What Is a Money Market Account?
Quick Answer
A money market account earns interest like a savings account and typically allows you to make a limited number of convenient transactions, like checks or debit card transactions, directly from your account.
A money market account (MMA) is a type of deposit account that earns higher-than-average interest. That can allow your money to grow faster, making it a good place to hold your cash savings.
You could use a money market account to build your emergency fund or save for other financial goals. But there are some key distinctions that set it apart from other types of accounts. Let's talk about the ins and outs of money market accounts so you can decide if it's right for you.
How Does a Money Market Account Work?
A money market account is a kind of deposit account that earns an annual percentage yield (APY), while providing greater flexibility than a traditional savings account. Most MMAs allow you to write checks—and some even allow you to make debit transactions from the account—giving you easier access to your funds. However, you may be limited in how many electronic withdrawals you can make per month.
MMAs are available at most banks and credit unions. They're easy to open, though some may require you to make a minimum opening deposit. You might also have to maintain a minimum balance to avoid fees, but it depends on the financial institution.
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Money Market Account vs. Money Market Mutual Fund
They may sound similar, but a money market fund (MMF) is a type of mutual fund that invests in short-term, low-risk assets like certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds and government securities. You can use a brokerage account to invest in an MMF, but be aware that some may require high minimum investment amounts.
You might secure stronger returns with an MMF, but because your funds are invested, there's always the chance of losing money. For this reason, it isn't the ideal place to keep your cash savings. And unlike money market accounts, these accounts are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which insure deposit accounts at banks and credit unions, respectively.
Pros and Cons of Money Market Accounts
Money market accounts have unique pros and cons to consider. Here are some important things to think about before opening an account.
Pros
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Rates are usually on the higher side. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of an MMA. As of September 2025, the FDIC puts the average rate for a traditional savings account at 0.39%. Meanwhile, some money market accounts have APYs as high as 4.80%.
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It's easy to access your money. You can expect an early withdrawal penalty if you pull money from a CD or tax-deferred retirement account ahead of schedule. But MMAs provide greater liquidity. You'll likely have check-writing capabilities and be able to make ATM withdrawals.
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Risk is low. It's highly unlikely that you'll lose money with an MMA. If your financial institution becomes insolvent, your account will be covered for up to $250,000 per depositor and financial institution.
Cons
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Other investments might offer better returns. As of September 2025, it's possible to open a high-yield savings account with an APY of 5.00%, which could outpace what you might earn with a money market account. And while risk is higher, if you're investing for the long term, the stock market has historically produced average annual returns of 10% over time.
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Withdrawals may be limited. Some banks limit the amount of electronic withdrawals you can make each month. For example, you may only be able to make six debit card transactions from your money market account per billing cycle.
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There might be a minimum balance requirement. Some money market accounts require a minimum opening deposit and have ongoing minimum balance requirements. This is why it's important to compare account details and fees. For example, some banks may reserve their best APYs for customers who maintain a certain balance.
Should You Open a Money Market Account?
A money market account might make sense if you're establishing your emergency fund or saving for a short-term financial goal, such as a down payment on a home or car. This can allow you to earn a competitive interest rate without giving up access to your money.
But an MMA isn't the best choice for long-term goals like saving for retirement. In this case, you're better off exploring tax-advantaged investment accounts. Investing in other types of accounts can also help you secure better returns or diversify your portfolio.
How to Open a Money Market Account
Opening a money market account is relatively quick and easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.
- Choose a bank or credit union. Every financial institution is different. Be sure to compare APYs, fees and requirements around opening deposits and balance minimums. That can help point you toward the right money market account for your needs. An online bank may offer the best rate, but you'll want to read their reviews and check their mobile app and ATM availability.
- Gather the required documents. Once you've chosen a bank or credit union, clarify what documents you'll need to open the account. That will likely include a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number and second form of ID.
- Fund your account. Once your account is active, you can make your opening deposit and start earning interest. You can make a cash deposit or link your MMA to your checking account and make direct transfers as needed.
Alternatives to Money Market Accounts
There are other ways to put your money to work. If you aren't sure about a money market account, consider these alternatives.
| Return on Investment | Minimum Balance | Liquidity | FDIC/NCUA Insured? | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-yield savings accounts | APYs tend to be in line with MMAs, though high-yield savings accounts may offer slightly higher rates | Some banks have minimum balance requirements, but many don't | You may be limited to six convenient withdrawals per month, but not always | Yes | Building your emergency fund and saving for short-term goals |
| CDs | Rates tend to be higher than APYs on money market accounts | Many CDs do not require a minimum deposit, but others may require $500 to $2,500 | Withdrawing money before the term ends typically triggers an early withdrawal penalty | Yes | Saving for near-term financial goals, assuming you won't need the money during the CD term |
| Treasury savings bonds | As of September 2025, the rate on a Series EE bond is 2.70%; the rate for a Series I bond is 3.98% | Savings bonds are available for as little as $25 | You must wait one year to redeem a savings bond, but if it's been five years or less, you'll lose three months' worth of interest | No, but they are backed by the U.S. government | Diversification and securing stable, predictable returns |
| Retirement accounts | Historically, the stock market has had average annual returns of around 10% | There are no minimum balance requirements for retirement accounts | Withdrawing funds from a 401(k) or traditional IRA before age 59½ usually results in a 10% early withdrawal penalty, on top of taxes | No, but SIPC insurance will cover up to $500,000 if your brokerage account fails or makes unauthorized trades | Building your retirement nest egg in the most tax-efficient way possible |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
A money market account earns interest like a regular savings account but allows you to access your funds more easily. That includes the ability to write checks and possibly make debit transactions. Returns may lag behind higher-risk investments, but a money market account is considered a safe place to keep your cash savings.
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About the author
Marianne Hayes
Marianne Hayes is a longtime freelance writer who's been covering personal finance for nearly a decade. She specializes in everything from debt management and budgeting to investing and saving. Marianne has written for CNBC, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and more.
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