What is a money market account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

What is a money market account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

A money market account is a type of account offered by banks and credit unions. Like other deposit accounts, money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or NCUA, up to $250,000 held by the same owner or owners. Money market accounts tend to pay you higher interest rates than other types of savings accounts.

A money market account is an interest-bearing savings account that offers a higher-yield interest rate, allowing you to earn faster than a traditional savings account.

A money market account (MMA) is a savings account that may also have debit card and check-writing privileges. The accounts typically limit the number of purchases and transfers to six each month. ATM withdrawals usually are not capped.

The money market is defined as dealing in debt of less than one year. It is primarily used by governments and corporations to keep their cash flow steady, and for investors to make a modest profit. The capital market is dedicated to the sale and purchase of long-term debt and equity instruments.

A money market fund is a mutual fund that invests in short-term debts. Currently, money market funds pay between 4.47% and 4.87% in interest. With that, you can earn between $447 to $487 in interest on $10,000 each year.

A money market account is a type of account offered by banks and credit unions. Like other deposit accounts, money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or NCUA, up to $250,000 held by the same owner or owners. Money market accounts tend to pay you higher interest rates than other types of savings accounts.

Money market accounts are ideal for storing funds for shorter-term savings goals, such as saving up for a new car or a vacation. You'll not only earn interest on your savings, but you'll also be able to conveniently make payments directly from your account.

Many accounts have monthly fees

Another drawback to remember is that while they have high yields, money market accounts can also come with cumbersome fees. Many banks and credit unions will impose monthly fees just for the upkeep of your account.

You can withdraw money from your money market account whenever you'd like. However, your bank may place limits on how many withdrawals you can make in a single statement period. Additional withdrawals typically incur a fee.

The Bottom Line. Both money market accounts and money market funds are relatively safe, low-risk investments, but MMAs are insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the FDIC and money market funds aren't.

What is the difference between a money market account and a savings account? ›

A money market account is also a deposit account that offers higher interest compared to a traditional savings account, but it also includes some capabilities more commonly found in traditional checking accounts, such as access to your funds via debit card or check.

Types of money market funds

Investments can include short-term U.S. Treasury securities, federal agency notes, Eurodollar deposits, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, corporate commercial paper, and obligations of states, cities, or other types of municipal agencies—depending on the focus of the fund.

Investors can purchase shares in money market mutual funds directly from brokerage companies or mutual fund firms, just as they would purchase shares in a stock or equity mutual fund.

Income earned from money market fund interest is taxed as regular income, up to 37% depending on the investor's tax bracket. While some local and state taxes offer breaks on income earned from U.S. Treasury bonds, federal income tax still applies.

Banks and credit unions offer money market accounts currently paying about 2%, which would produce $1,000 in interest on $50,000 over a year. Find the best current rates using SmartAsset's online money market account comparison tool.

As of April 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts. Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.

Money market mutual funds. An investment whose objective is to earn interest for shareholders while maintaining a net asset value (NAV) of $1 per share. The portfolio is comprised of short-term (less than one year) securities representing high-quality, liquid debt and monetary instruments.

“A money market account is an interest-bearing bank account that typically has a higher interest rate than a checking account,” says Bola Sokunbi, founder of a personal finance education website. With some money market accounts, you can even earn more interest with a higher balance.

A money market account is neither a checking nor a savings account but has certain characteristics similar to both. Like regular checking accounts, money market accounts allow account holders to make withdrawals and transfers, and write checks.

A money market account is a type of interest-bearing deposit account offered by financial institutions such as banks, thrifts and credit unions.