Latest news with #moneyMarketAccounts
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best money market account rates today, May 26, 2025 (Earn up to 4.41% APY)
Find out which banks are offering the top rates. Money market accounts (MMAs) can be a great place to store your cash if you're looking for a relatively high interest rate along with liquidity and flexibility. Unlike traditional savings accounts, MMAs typically offer better returns, and they may also provide check-writing privileges and debit card access. This makes these accounts ideal for holding long-term savings that you want to grow over time, but can still access when needed for certain purchases or bills. Even though rates have been falling over the past several months, it's still possible to find money market accounts that pay more than 4% APY. Here is a look at some of today's best money market account rates: Interested in earning the best possible interest rate on your savings balance? Here is a look at some of the best savings and money market account rates available today from our verified partners. Money market account rates have fluctuated significantly in recent years, largely due to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate. In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, for example, interest rates were kept extremely low to stimulate the economy. The Fed slashed the federal funds rate to near zero, which led to very low MMA rates. During this time, money market account rates were typically around 0.10% to 0.50%, with many accounts offering rates on the lower end of that range. Eventually, the Fed began raising interest rates gradually as the economy improved. This led to higher yields on savings products, including MMAs. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a brief but sharp recession, and the Fed once again cut its benchmark rate to near zero to combat the economic fallout. This resulted in a sharp decline in MMA rates. But starting in 2022, the Fed embarked on a series of aggressive interest rate hikes to combat inflation. This led to historically high deposit rates across the board. By late 2023, money market account rates had risen substantially, with many accounts offering 4% or higher. However, the Fed finally began cutting rates in late 2024. As of 2025, MMA rates remain high by historical standards, though they've begun a downward trajectory following the Fed's most recent rate cuts. Today, online banks and credit unions tend to offer the highest rates. When comparing money market accounts, it's important to look beyond just the interest rate. Other factors, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, can impact the total value you get from the account. For example, it's common for money market accounts to require a large minimum balance in order to earn the highest advertised rate — as much as $5,000 or more in some cases. Other accounts may charge monthly maintenance fees that can eat into your interest earnings. However, there are several MMAs available that offer competitive rates without any balance requirements, fees, or other restrictions. That's why it's important to shop around and compare accounts before making a decision. Additionally, ensure that the account you choose is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per institution, per depositor. Most money market accounts are federally insured, but it's important to double-check in the rare case the financial insitution fails. Read more: Money market account vs. high-yield savings account: Which is best for you? The national average interest rate for money market accounts is just 0.64%, according to the FDIC. However, the best money market account rates often pay around 4% to 4.50% APY — similar to the rates offered on high-yield savings accounts. The amount you will earn on $50,000 in a money market account depends on the annual percentage rate (APY) and the time period you leave the money in the account. For example, if you deposit $50,000 into a money market account that pays 4.5% APY and left it in your account for one year, you'd earn $2,303 in interest. There are currently no money market accounts that pay 5% APY. However, some high-yield savings accounts from online banks do. You can also check with your local bank or credit union to find out if they offer a 5% APY account that fits your needs.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best money market account rates today, May 23, 2024 (up to 4.41% APY return)
Find out which banks are offering the best MMA rates right now. The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate three times in 2024 for a total reduction of one percentage point. As a result, deposit interest rates — including money market account rates — have been falling. It's more important than ever to compare MMA rates and ensure you earn as much as possible on your balance. Although money market account rates are elevated by historical standards, the national average rate for MMAs is just 0.62%, according to the FDIC. The good news: Top high-yield money market accounts offer well over 4% APY — more than six times the national average. That's why it's important to shop around before opening a money market account. Interest rates vary widely, but there are several banks (in particular, online banks) and credit unions with highly competitive offers. Here's a look at some of the top MMA rates available today:Additionally, the table below features some of the best savings and money market account rates available today from our verified partners. This embedded content is not available in your region. Online banks operate exclusively via the web. This significantly reduces their overhead costs, so they're able to pass those savings onto customers in the form of high deposit rates and low fees. If you're searching for the best money market account rates, online banks are a great place to start. That said, online banks aren't the only place you can find savings accounts with rates of 4% to 5% APY. