August 23, 2024 — Earn Up To 5.15% – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Current Money Market Rates

As of today, the highest money market rate is 5.15% compared to a national average rate of 0.61%.

Here are today’s money market account rates:

• Average APY: 0.61%
• Highest Rate: 5.15%

Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of August 22, 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, or MMA, is an interest-bearing deposit account you can open at a bank or credit union. These are insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the FDIC at banks, or the NCUA at credit unions. The insurance protects your balance if your bank fails.

As with other savings accounts, your money in an MMA will grow as it earns interest, and you can add or withdraw funds at any time. You may also be able to write checks or use a debit card. However, depending on the bank, you could be limited to six transactions per statement period.

Money market accounts may offer higher interest rates than typical savings accounts. In exchange, they often require higher minimum deposits and balances.

How To Open a Money Market Account

Before opening a money market account, take some time to check out what different banks offer. In addition to shopping around for the highest rates, you’ll want to compare minimum balance and deposit requirements, monthly fees and withdrawal limits. Look for an account that offers competitive rates you can easily qualify for.

You can typically submit an application for a money market account online or in person at a branch. The application will ask you to provide basic information, including your name, address, Social Security number, employment status and income. You will probably need to present a government-issued ID as well. After being approved, you can make your first deposit.

Money Market Account vs. Savings Account

Money market accounts resemble checking accounts in some ways but are most similar to savings accounts. Like savings accounts, you earn interest on your balance and can add or remove funds at any time. Your balance is insured and easily accessible in either type of account. Both savings and money market accounts may have monthly fees, balance requirements and transaction limits, but money market accounts tend to have higher fees and minimums.

Money market accounts are usually more flexible than savings accounts because they may offer debit cards and check-writing capabilities. This makes them a little like checking accounts, but unlike checking accounts, money market accounts often limit monthly transactions.

Is a Money Market Account Worth It?

A money market account is worth it if you have the funds to meet deposit and balance requirements, and you won’t have to pay many fees. When you need easy access to your money but you plan to save it for now, money market accounts are a low-risk option for earning interest. They are also FDIC- or NCUA-insured.

If you can’t meet minimum balance requirements to earn the best rates or if a money market account charges fees that will deplete your earnings, it may not be worth it. Consider other savings options if you’re looking for lower minimum requirements, or explore interest checking accounts if you need unrestricted access to your cash.