Navy Federal Money Market Savings Calculator

Bankrate's guide to choosing the right money market account rate

A money market account can be great for earning a high annual percentage yield (APY). Some accounts may let you write a limited number of checks and also offer a debit card.

Many online banks offer a more competitive yield than brick-and-mortar banks. This is because online banks don't usually have as much overhead, since they don't operate physical branches. Online banks need to attract your attention and high yields are a way to do this, which is good for savers.

Choosing a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) money market account at an online bank can be a great way to get these high-yielding APYs. Just make sure that you're within the FDIC's guidelines and limits.

Choosing the right money market account table of contents:

Best money market accounts: Bank details
What to consider before opening a money market account
Money market account advantages and disadvantages
Money market accounts vs. alternative account types
Money market account FAQs

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Bankrate has more than four decades of experience in financial publishing, so you know you're getting information you can trust. Bankrate was born in 1976 as "Bank Rate Monitor," a print publisher for the banking industry, and has been online since 1996. Hundreds of top publications rely on Bankrate. Outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, CNBC and Bloomberg depend on Bankrate as the trusted source of financial rates and information.

Methodology for Bankrate's best money market accounts

We regularly survey approximately 4,800 banks and credit unions in all 50 states to provide you with one of the most comprehensive comparisons of rates. All of the money market accounts below, which are savings accounts that may let you write a limited amount of checks per month, are insured by the FDIC at banks or the NCUA at credit unions. When selecting the best money market account, look for the highest yield while also considering introductory rates, minimum balances and accessibility.

Best money market accounts and rates for November 2021

Highest Rate: BrioDirect - 0.55% APY
Highest Rate: Vio Bank - 0.55% APY
High Rate: Ally Bank - 0.50% APY
High Rate: Sallie Mae Bank - 0.50% APY
High Rate: First Internet Bank of Indiana - 0.50% APY
High Rate: Navy Federal Credit Union - 0% - 0.50% APY*
High Rate: CIT Bank - 0.45% APY
High Rate: TIAA Bank - 0.40% APY
High Rate: Synchrony Bank - 0.35% APY
High Rate: Discover Bank - 0.30% - 0.35% APY**

*Highest APY is with at least $100,000 in a Jumbo Money Market Savings Account

**$100,000 minimum balance required for the highest APY offered

Note: The APYs (annual percentage yields) shown are as of Oct. 26, 2021. Bankrate's editorial team updates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and Bankrate's editorial team may occasionally update these APYs after that update. The APYs for some products may vary by region.

1. Highest Rate: BrioDirect - 0.55% APY

$100 minimum deposit to open account

Highest APY (tie)

Overview: BrioDirect offers a Money Market Account with a competitive yield. It requires $100 to open the account.

Perks: There isn't a monthly maintenance fee and the account doesn't have wire-in fees.

What to watch for: The account doesn't have check-writing privileges. There's also a $5 paper statement fee that can be avoided by opting for electronic statements.

2. Highest Rate: Vio Bank - 0.55% APY

$100 minimum deposit to open account

Highest APY (tie)

Overview: Vio Bank is a division of MidFirst Bank. Vio Bank offers the Cornerstone Money Market Account, a High Yield Savings account and 10 terms of CDs. The money market account and the savings account at Vio Bank have consistently offered a competitive APY this year.

Perks: Vio Bank's money market account offers a competitive yield and it doesn't have a monthly fee. You'll only need $100 to open this account.

What to watch for: There's a $10 fee for making more than six withdrawals during a monthly statement cycle. Paper statements will also cost you $5 per month.

3. High Rate: Ally Bank - 0.50% APY

$0 minimum deposit for APY

Best for widely available ATM network

Overview: Ally Bank has about 2.3 million deposits customers, according to its 2020 annual report. Ally Bank launched in 2009.

Perks: The Ally Bank money market account allows you to have both a debit card and check-writing privileges. Also, it offers 24/7 customer service, with posted wait times on its website.

