAs, it doesn’t come with an ATM or debit card. Vio has no ATM network, and you can’t write checks either. This might be a disadvantage for some, but the lack of immediate access to funds could be beneficial for savers who want to avoid impulsive spending and unnecessary savings drains.

Why We Like It

With one of the highest APYs on our list and no instant access to your funds, we love that this account makes it easy—and rewarding—to save.

What We Don’t Like

On the flip side, you’ll have to wait a few days any time you want to access the cash in your Vio Bank MMA, which could present a challenge if an emergency comes up.

Who It’s Best For

Go for this account if you want to earn a top-rate APY and protect your savings—just make sure you keep some cash on hand in your checking for immediate needs.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive APY
  • Low minimum deposit requirement
  • May encourage saving
  • Highly rated mobile app
  • No ATM network or branch access
  • $10 fee for excessive transactions
  • $5 fee for paper statements
Details

Vio Bank’s Cornerstone Money Market Account offers a competitive interest rate— 5.30% on all balances on all balances—and a low minimum deposit requirement. There’s no monthly maintenance fee and no charge for incoming domestic or international wire transfers.

As a customer, you can manage your account through the bank’s highly rated mobile app. You can also make internal and external transfers. If you decide to opt for paper statements, there’s a $0 monthly fee. And there’s a $10 excess transaction fee.

Interest is calculated daily and credited monthly. There’s a $10 fee for each withdrawal in excess of six per monthly statement cycle.

Best for Mobile Banking

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Money Market Account

4.0
Our ratings take into account a product’s features, costs, consumer ratings, security and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 2.00%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

Up to 2.00%

$1

$0

Editor's Take

We ranked the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Money Market Account highly thanks to its highly-rated, easy-to-use mobile app. With the app, Bethpage members can send money to friends and family through its Pay Anyone feature, deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills and take advantage of free budgeting and savings tools.

Why We Like It

Fans of credit unions will like that Bethpage makes it very easy to join and open an account online. And as is the case with many credit unions, you won’t have to worry about monthly fees.

What We Don’t Like

This account’s APY is above average but fairly low when compared to the best money market accounts.

Who It’s Best For

This MMA is good for consumers who prefer to bank with credit unions and value customer service and easy-to-use mobile apps.

Pros & Cons
  • Highly-rated mobile app
  • Competitive dividend rate
  • No monthly fee
  • Easily met member qualifications
  • Fairly high minimum deposit requirement
  • No debit card
  • Dividends compounded monthly
  • Fee for transactions over six per month
Details

Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s money market account offers a competitive 0.10% to 2.00% APY depending on the balance tier with a $500 minimum deposit requirement. APY on all balance tiers with a $500 minimum deposit requirement. Any balance above $500, big or small, earns the same dividend rate with Bethpage. Balances below $500 earn 0.10%. And there’s no monthly maintenance fee charged on its money market account.

The yields earned on credit union accounts are referred to as dividends rather than interest. Dividends are compounded and credited to your account monthly. Bethpage recognizes three balance tiers—balances between $500 to $24,999, balances between $25,000 and $49,999 and balances above $50,000. All tiers pay the same money market account dividend. There’s a fee for certain types of transactions over six per month, but Bethpage does not list the fee on its website.

You can write up to three checks per month with this account. And you can manage your account online or via Bethpage’s mobile app.

Becoming a member at Bethpage is relatively straightforward—you can do so by making a $5 deposit into a Bethpage savings account.


Ask an expert

Are money market accounts worth it?

Lawrence Sprung

Lawrence Sprung

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Mitlin Financial, Inc.

Michelle Winterfield

Michelle Winterfield

Co-founder and CEO of Tandem

Christopher Naghibi

Christopher Naghibi

Executive Vice President and COO of First Foundation Bank

 

In short, yes! In many cases, you can get all of the benefits of a traditional savings account and a higher rate of interest in a money market account. Just make sure the account is FDIC-insured and not an investment money market fund, as that may not be insured. These are great accounts for funds you want liquid, such as an emergency fund.

Lawrence Sprung

Lawrence Sprung

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Mitlin Financial, Inc.

 

I think money market accounts are a great hack for earning interest on what essentially can function as a pseudo-checking account. You have the flexibility of paying directly from it while also earning interest. Although they are not the highest interest-earning accounts out there, they are a nice option for maximizing earnings on dollars needed in the short-term.

Michelle Winterfield

Michelle Winterfield

Co-founder and CEO of Tandem

 

MMAs often offer higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts, [which] can be advantageous if you’re looking to earn more on your savings while still transacting a moderate amount from the account. MMAs typically offer better liquidity than CDs, allowing you to withdraw funds without penalty. This can be beneficial if you need occasional access to your money or need to have some transactions into and out of your account.

