March 1, 2024 — Rates Stay About The Same – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Current Money Market Rates

As of today, the highest money market rate is 5.13% compared to a national average rate of 0.58%.

Here are today’s money market account rates:

• Average APY: 0.58%
• Highest Rate: 5.13%

Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of February 29, 2024. Rates are based on a $10,000 minimum deposit amount.

What Are Money Market Rates?

Money market rates are interest rates tied to a money market savings account. These rates are variable rather than fixed, so they can fluctuate and change without notice, and they may also be tiered, so higher balances yield more favorable rates. Money market interest earnings are credited as a percentage of your balance.

The rate you earn on your balance is your interest rate, while the money you make on your balance with compound interest over a year is reflected in your annual percentage yield or APY. Compound interest is the interest you earn on the interest you’ve already made.

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

To open a money market account, start by researching accounts to choose the option with the best rates for the amount you plan to save. Make sure you can meet opening and ongoing balance requirements to earn interest and avoid fees. In addition to rates and minimums, consider account fees, withdrawal limits and other features to find the best fit.

When you’re ready to open an account, you can submit an application online or at a bank branch. The application will ask for personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, employment status and income. You’ll also need to provide a government-issued ID. Once your application is approved, you can make your first deposit. Be sure to transfer at least the minimum opening deposit required.

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 want to save now but have easy access to your cash later. The accounts are safe options for putting away money because they’re FDIC- or NCUA-insured and won’t lose value. As long as you can meet deposit and balance requirements to avoid fees and earn interest, you’ll be in good shape with a money market account.

If you can’t fulfill the requirements for earning the highest rates, or if a money market account imposes fees that exceed your earnings, an MMA might not be worth it. Explore other savings accounts for smaller balances, or consider interest-bearing checking accounts if you frequently need to access your funds.