What to watch for: There's a $10 excessive transaction fee for each transaction beyond six in a statement cycle. You'll also incur a $25 fee for overdraft items that are paid or returned.

4. High Rate: Sallie Mae Bank - 0.50% APY

$0 minimum deposit to open account

Best for free first order of checks at opening

Overview: Sallie Mae is mainly associated with student loans, but it also provides a range of savings products for consumers. The bank offers money market and high-yield savings accounts and CDs.

Perks: No minimum deposit is required to open a Sallie Mae money market account. Checking-writing privileges are included.

What to watch for: There isn't a minimum deposit needed to open an account. But if you don't fund the account within 40 days, the account will be closed. Sallie Mae reserves the right to close a dormant account, which the bank defines as an account with $100 or less in it that doesn't have qualifying activity for the past 12 months. Order your checks when you open your account. If you don't, they'll cost either $5 (10-day standard delivery) or $15 (2-3 business days for expedited delivery).

5. High Rate: First Internet Bank of Indiana - 0.50% APY

$100 minimum deposit to open account

Best for monthly ATM surcharge rebate

Overview: First Internet Bank of Indiana's Money Market Savings gives savers a competitive APY and it's also an option if you occasionally need to use an ATM. The account also only requires $100 to open.

Perks: The Money Market Savings account provides up to $10 a month for ATM surcharge rebates, which can reduce out-of-pocket fees if you're unable to find an in-network ATM.

What to watch for: You need an average daily balance of $4,000 in order to avoid the $5 monthly fee. Beginning savers unable to maintain that balance may want to consider options with lower minimum balance requirements.

6. High Rate: Navy Federal Credit Union - 0% - 0.50% APY

$100,000 minimum balance for top APY (jumbo money market savings account)

Best for those affiliated with the military

Overview: Navy Federal has been around since 1933. It has more than 9 million members. Active duty members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, the U.S. Marines, National Guard and Space Force, veterans and retirees are some that are eligible to join this credit union.

Immediate family members of military members can join Navy Federal Credit Union, too.

Perks: Navy Federal Credit Union has a jumbo money market savings account that incrementally keeps increasing its yield until it gets to $100,000 or higher.

What to watch for: Jumbo money market savings accounts require at least $250,000 to earn the top APY. Also, some consumers might not meet the membership requirements. Also, you won't earn interest on balances under $2,500 on regular money market savings accounts.

7. High Rate: CIT Bank - 0.45% APY

$100 minimum deposit to open account

Best for variety of savings options

Overview: CIT Bank is the online-banking unit of CIT Group Inc. In addition to its money market account, CIT Bank offers two savings accounts. CIT Bank also launched its eChecking account in November 2019.

Besides its liquid accounts, CIT Bank also offers eight terms of CDs, four terms of jumbo CDs and an 11-month no-penalty CD.

Perks: The money market account offers a competitive APY, requires just a $100 minimum deposit to open the account and doesn't charge a monthly service fee. CIT Bank offers a wide variety of bank accounts, unlike some other online banks.

What to watch for: The money market account at CIT Bank has a $10 excessive transaction fee, which is capped at $50 per month. It also has an overdraft fee of $25 and a $30 stop payment fee.

8. High Rate: TIAA Bank - 0.40% APY

$500 minimum deposit to open account

Best for APY guarantee

Overview: TIAA Bank, formerly known as EverBank, provides a range of banking, lending and investing options. Its deposit products include high-yield money market account, checking, savings and CDs. In addition to competitive rates on banking products, TIAA Bank also offers mobile banking and online tools.

Perks: One of the biggest perks TIAA Bank offers is its "yield pledge," which adjusts the rate its pays on its money market account to ensure its among the top 5 percent of competitive accounts. The account also has no monthly fee and allows for mobile check deposits. TIAA Bank will reimburse all ATM fees charged by other banks as long as a $5,000 minimum monthly balance is kept. Regardless of your balance, you'll be reimbursed up to $15 for ATM fees incurred by using non-TIAA Bank ATMs. Customers also have fee-free access to Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs.