Christopher Naghibi

Christopher Naghibi

Executive Vice President and COO of First Foundation Bank

Current Money Market Rates

Average money market rates are generally much lower than the best money market rates available. The table below compares the average APYs for money market accounts.

What Is a Good Money Market Rate?

The specific APY that qualifies as a good money market rate depends on market trends at the time you’re looking for an account. Currently, the most competitive accounts offer APYs between 4.00% and 5.00% or higher. However, you might need to meet minimum balance or activity requirements to unlock the most competitive rates. Many money market accounts use tiered interest rate structures that pay different APYs on different balance tiers—often, better rates on higher balances.

In addition to searching for a good money market rate at a bank you trust, consider deposit requirements and account fees before choosing an MMA.

Pro Tip
Money market rates are not fixed and will fluctuate, so an accurate calculation of earnings over multiple years would need to consider rate changes. Also, remember that some MMAs require you to maintain a certain balance to earn the full APY.

Why Are Money Market Rates Higher Than Savings Rates?

Money market rates are generally higher than savings account rates because MMAs are more likely to require higher minimum deposits or ongoing balances.

Pro Tip
Financial institutions are often willing to pay higher rates to customers who maintain a larger balance—especially if minimum balance requirements ensure that money will stay put.

Money Market Rates Trends

Money market rates are still high in 2024, but they may have plateaued. Rates on money market accounts steadily increased throughout last year, but it’s unlikely they’ll continue going up this year, as the Federal Reserve has indicated it intends to lower interest rates at some point in 2024.

The Federal Reserve does not set interest rates for banks, but it does set a federal funds rate. This is the interest rate range used to guide lending between banks and help promote economic stability, and financial institutions look to it for guidance on setting their own rates for customers. In September 2023, the Federal Open Market Committee announced a pause to federal funds rate hikes, marking the end of ten consecutive rate increases dating back to March 2022. The Fed has held rates steady at the target range of 5.25% to 5.50% since then.

Considering consumers are currently seeing some of the best money market rates they’ve seen in years, this trend is likely to continue as long as banks are willing to compete for new deposits. However, rates are likely to begin trending downward at some point next year.

People haven’t looked at money market accounts for several years because rates were so low. But rates are good now, and the risks are minimal. You can probably be making more money on your savings with a money market account.

Ann Logue, financial writer and author of Hedge Funds For Dummies

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the average money market rate is 0.66% as of April 15, 2024.

Below is a look at the average annual APYs for money market accounts dating back to 2009, according to FDIC data.

Year Average Annual APY
2023
0.59%
2022
0.15%
2021
0.10%
2020
0.10%
2019
0.18%
2018
0.12%
2017
0.08%
2016
0.08%
2015
0.08%
2014
0.08%
2013
0.10%
2012
0.13%
2011
0.20%
2010
0.29%
2009
0.40%


Complete Guide to Money Market Accounts


What Is a Money Market Account?

Money market accounts (MMAs) are a type of deposit account—offered by traditional banks, credit unions and online banks—that generally walk the line between checking and savings accounts. You get the interest-earning power of a high-yield savings account and, with many MMAs, the accessibility of a checking account, including a debit card and check-writing privileges.

Money market accounts don’t offer as much liquidity as checking accounts because the number of transactions you can make per statement cycle is often limited. But they tend to provide more access to your cash than a savings account.

What Is a High-Yield Money Market Account?

A high-yield money market account is a money market account that pays an interest rate multiple times higher than the average money market account rate, as determined by the FDIC. You can typically find high-yield money market accounts at online banks and credit unions.

How Does a Money Market Account Work?

Money market accounts work similarly to savings accounts in that you earn interest on the funds you deposit. These accounts aren’t meant for everyday spending, like a checking product. But they tend to offer limited liquidity and access to funds—you may be able to write checks or make debit transactions.


Can You Lose Money in a Money Market Account?

Money market accounts are considered safe investments so long as funds are held at a financial institution insured by the FDIC at banks or the NCUA at credit unions. The FDIC insures funds held at banks up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. The NCUA provides similar coverage for all federal and most state-chartered credit unions.

Money market accounts are also safe because they are not investment accounts. Your deposits are held securely until you need them, not invested in risky assets such as stocks. Except for fees and penalties, there is no way to lose insured deposits in an MMA.


Pros and Cons of Money Market Accounts

Money market accounts offer a middle ground between savings and checking, providing the interest earnings of a savings account and the liquidity (check-writing and debit card capabilities) of a checking account. However, they’re not without drawbacks and might be too restrictive for some savers.

