Average rate of return money market account

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Why high money market rates matter

Your funds grow faster in a high yield account. The average money market rate is a fraction of a percent, while the best money market accounts earn rates that are many times higher.

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

A standard savings account is a deposit account offered by a financial institution that typically earns interest. A money market account is also a type of deposit account but it also typically requires a higher minimum balance to open than a standard savings account.

MMAs traditionally earn a higher interest rate than standard savings accounts, though recently some high-yield savings accounts have been offering better returns with lower minimum balance requirements.

Some MMAs also come with a debit card or checks — but institutions may require that they not be used more than six times per month. Some will charge a fee if you go over that number.

A high-interest savings account earns attractive rates, but typically does not have debit card or check-writing access.

The main reason to open a money market account is to have a higher interest rate compared with a traditional savings or checking account, while also having the ability to write a few checks.

Are money market accounts insured?

Yes, as long they are a deposit account that comes from a bank or credit union that is federally insured. Traditional brick and mortar banks and online banks, including the ones listed on this page, are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. If the account is with a credit union, the account will likely be federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration, also up to  $250,000 per share owner, per credit union, per ownership category.

If a bank or credit union were to fail and go out of business, you would not lose the money you have in the account, up to the insured amount. Note that this is different from money market mutual funds, which are not federally insured.

» Want to know more about how your money is protected? Read how FDIC and NCUA insurance programs work.

The difference between a money market account and a money market mutual fund

A money market account is a federally insured account that earns interest. A money market mutual fund, on the other hand, is an investment in short-term debt. It is considered low risk but doesn't have a guaranteed return.

These days, there isn’t always much difference between the rates paid by money market accounts and the best savings accounts. If you don’t need checks or a debit card, you might consider one of these federally insured high-yield savings accounts, which also pay great rates.

  • LendingClub High-Yield Savings, 3.60% APY with $0 minimum balance to earn APY (read full review).

  • Capital One 360 Performance Savings, 3.30% APY with $0 minimum balance to earn APY (read full review).

  • Marcus by Goldman Sachs Online Savings, 3.30% APY (annual percentage yield) with $0 minimum balance to earn stated APY. Accounts must have a positive balance to remain open. APY valid as of 12/21/2022. (read full review).

    Do you want to find a secure place to store your money? Then, a money market account could be the perfect solution for you! This guide will explain a money market account and how it works. We will also dispel some common myths about these accounts and help you decide if one is right for you. Finally, compare the best money market rates from 423 banks and credit unions across the United States.

    The best interest rate as of December 15, 2022, is 4.10% APY with Great Lakes Federal Credit Union.

    Table Of Contents

    1. The Best Money Market Account Rates
    2. Which Accounts Offers The Best Bank Rates?
    3. What is a Money Market Account?
    4. How Do Money Market Accounts Work?
    5. Money Market Calculator
    6. What Are The Advantages?
    7. What Are The Disadvantages Of A Money Market Account?
    8. Why Should I Open A Money Market Account?
    9. Should I Open A Money Market Account?
    10. How Do I Open A Money Market Account?
    11. What Is A Money Market Mutual Fund?
    12. How Do Money Market Funds Work?
    13. What is the difference between Money Market Accounts and Money Market Mutual Funds?
    14. What Is The Difference Between A Money Market Account And A Savings Account?
    15. Who Has The Best Money Market Rates?
    16. Certificates Of Deposits or Money Market Accounts?
    17. Next Steps
    18. Request A Quote
    19. Frequently Asked Questions
    20. Earn The Highest Interest Rates On Savings Today

    Earn The Highest Interest Rates On Savings Today

    Fixed annuities are almost identical to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) accounts and provide higher interest rates and penalty-free withdrawals for income.

    TermInsurance CompanyInterest RateN/AUFB Bank Savings Account3.83%N/AThird Coast Bank Savings Account4.13%N/AGreat Lakes Credit Union Money Market4.10%27 MonthsSallie Mae CD5.00%36 MonthsCanvas Fixed Annuity5.50%48 MonthsOceanview Fixed Annuity5.00%5 YearsCanvas Annuity5.60%6 YearsOceanview Annuity5.30%7 YearsCanvas Annuity5.70%10 YearsOceanview Annuity5.20%*Fixed annuities are only for saving money to use in retirement.