What to watch for: An official check will cost you $10 from TIAA Bank. Also, reimbursement of out-of-network ATM fees are capped at only $15 a month, so it pays to keep track of your usage..

9. High Rate: Synchrony Bank - 0.35% APY

$0 minimum deposit for APY

Best for regular and IRA money market accounts

Overview: Synchrony Bank offers a money market account, a savings account and CDs.

Perks: The Synchrony Bank money market account has check-writing privileges. You just need to ask the bank for checks once you deposit money into your account. Also, you can get an ATM card for your money market account. At the very least, you'll receive a refund of $5 per statement cycle of ATM fees charged by domestic ATM providers. Those who have Diamond status in Synchrony's rewards program receive unlimited ATM fee refunds on their accounts. The program requires $250,000 in deposits in one or more accounts or at least five years as an account holder.

What to watch for: ATM fees outside of the U.S. aren't eligible for a refund.

10. High Rate: Discover Bank - 0.30% - 0.35% APY

$100,000 minimum deposit for top APY

Best for rewarding jumbo balances

Overview: Discover Bank is an online bank that offers a variety of products. It has a money market account, a savings account, a checking account, and 12 terms of both regular CDs and IRA CDs.

Perks: Jumbo balances ($100,000 or more) earn a little higher yield in the Discover Bank money market account. You also get free standard and official checks with the Money Market Account at Discover Bank.

What to watch for: A minimum deposit of $2,500 is needed to open an account, but there is no minimum monthly balance.

What to consider before opening a money market account

The best way to choose a money market account is to compare APYs and minimum balance requirements. You'll want to look at how much money you must always have in the account to avoid a maintenance fee and the minimum to earn the stated APY.

Also, look at features, such as ATM access via an ATM card, and check-writing privileges. If these features aren't offered, that's OK, but make sure you understand how you'll access this money. If it's money that's going to be used daily, then a checking account might be more appropriate than a money market account.

If you want to physically walk into a bank and talk to a banker about your money market account, choose a bank that has brick-and-mortar locations. If this doesn't matter to you — and earning a higher APY is more important — then an online bank will probably be the best way for you to earn more interest. An online bank may offer convenient customer service options through its phone availability, and it may have secure messaging on its website or mobile app. It may also allow live chats with a customer service representative on its website.

Important money market account terminology

Money market account: A type of savings account that may offer an ATM card for ATM withdrawals and/or checks.
Check-writing privileges: A money market account may allow you to write checks against the account. This is one of the main differences between money market accounts and savings accounts. Savings accounts usually don't allow this.
Interest: Money that you earn for having your funds deposited with a bank.
Compound interest: Earning interest on the previous interest you've earned.
Interest rate: The percentage of your balance that is paid to you over the course of one year for having your funds on deposit. A number that doesn't take into account the effects of compounding.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY): Takes into account the effects of compounding during the year. The best way to compare yields is to use this number, rather than comparing interest rates. The higher the APY, the more income you'll earn on your cash.
Minimum balance requirement: The amount you have to keep in a savings account in order to avoid a monthly maintenance fee.

What is a money market account and how does it work?

A money market account is a type of savings deposit account that can be found at banks and credit unions. Money market accounts work like a savings account, where you can deposit and withdraw money into it. You will also earn interest on the money you deposit into a money market account. Money market accounts generally let you withdraw money, but banks may limit withdrawals and transfers. Unlike most savings accounts, money market accounts may have check-writing privileges. You also might have a debit card and be able to access money at an ATM. High-rate money market accounts may pay a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts, but their minimum deposit and balance requirements may be higher.

Money market accounts are offered by FDIC banks and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) credit unions. Money market accounts typically have a few advantages, including a high yield, check-writing privileges, and ATM access. They may have some disadvantages, though. For example, some institutions might limit the number of withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle, and you may be able to find a high-yield savings account that has a higher yield. Money market accounts might have a higher minimum balance requirement than a high-yield savings account. But you should be able to find a money market account with no minimum balance requirement or a low one. This is especially true at online banks.