Pros Cons
Flexibility. Many money market accounts come with checks and debit cards, allowing you to spend your savings, make withdrawals and transfer funds.
Transaction restrictions. Many banks and credit unions impose transaction limits and charge a fee for excess withdrawals.
Interest earnings. Money market accounts earn interest on funds you keep on deposit. These rates often compete with the best high-yield savings accounts.
Interest rates. The rate of interest on a money market account isn’t fixed, meaning it can fluctuate. You won’t know exactly how much you will earn over time.
Safety. MMA funds are insured when held with banks backed by the FDIC or credit unions backed by the NCUA.
Balance requirements. Many money market accounts require high deposits to open and high balances to earn the best rates and avoid monthly fees.


Who Should Get a Money Market Account?

Money market accounts might be worth considering if you:

  • Want to earn a higher APY on your savings
  • Need easy access to your funds in case of an emergency
  • Prefer a savings account that comes with checks or an ATM card
  • Enjoy the flexibility of being able to deposit and withdrawal funds whenever you want

When To Use a Money Market Account

When you have enough money to meet minimum balance and deposit requirements for a money market account, it might be time to open one. Money market accounts may require anywhere from $500 to $5,000 to open and earn interest, which is significantly higher than most savings accounts. Hold off on opening one if you can’t meet these requirements.

Money market accounts can help you save for both short- and long-term goals, so you can find many opportunities to use them. If you can meet minimums comfortably, you might decide to open a money market account instead of or in addition to a savings account. Money market accounts are more flexible because they often come with a debit card or check-writing capabilities, giving you easy access to money you want to save but may need.

You can also use a money market account for secondary expenses, almost like an additional checking account. This way, you can maximize your interest while keeping cash close.


How To Choose a Money Market Account

In considering the best money market account for your needs, weigh the pros and cons. Here’s what to consider when shopping for a money market account:

  • APY. One of the most important aspects of a money market account is the rate at which it earns interest or dividends, that is, its APY. Look for an account that offers a competitive APY while meeting your other needs.
  • Fees. Watch out for monthly fees, excessive transaction fees and other fees that can eat into your returns.
  • Minimums. Minimum deposit and balance requirements vary by institution. Generally, lower minimum requirements make it easier to maintain the account. Find an account with minimums that you can afford.
  • Customer experience. Especially if you’re banking at an institution with limited branch access, make sure the bank or credit union offers customer care representatives that are accessible and responsive to your requests.
  • Digital banking. Consider the online and mobile banking features you use most often. Then look for accounts at banks and credit unions that meet or exceed those expectations.
  • Accessibility. Banks and credit unions vary on how they allow you to withdraw funds from a money market account. Some offer check-writing and debit card privileges. Although the Federal Reserve Board has suspended Regulation D, which restricts the number of transactions a saver can make per cycle from their savings account, each institution has its own policies. Ask about withdrawal options and the excess transaction fee of each institution before you open an account.
  • Safety. Look for an account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which provides up to $250,000 in insurance per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. At credit unions, make sure the account is similarly insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Pro Tip
If you want the freedom to access cash in your money market account quickly, look for a bank that offers an appealing checking account as well. When you transfer funds from a money market account to a checking account at the same bank, you can access that money instantly. When you transfer funds to an external checking account, however, it can take one to three business days for that money to become available.

How To Open a Money Market Account

You can open a money market account in person or online by following these steps:

  1. Gather the required documentation, such as your Social Security number and proof of identity.
  2. Compare money market accounts from different financial institutions to find the best rates and fees.
  3. Complete the online application process with your chosen financial institution—or visit a branch if online applications aren’t available.
  4. Fund your account via direct deposit, a check or a transfer from an existing account.

Confirm your account is open and in good standing by checking your money market account balance regularly.


Alternatives to Money Market Accounts

You may find that other savings products meet your financial needs better than a money market account. Below are some of the alternatives you may want to consider.

Money Market Account vs. Savings Account

When comparing a money market account to a savings account, you’ll find that a money market account is a type of savings vehicle that often includes some checking account features like check-writing privileges and a debit card.

Money market accounts usually require a higher initial deposit and may have minimum balance requirements to earn the APY.

Find The Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Money Market Account vs. Certificate of Deposit (CD)

Unlike a money market account, CDs are time-deposit accounts that generally lack liquidity. With these products, you agree to lock up your money for a certain period of time. In return, you earn a fixed rate of interest on your principal balance. Money market accounts earn variable rates that can change at any time. Though many factors influence the interest rates available on both accounts, money market rates can be competitive with CD rates.

The better you understand the differences between money money accounts and CDs, the better savings decisions you can make.

Money Market Account vs. Money Market Mutual Fund

Money market accounts are interest-bearing savings accounts through financial institutions, while money market mutual funds are low-risk investment funds available through brokers. A money market account is FDIC-insured, but a money market mutual fund is not.


Methodology

To create this list, Forbes Advisor analyzed 59 money market accounts at 44 financial institutions, including a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online banks and credit unions. We ranked each account on 14 data points within the categories of APY, minimum requirements, customer experience, digital experience, fees and accessibility of funds. All of the accounts on our list are online-based accounts.

