The Basics of Money Market Accounts - Articles - Consumers Credit Union (2024)

FAQs

The Basics of Money Market Accounts - Articles - Consumers Credit Union? ›

A money market account offers a way to save and earn more interest than a traditional savings account. It differs from a savings account in three key ways: There is usually a minimum deposit amount (at Consumers, you can open a money market account with as little as $2,500) Interest yield is higher.

Money market accounts combine some features of savings and checking accounts. They may come with check-writing privileges or a debit card, like a checking account. But typically the number of withdrawals permitted each statement period is limited to six, as with a savings account.

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.

Banks often require a minimum deposit to open the account, then a minimum balance to keep in the account. It's usually much higher than regular savings accounts. This often means $5,000, but can be up to $10,000 at some banks. As stated above, you need to pay a fee if your balance dips below the minimum requirement.

The term money market account (MMA) refers to an interest-bearing account at a bank or credit union. Sometimes referred to as money market deposit accounts (MMDA), money market accounts have some features that are not found in other types of accounts.

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.

The money market involves the purchase and sale of large volumes of very short-term debt products, such as overnight reserves or commercial paper. An individual may invest in the money market by purchasing a money market mutual fund, buying a Treasury bill, or opening a money market account at a bank.

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.

Your money is not bound for a predetermined duration. Instead, you can withdraw funds when needed, giving you control over your finances. So, your money is never really stuck. However, MMAs sometimes charge small penalties if your balance drops below a certain amount or you make more withdrawals than agreed.

Both the FDIC and NCUA insure up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category per insured institution. As long as you open a money market account at a federally insured institution, your deposits and earnings are safe up to federal limits.

Where can I get 7% interest on my money? ›

Why Trust Us? As of June 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.

While money market funds aren't ideal for long-term investing due to their low returns and lack of capital appreciation, they offer a stable, secure investment option for individuals looking to invest for the short term.

Since money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, you cannot lose the money you contribute to the account—even in the event of a bank failure. You can, however, be subject to fees and penalties that reduce your earnings.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations define 3 categories of money market funds based on investments of the fund—government, prime, and municipal. SEC rules further classify prime and municipal funds as either retail or institutional based on investors in the fund.

How Do Money Market Accounts Work? Money market accounts work like other deposit accounts, such as savings accounts. As customers deposit funds in a money market account, they earn interest on those funds. Typically, interest on money market accounts is compounded daily and paid monthly.

Money markets include markets for such instruments as bank accounts, including term certificates of deposit; interbank loans (loans between banks); money market mutual funds; commercial paper; Treasury bills; and securities lending and repurchase agreements (repos).

Because you earn higher interest rates than with a traditional savings account, a money market account can be a great choice to set aside some emergency cash or start building your savings. And unlike a traditional savings account, you have more options for withdrawing your money when you want it.

Unlike savings accounts, money market accounts provide a debit card and checks. The best money market accounts tend to have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts because the bank invests your money in low-risk, short-term assets.