Money market accounts may come with checks and a debit card, which distinguishes them from high-yield savings accounts. The check-writing capability of money market accounts provides a degree of flexibility and liquidity often not found in other savings accounts. Like a traditional savings account, there's no set term for maturity with a money market account — you can park cash for an unlimited amount of time. Keep in mind that you may be required to make a transaction every so often in order to prevent your account from going dormant. Check with your bank for its policies.

That said, safety is still a top feature of these financial tools. Money market accounts are insured up to $250,000 at banks that are insured by FDIC. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) provides all members of federally insured credit unions with $250,000 of coverage for single ownership accounts at an NCUA credit union.

The Federal Reserve directly impacts money market account yields. An increase of the federal funds rate would likely cause money market account yields to increase -- especially at online banks.

Money market accounts and compounding interest

Interest rates determine how much interest and income your money market account earns. The more money you have in your money market account and the higher the interest rate you're earning, the more money you'll earn on your deposits in this account.

When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers the federal funds rate, it tends to affect the yields on money market accounts. When the Fed raises rates, savers with high-yielding accounts tend to receive higher APYs. From 2015 to 2018, the Fed raised rates nine times. This helped many savers at high-yielding online banks earn substantially higher APYs.

But starting in 2019, the Fed started lowering rates. In March 2020, the U.S. central bank made two emergency rate cuts to try and bolster the economy due to the coronavirus. This sent the federal funds rate down to zero — unwinding all nine of the past rate increases. These rate cuts have caused some banks to lower their APYs on savings accounts and money market accounts.

Interest is usually credited on a monthly basis on money market accounts. The APY on an account includes the effects of compounding during the year. So, when you compare APYs, you can tell which account is going to help your money grow the most. The best way to compare interest you'll earn on different money market accounts is using an apples-to-apples approach. Always compare APYs and not rates. You can use our compound interest calculator to determine your potential earnings on a money market account.

Money market accounts typically credit interest monthly. You'll usually receive your interest payment on or around the same date each month.

What is the average interest rate on a money market?

The average interest rate on a money market account is currently 0.07 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey of institutions. Yet some banks are offering about seven times that. That makes it crucial to shop for the best deal when you're searching for a money market account.

It's important to remember that institutions can change their interest rates at any time, pushing returns higher or lower depending on the market.

Are money market rates fixed?

Most money market rates are variable, not fixed. That means the rate and APY you receive can rise or fall as market conditions change. A fixed introductory APY is the exception. During the promotional period, the fixed yield gives you a certain APY for a specific period of time. You might lose the fixed yield, however, if you don't follow certain rules. An introductory rate may also require a deposit made with new money, which usually must come from outside the bank.

An introductory rate may be a good deal if rates decrease or don't increase during the promotional period.

Since money market rates are expected to stay relatively steady in 2021, a high introductory rate might be something to consider. Check to see how competitive the ongoing APYs are in order to get a sense of whether your yield after the introductory APY expires will still be competitive. But remember, it's not a guarantee since APYs are usually variable.

Is a money market account safe?

Money market accounts at an FDIC-insured bank or a federally insured credit union are safe as long as they're within limits and guidelines. FDIC deposit insurance covers accounts at FDIC banks up to at least $250,000. An account at an NCUA credit union is insured up to the same amount as a FDIC bank. At both an FDIC bank and a NCUA credit union, your money that's within limits and guidelines is protected and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government should the bank or credit union fail.

To check whether or not a bank you're considering is FDIC-insured, you can use the FDIC's BankFind tool. The tool may also help you realize if multiple banks use the same FDIC certificate. Always double-check with the FDIC or NCUA and your financial institutions to confirm insurance coverage.

Who should get a money market account?