Here’s the weighting assigned to each category:

  • APY: 45%
  • Minimums: 15%
  • Customer experience: 10%
  • Digital experience: 10%
  • Fees: 10%
  • Accessibility of funds: 10%

Banks and credit unions offering the highest APYs rose to the top of this list, as did those with low fees and easy-to-meet minimum deposit and balance requirements. Accounts with high customer experience ratings and highly rated online and mobile banking tools were also ranked higher. And we prioritized money market accounts offering check-writing and debit card privileges.

We also considered whether there were complex tier structures or requirements to earn the APY or other stipulations to earn the APY. High minimum deposit and balance requirements affected scores negatively. The money market account must be nationally available to appear on this list.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on How Forbes Advisor Reviews Banks.

Banks We Monitor

Our research is sourced from the following financial institutions: ableBanking, Ally Bank, Axos Bank, BankDirect, BankPurely, BankUnitedDirect, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BMO Harris, BrioDirect Banking, CFG Community Bank, CIT Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Discover, First Internet Bank, iGoBanking, Investors eAccess, Keybank, Memory Bank, My eBanc, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide Bank, NBKC Bank, Northern Bank Direct, Northpointe Bank, Pacific National Bank, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, PenFed, PNC Bank, Presidential Bank FSB, Quontic, Redneck Bank, Regions Bank, SalemFiveDirect, Sallie Mae Bank, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, EverBank, TotalDirect Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Virtual Bank, Vio Bank, Zions Bank and Zynlo Bank.


Money Market Account FAQs

Who has the best money market rates?

Vio Bank, Connexus and Ally Bank currently offer among the highest money market rates on accounts with no or a low minimum balance requirement. First Internet Bank and Connexus also offer some of the best MMA rates if you can meet the higher minimum balance required to earn the full APY.

Are online banks the best choice for money market accounts?

It depends. Because they have lower overhead costs, many online banks pay higher interest rates than traditional banks. When researching money market accounts, pay attention not only to the annual percentage yield (APY) but also to the minimum deposit requirements, minimum balance requirements and any associated fees.

Are money market accounts FDIC insured?

Yes, so long as they are at a financial institution insured either by the FDIC or the NCUA. All of the banks on our list are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. The NCUA provides similar coverage for all federal and most state-chartered credit unions. Connexus Credit Union is insured by the NCUA.

Can you write checks from a money market account?

This practice varies. Some money market accounts allow you to write checks from the account or make debit card transactions. Generally, you’re limited to making six transactions per statement cycle, but each institution makes its own policies. Before opening an account, make sure to ask about withdrawal and excess transaction fees.

Are money market account rates fixed?

No, money market accounts have variable interest rates that can move up or down over time. Consider another banking product, like CDs, if you’d like a fixed interest rate.

How do you close a money market account?

If your account is in good standing, you can withdraw the account balance and request an account closure at a branch, by phone or online. Depending on the bank, you may not be able to close your account online. Some banks may assess a fee if you close your account within a few months of account opening.

Is a money market account a savings account?

Yes, a money market account is a type of savings account. You earn interest on the funds you deposit, and the interest you earn is compounded and deposited into your account.

What is the risk of a money market account?

Like other bank accounts, money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor per account in case of bank failure. This means you can rest assured that your money market account funds are safe up to this limit. If you need to deposit more than this amount, there are options for insuring your excess funds. But remember that money market accounts, while safe places to stash your money, are not the most lucrative and don’t always outpace inflation. You’ll need to be comfortable with risk—i.e., investing in stocks—to maintain your money’s buying power.

Are money market accounts taxable?

Yes, money market accounts are taxable. Any interest earned in a money market account is considered income by the IRS. Your bank or credit union should provide a 1099-INT form each year reporting taxable interest payments made to your account. If you don’t receive this form, you still must report taxable interest alongside your income when doing your taxes. And because MMAs are not tax-advantaged, everything you contribute is post-tax earnings.


Next Up In Money Market Accounts


Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Managing Editor, Global Data and Automation for Forbes Advisor. Mitch has more than a decade of experience as personal finance editor, writer and content strategist. Before joining Forbes Advisor, Mitch worked for several sites, including Bankrate, Investopedia, Interest, PrimeRates and FlexJobs.

Kevin Payne
Banking Writer

Kevin has been writing and creating personal finance and travel content for over six years. He is the founder of the award-winning blog, Family Money Adventure, and host of the Family Money Adventure Show podcast. He has been quoted by publications like Readers Digest and The Wall Street Journal. Kevin's work has been featured in Bankrate, Credible, CreditCards.com, Fox Money, LendingTree, MarketWatch, Newsweek, New York Post, Time, ValuePenguin and USA Today.

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