Today’s Top Money Market Account Rates For March 29, 2024 — Rates Move Upward – 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 0.59%.

Here are today’s money market account rates:

• Average APY: 0.59%
• Highest Rate: 5.13%

Source: Curinos. Data accurate as of March 28, 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 (MMA) is a type of interest-bearing deposit account offered by banks and credit unions. MMAs at banks are insured by the FDIC, while MMAs at credit unions are insured by the NCUA. In both cases, depositors are covered for up to $250,000 per account type, protecting your money in the event of bank failure. Money market accounts work like other savings accounts in that you deposit money freely and earn interest on your balance. You can take out funds whenever you need to, but you may be restricted to six transactions per statement period.

Money market accounts typically pay higher interest rates than other deposit accounts, including traditional savings accounts. And unlike typical savings accounts, they usually offer debit cards, check-writing capabilities or both, providing convenient access to cash. Money market accounts often have higher deposit and balance requirements than many bank accounts.

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.