    Disclaimer: This is a review. The Annuity Expert is not associated with a bank or credit union. However, fixed annuities are sold at most financial institutions. We aim to help you find the highest interest rates for your retirement savings. We may receive a small referral fee if you purchase something using a link in this article.

    Find And Compare The Highest Interest Rates

    Find the highest interest rates for your savings ranging from 3 months to 10 years, all in one place.

    Read More

    The Best Money Market Account Rates

    Money Market Rates

    Disclaimer: Interest rates change daily, and we’re doing our best to keep you updated. Please double-check with your bank or credit union!

    Which Accounts Offers The Best Bank Rates?

    • Savings accounts offer higher rates than checking accounts.
    • Money market accounts offer higher rates than savings accounts.
    • A Certificate of Deposit (CD) offers a higher rate than a money market.
    • A fixed annuity offers a higher rate than a CD.

    Compare CD Rates From 423 Banks And Credit Unions

    Find the highest interest rates for your savings ranging from 3 months to 5 years.

    Read More

    What is a Money Market Account?

    A money market account is a type of savings account that typically offers higher interest rates than a traditional one. These accounts also usually have higher minimum balance requirements and may require you to maintain a certain balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees. Money market accounts are FDIC-insured, just like regular savings accounts, which means your deposits are protected for up to $250,000.

    • Money market accounts are different from traditional savings accounts and certificates of deposit. For example, money market funds allow checks and debit cards, while traditional savings accounts do not.
    • A money market is like a savings account. You can open it and save money there for as long as possible without worrying about a set term.
    • Most money market rates are variable, not fixed. This means that the rate and APY you receive can change as market conditions change. Therefore, you must also maintain a minimum balance at all times.

    How Do Money Market Accounts Work?

    Money market accounts work similarly to regular savings accounts. You can deposit and withdraw money as needed, and the account pays interest on your balance. The main difference is that money market accounts typically offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. This is because institutions can use the money in your account to invest in short-term debt, which often pays higher interest rates than longer-term debt.

    Money Market Calculator

    Use our free online money market account calculator to determine how much growth your savings will earn in the future.

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    What Are The Advantages?

    The main advantage of a money market account is the higher interest rate. However, these accounts also have some disadvantages. First, they often have high minimum balance requirements. This means you may need to keep more money in the account than in a regular savings account. Additionally, money market accounts typically require you to maintain a balance to avoid fees. This can be difficult if you need to withdraw money frequently.

    What Are The Disadvantages Of A Money Market Account?

    There are a few potential disadvantages of money market accounts before opening one. First, these accounts often have higher minimum balance requirements than regular savings accounts. You may have to keep more money in your account to avoid fees.

    Second, money market accounts typically have lower interest rates than other investment accounts, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). This means you may earn more interest on your money if you invest it in another account.

    Third, you must maintain a certain balance, and it cannot be easy if you withdraw money frequently. Another disadvantage is that some people don’t like having their money “locked up” in an account where they can’t access it easily.

    Finally, some money market accounts restrict how often you can withdraw money from the account. If you need to access your money frequently, you may want to consider another type of account.

    Why Should I Open A Money Market Account?

    There are several reasons you might want to open a money market account. First, as we mentioned, these accounts typically offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. This means you can grow your money more quickly in a bank money market account than in a regular savings account.

    Another reason to open a money market account is its added security. Money market accounts are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected for up to $250,000. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your money is safe in case of a bank failure or another economic crisis.

    Finally, money market accounts offer more flexible access to your money than other accounts. For example, many money market accounts allow you to write checks or use a debit card to withdraw cash, which can be helpful in an emergency.

    Should I Open A Money Market Account?

    Now that you know more about money market accounts, you can decide if one is right for you. For example, a money market account may be a good option if you are looking for a safe place to grow your money and don’t mind keeping a higher balance in your account. However, if you need to access your money frequently or want to earn the highest interest rate possible on your savings, you may want to consider another type of account.