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, and are also know for providing competitive rates and fewer fees. Many credit unions have certain requirements that must be met in order to become a member, though there are some that allow just about anyone to join. Read more: Are online banks really safe? Money market accounts can be a great option for short-term savings goals, like building an emergency fund or setting aside money for an upcoming expense. They generally offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, and they provide easier access to your money compared to some other options like certificates of deposit (CDs). Money market accounts are also considered low-risk, and they are FDIC-insured up to the standard $250,000 per depositor, per institution. This makes them safer than money market funds, which can be subject to market risk. However, keep in mind that many money market accounts require a minimum balance to open the account and earn the highest advertised rate. If you can't maintain this balance, you might incur fees or miss out on the best rates. And although you can generally access your funds as needed, MMAs may limit the number of transactions you can make each month. If you need frequent access to your money, this might be a consideration. Read more: Is there a penalty for withdrawing from your money market account? When a money market account makes sense: You want to earn more interest than a regular savings account without locking up your money in a CD. You can maintain the minimum balance to avoid fees. You want to keep funds easily accessible for emergencies or near-term expenses. Currently, the average money market account rate is 0.63%. However, several high-yield accounts pay upwards of 4% or more. If you're considering opening a money market account, be sure to shop around and compare rates. There is no one account or investment that guarantees a 12% return. However, if your goal is to earn a strong return on your money and grow your wealth significantly, investing in market securities such as stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds is the best strategy for doing so. The stock market returns about 10% per year, on average. If you aren't sure where to start, it can be helpful to speak with a financial advisor about your financial goals and priorities. Alternatively, you can sign up with a robo-advisor, which is an automated, cost-effective option for managing your portfolio. Read more: Robo-advisor: How to start investing right away This embedded content is not available in your region.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best money market account rates today, May 6, 2025: Earn up to 4.41% APY before the Fed cuts rates again
Find out which banks are offering the top rates. Money market accounts (MMAs) can be a great place to store your cash if you're looking for a relatively high interest rate along with liquidity and flexibility. Unlike traditional savings accounts, MMAs typically offer better returns, and they may also provide check-writing privileges and debit card access. This makes these accounts ideal for holding long-term savings that you want to grow over time, but can still access when needed for certain purchases or bills. Where are the best money market interest rates today? The national average interest rate for money market accounts is just 0.63%, according to the FDIC. However, the best money market account rates often pay above 4% APY — similar to the rates offered on high-yield savings accounts . Here is a look at today's highest money market account rates: Interested in earning the best possible interest rate on your savings balance? Here is a look at some of the best savings and money market account rates available today from our verified partners. This embedded content is not available in your region. Historical money market account rates Money market account rates have fluctuated significantly in recent years, largely due to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate, known as the federal funds rate . In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, for example, interest rates were kept extremely low to stimulate the economy. The Fed slashed the federal funds rate to near zero, which led to very low MMA rates. During this time, money market account rates were typically around 0.10% to 0.50%, with many accounts offering rates on the lower end of that range. Eventually, the Fed began raising interest rates gradually as the economy improved. This led to higher yields on savings products, including MMAs. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a brief but sharp recession, and the Fed once again cut its benchmark rate to near zero to combat the economic fallout. This resulted in a sharp decline in MMA rates. But starting in 2022, the Fed embarked on a series of aggressive interest rate hikes to combat inflation. This led to historically high deposit rates across the board. By late 2023, money market account rates had risen substantially, with many accounts offering 4.00% or higher. Throughout 2024, MMA interest rates remained elevated, and it was possible to find accounts that paid well above 5% APY. Today, rates remain high by historical standards, though they've begun a downward trajectory following the Fed's most recent rate cuts later in late 2024. Today, online banks and credit unions tend to offer the highest rates. What to consider when choosing a money market account When comparing money market accounts, it's important to look beyond just the interest rate. Other factors, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, can impact the total value you get from the account. For example, it's common for money market accounts to require a large minimum balance in order to earn the highest advertised rate — as much as $5,000 or more in some cases. Other accounts may charge monthly maintenance fees that can eat into your interest earnings. However, there are several MMAs available that offer competitive rates without any balance requirements, fees, or other restrictions. That's why it's important to shop around and compare accounts before making a decision. Additionally, ensure that the account you choose is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per institution, per depositor. Most money market accounts are federally insured, but it's important to double-check in the rare case the financial institution fails. Read more: Are money market accounts safe? Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter Subscribe By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Money market account rates: Frequently asked questions What are money market rates right now? Today, money market account rates are still quite high by historical standards. The best accounts provide over 4% APY, with the highest rate available today at 4.51% APY. How much will $10,000 make in a money market account? The amount $10,000 will earn in a money market account depends on the annual percentage yield (APY) offered by the account, as well as how long you keep your money in the account. Let's say you choose to deposit $10,000 in a money market account that earns 4% APY with monthly compounding interest. After one year, you would earn $407.44 in interest, for a total balance of $10,407.44. What is the downside of a money market account? Money market accounts are generally safe and flexible savings options, but like any other financial product, they come with some downsides, too. For instance, some MMAs require a high minimum balance to open the account or to earn the advertised APY. Failing to maintain that minimum balance can result in penalties or reduced interest rates. Additionally, money market rates are variable, which means they can change at any time at the bank's discretions. If interest rates drop, so will your account APY, which can make future earnings unpredictable compared to fixed-rate products like CDs.