Anyone looking for a safe place to stash a good chunk of money and earn some interest may benefit from a money market account. But these accounts make particularly good sense in a handful of situations. For example:

Setting up an emergency savings fund.
Saving for a goal, such as saving for a home purchase or a vacation.
Growing your savings in a high-yield account that may offer the opportunity to write an occasional check.
Earning a higher yield than you're earning in your current savings or checking account.

As a saver, it's important to know the differences between a money market account, savings account, and a CD.

Here's when to consider a money market account:

You want an account that offers liquidity, safety and a higher interest rate than traditional savings or checking accounts.
You want the ability to write checks or you may be able to use a debit card up to six times per month.
You want immediate access to funds if you're ever in a bind.
You want a good spot to keep your emergency fund.
You don't want to lock up your money in a CD for an extended period, but you still want a comparable interest rate and the safety of an FDIC- or NCUA-backed account.

Money market account fees and minimums

Minimums and fees to open and maintain a money market account vary by institution.

There are typically a few types of minimums you should watch for: minimum deposit requirements to open an account, minimum amounts to earn the APY and minimums to avoid fees.

Watch for monthly fees, transfer fees, shipping fees, inactive account fees or any other penalty you might incur for not using the account to the bank's specifications.

Can you withdraw money from a money market account without penalty?

You're usually able to withdraw money from a money market account without penalty. Exceptions may be if a bank charges a fee after a certain number of withdrawals are made or if the withdrawal is made to close an account — and the account charges an early close-out fee.

Can you add money to a money market account?

Yes, you can add money to a money market account. Money market accounts are liquid accounts, so you can add to the account at any time.

Banks may allow you to deposit checks using a mobile app. While additions aren't limited, withdrawals may be limited on a money market account.

Can you pay bills and write checks with your money market account?

Some money market accounts, but not all, provide the ability to write checks and pay bills directly from the account. These accounts may even come with a debit card. But there's a limit to the number of certain transactions you can make. Money market accounts only allow for up to six types of withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.

If check writing is a feature you want in a money market account, confirm with the institution before opening an account that its product offers that capability.

Money market account advantages and disadvantages

Some money market accounts have certain features that you won't find in a savings account. Here's a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages of money market accounts.

Money market accounts vs. Alternative account types

Money market accounts vs. Saving accounts

If you want the ability to write checks or use a debit card, money market accounts are a good alternative to traditional savings accounts. And you'll typically get a better return. But if earning a high return is your priority, don't forget to check out the rates on high-yield savings accounts found at online banks, which may be superior to money market accounts and traditional savings accounts.

While a money market account is very similar to a traditional savings account, there are pros and cons to each.

Money market accounts vs. CDs

A money market account is for money that needs to be accessible. A CD is more for longer-term money that you won't use during the CD's term, mainly because you don't want to incur an early withdrawal penalty fee.

Sometimes you're rewarded with a higher APY in a CD than you would earn in a liquid money market account. Deciding which one is better for you will depend on your financial goals.

There are positives and negatives when comparing a money market account with a CD.

Money market accounts vs. Money market funds

Money market funds and money market accounts are different products. You'll find money market accounts and FDIC-insured banks and at NCUA credit unions.

You'll likely find money market funds at a brokerage. Money market mutual funds aren't insured by the FDIC or the NCUSIF at an NCUA credit union. But they're considered to be low-risk investments that are liquid.

Both money market accounts and money market funds may offer the ability to write checks.

Money market account FAQs

What is a good money market account?

A good money market account carries a competitive APY and has minimum balance requirements that fit your needs and helps you avoid incurring any fees. If the money market account requires a higher balance, the best money market accounts reward you with a higher APY for keeping this balance. The balance requirement doesn't really matter, as long as it's within what you plan on keeping in the account so that you earn a maximum APY and don't incur fees.

Another perk of a good money market account is one that offers an ATM card for ATM access or check-writing privileges — and free checks — for writing an occasional check. Under Regulation D, money market accounts generally don't permit more than six of these "convenient" transactions per month.