    Still not sure if a bank or credit union money market account is right for you? Our experts can help! Contact us today to learn more about the best money market accounts and other options for saving and investing your money.

    How Do I Open A Money Market Account?

    You can open a money market account at most banks and credit unions. To open an account, you must provide personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. You may also need to deposit a minimum amount of money into the account to start. Once your account opens, you can deposit and withdraw money as needed.

    What Is A Money Market Mutual Fund?

    A money market mutual fund is a type of investment that pools money from many investors to purchase short-term debt obligations. Money market mutual funds are considered one of the safest investments, as they typically invest in high-quality, low-risk debt instruments.

    How Do Money Market Funds Work?

    Money market funds work by pooling money from many investors and using it to purchase short-term debt instruments, such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. The fund then earns interest on its debt instruments, which are passed on to shareholders as dividends.

    What is the difference between Money Market Accounts and Money Market Mutual Funds?

    The main difference between money market accounts and money market mutual funds is that money market accounts are FDIC-insured deposit accounts, while money market mutual funds are not. As a result, money market accounts tend to offer depositors a higher level of safety and security than money market mutual funds.

    What Is The Difference Between A Money Market Account And A Savings Account?

    The main difference between a money market account and a traditional savings account is that money market deposit accounts typically have higher interest rates and require a higher minimum balance than a savings or checking account. Money market accounts also usually have more restrictions on withdrawals than savings accounts. Finally, while both types of accounts offer FDIC insurance, only deposits in money market accounts are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor. Deposits in savings accounts are only insured for up to $100,000 per depositor.

    Who Has The Best Money Market Rates?

    When it comes to finding the best money market account rates, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you must decide what type of account you want: an FDIC-insured deposit or a money market mutual fund. If you’re looking for safety and security, an FDIC-insured deposit account is the way to go. However, a money market mutual fund may be the better option if you’re looking to maximize your interest earnings.

    Once you’ve decided what type of account you want, you need to compare rates from different financial institutions. When comparing rates, look at the annual percentage yield (APY) rather than the interest rate. The APY accurately measures how much interest you will earn on your account.

    Finally, remember that the best money market rates may change over time, so staying up-to-date on the latest offers from financial institutions is essential.

    The following banks offer the best money market banks:

    • Ally Bank: 0.50% APY
    • Navy Federal: 0.45% APY

    Certificates Of Deposits or Money Market Accounts?

    If you’re looking for a safe place to park your cash, you have two basic options: certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts. Both are FDIC-insured and offer guaranteed returns, but there are some key differences between the two.

    Money market accounts typically provide more flexibility in how you access your money. For example, some money market accounts allow you to write checks or withdraw using a debit card. However, these accounts usually have higher minimum balance requirements and may charge monthly fees if you don’t maintain a certain balance.

    CDs typically offer fixed interest rates, which means you know exactly how much you’ll earn on your investment. However, CDs also usually have early withdrawal penalties, so if you need to access your money before the CD matures, you may forfeit some of your interest.

    Disclaimer: I may receive a small referral fee if you purchase something using a link in this article.

    What is a good return on a money market account?

    A reasonable interest rate for a money market account is higher than the average rate. The average rate is currently around 3.00% APY. However, rates can vary depending on your bank or financial institution. Some banks may offer rates as high as 4.10% APY.

    Do money market accounts have high return?

    They generally offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, with more liquidity (ability to access your money) than a certificate of deposit (CD). But interest rates are very similar to high-yield savings or CDs.

    What is a good interest rate for a money market?

    You will often find money market accounts that earn according to a balance tier. This simply means that your exact interest rate depends on your account balance, with higher balances usually earning at a higher rate. Average money market rates fall between 0.08% APY and 0.11% APY, again depending on your balance.

    How much does a money market account earn?

    Here are the best money market account rates: Vio Bank: APY: 4.01%, Minimum balance to open: $100. First Internet Bank of Indiana: APY: 3.04%-3.87%*, Minimum balance to open: $100. Sallie Mae Bank: APY: 3.20%, Minimum balance to open: $0. Ally Bank: APY: 3.00%, Minimum balance to open account: $0.