Since these accounts aren't meant for daily use, it's OK if the account doesn't have these features. Just know how you're going to access your money when you need to.

How do I open a money market account?

Opening a money market is as easy as choosing which bank and account is right for you. Some money market accounts don't have a minimum opening balance requirement, so you won't have to worry about keeping a certain amount in the account or incurring a maintenance fee. Compare the top APY accounts with the minimum balance that you're comfortable with to make the best decision for your saving needs.

Prior to opening a money market account online you'll want to:

Have your government-issued photo identification with you.
Be prepared, if needed, to lift a security freeze on your credit file to open the account.
Have your routing number and account number handy for the account you're using to fund this new account.
Have your social security number available.

Almost all of this information may also be needed if you open a new account in person. You may need cash or a check (or checks) to fund a new account opened in a branch.

How liquid is a money market account?

You're generally able to access the money in your account at any time without incurring a penalty. An exception is if you were to close a money market account that has an early close-out penalty. These penalties usually occur during the first 90 to 180 days of opening the account. Also, a bank is required to reserve the right to require at least seven days' written notice if you want to withdraw money from a money market account. But, as noted by the Federal Reserve, this right is rarely, if ever, exercised.

What is the difference between a jumbo money market account and a traditional money market account?

A jumbo money market account is likely to have a higher minimum balance requirement than a normal money market account. Generally, a jumbo deposit product requires a minimum balance of $100,000. The same minimum balance requirement is also true with jumbo CDs. Jumbo money market accounts are rare, but there are at least two institutions that offer them:

Navy Federal Credit Union offers up to 0.5 percent APY on its jumbo money market savings account. This yield applies to balances of $100,000 and higher. But in order to open an account at Navy Federal Credit Union, you or one of your family or household members must have ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense or National Guard.
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union offers a jumbo money market account that requires a $50,000 minimum balance to earn the account's top yield of 0.15 percent APY. You can join the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union by being affiliated with a company, organization or community that has requested that the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union serve its members. You can also join if you're related to someone qualified to join the credit union. Most people who live or work in Alaska, Washington state, San Bernardino County, California, and Maricopa County, Arizona, can qualify for a membership, according to the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union website.

Are money market account rates taxable?

All taxable and tax-exempt interest must be reported on your federal income tax return. Most interest that you receive or that's credited to an account that you can withdraw without penalty is taxable income in the year it becomes available to you, according to the Internal Revenue Services. Always consult with your accountant to answer your specific tax questions.

Do money market interest rates fluctuate?

Money market account interest rates generally are variable, meaning they can fluctuate. One exception is if the money market account has an introductory rate that's guaranteed for a certain period of time. These typically are guaranteed for anywhere from three months to a year. If you pursue one of these introductory rates, compare it with the institution's current standard rates. This may give you an idea of how competitive the bank will be after the introductory period ends.

What is a high-yield money market account?

A high-yield money market account is one that has a competitive APY. In some instances, money market accounts may have higher APYs than savings accounts.

But technically, a money market is a savings deposit account, according to the Federal Reserve. The main differentiator is that a high-yield money market account may allow for check-writing privileges and/or have ATM accessibility (though a savings account may also offer ATM access).

These withdrawal features on both a high-yield money market account and a savings account are generally limited under Regulation D to no more than six "convenient" transfers or withdrawals per statement cycle. Some banks, though, may impose even more limitations on withdrawals and check-writing on a high-yield money market account.

In late April 2020, the Federal Reserve Board announced an interim final rule to amend Reg D so that consumers can make an unlimited amount of withdrawals or deposits from savings deposit accounts, which includes money market accounts.

Banks aren't required to suspend these rules, however. Check with your bank to see if it's allowing unlimited transactions on your savings account and money market account, and whether there are any fees for excessive withdrawals.

Are money market accounts a good investment?

A high-yield money market account can be both a worthwhile investment and short-term savings tool for liquid money. It's a worthwhile investment for money that needs to earn a competitive APY (annual percentage yield) and be kept safe. One of the safest places is an eligible account at a FDIC bank that's within FDIC insurance limits. If your money market account is at an FDIC bank – or has NCUSIF protection through an NCUA credit union – then your account is covered if it's within coverage limits.

A money market account is a worthwhile investment if you value, generally, quick access to your account and a federally insured account. There are other investments, such as stocks, that may provide higher rates of return, but they may also put your principal at risk. So, a money market account may be a worthwhile investment for funds you can't afford to lose. A money market account with a high interest rate may be the perfect place for money that you intend to grow but may need in the near future.

Why do money market accounts pay higher interest?

Generally, a high-yield money market account pays a higher APY than a checking account because banks can assume that your money will be in there for a longer period. Yes, you could withdraw from a money market account – just like you could in a checking account – but a money market account has built-in restrictions because its transactions are restricted under Regulation D. Unlike a checking account, money market accounts are generally limited to six "convenient" transfers and withdrawals per month. According to the Federal Reserve, these restricted transfers and withdrawals include transfers to another account to act as overdraft protection, direct bill payments, telephone transfers, withdrawals initiated by fax, computer, email or internet instruction, and transfers or withdrawals made by check, debit card or other similar method used to pay other third parties.

Savings accounts may have a higher APY than money market accounts. One potential reason is that savings accounts generally don't offer an additional withdrawal option, such as check-writing privileges, that some money market accounts have.

Is a money market account a savings or checking account?

Money market accounts are savings products, but they often act as a hybrid of traditional savings and checking accounts, carrying characteristics of both.

Money market accounts tend to come with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts but with higher minimum deposit and balance requirements.

Like savings accounts, money market accounts generally only allow for up to six withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle, making them best for parking cash.

But like a checking account, they may come with checks and possibly a debit card, allowing you to make purchases directly from the account.

How is a money market account different from a money market fund?

A money market account, or money market deposit account, is considered a savings deposit. A money market deposit account is generally insured up to $250,000, like checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs, as long as it's in an insured account at an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-backed credit union.

In contrast, a money market mutual fund — or money market fund — isn't FDIC-insured. These accounts are likely to be invested in securities, such as Treasury bills, government or corporate bonds, or short-term CDs, according to the FDIC.

The Securities Investor Protection Corp. (SIPC) protects money market mutual funds – which are securities – in the event of a brokerage firm's liquidation, but not against investment losses. The SIPC only protects cash if it's being held in connection with a purchase or sale of a security, not commodities, according to the SIPC.

How is a money market account different from a negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account?

A negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account is classified as a transaction account, while a money market account is a non-transaction account, according to the Federal Reserve.

NOW accounts allow an unlimited number of third-party payments, while money market accounts are restricted to six "convenient" transfers or withdrawals per month under Regulation D. Some banks may restrict money market account transactions further.

Like money market accounts, a bank reserves the right at any time to require seven days' written notice for a withdrawal from a NOW account under Regulation D, though this right is rarely exercised, according to the Fed.

Unlike NOW accounts and money market accounts, checking accounts are demand deposit accounts (DDAs). This means withdrawals from checking accounts are payable on demand, or on fewer than seven days' notice, according to Fed rules.

Compare: Best money market accounts & rates of November 2021

Bank / Institution	APY	Minimum Balance To Open Account	Monthly Fees
BrioDirect	0.55%	$100	$0
Vio Bank	0.55%	$100	$0
Ally Bank	0.50%	$0	$0
Sallie Mae Bank	0.50%	$0	$0
First Internet Bank of Indiana	0.50%	$100	$0
Navy Federal Credit Union	0% - 0.50%*	$0*	$0
CIT Bank	0.45%	$100	$0
TIAA Bank	0.40%	$500	$0
Synchrony Bank	0.35%	$0	$0
Discover Bank	0.30% - 0.35%	$2,500	$0

*Balances of $100,000 or more earn this APY.