Money market accounts (MMAs) combine the earning power of a savings account with the convenience of a checking account. To determine the best money market accounts, we reviewed more than 140 MMAs from 85 financial institutions. We analyzed each account based on 14 data points, with a primary focus on annual percentage yield (APY). Based on our research, the Discover® Money Market Account scored highest, earning a perfect rating thanks to its competitive yield, few fees and lack of a minimum balance requirement. The account earns 3.40% APY for balances up to $100,000 and 3.45% APY for balances above $100,000. Below, learn more about why we picked each account, including its pros and cons. You’ll also find links to individual account reviews. Annual percentage yields (APYs) and account details are accurate as of June 26, 2025.
Best Money Market Accounts: Up To 4.42%
Here’s a look at our current picks for the best money market accounts.
Current Money Market Rates
Average money market rates are generally much lower than the best money market rates available. The table below compares the average APYs for money market accounts.
Recent News on Money Market Rates
Money market rates soared in recent years after the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to quash sky-high inflation. Yields, however, fell throughout 2024 as the market anticipated the Fed cutting rates to support a wobbling labor market. Those rate cuts materialized in September 2024, and the nation’s central bank cut borrowing costs by a full percentage point by the end of the year. Expect much of the same in 2025, albeit at a smaller scale. The Fed punted on acting during its January meeting, and is expected to cut rates two times throughout the year. Rates will likely drift downward, but not to the same degree as last year. Still, rates will likely remain higher than prior to the pandemic (when they yielded next to nothing), and some banks will still offer especially high options in order to gain deposits and customers.
Pros and Cons of Money Market Accounts
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Flexibility. Many money market accounts come with checks and debit cards, allowing you to spend your savings, make withdrawals and transfer funds. | Transaction restrictions. Many banks and credit unions impose transaction limits and charge a fee for excess withdrawals. |
Interest earnings. Money market accounts earn interest on funds you keep on deposit. These rates often compete with the best high-yield savings accounts. | Interest rates. The rate of interest on a money market account isn’t fixed, meaning it can fluctuate. You won’t know exactly how much you will earn over time. |
Safety. MMA funds are insured when held with banks backed by the FDIC or credit unions backed by the NCUA. | Balance requirements. Many money market accounts require high deposits to open and high balances to earn the best rates and avoid monthly fees. |
When To Use a Money Market Account
A money market account (MMA) is a financial tool, but its benefits depend on your goals. You can use an MMA to fund an emergency account, for instance. You’ll have access to high yields, while also being able to access your cash (depending on the particular terms and conditions of your account) at an ATM. You can also use an MMA as your main transaction account. For instance, Discover allows you to access your account at 60,000 ATMs, write checks and use a debit card. It also pays a solid interest rate that is much higher than one offered by even a high-yield checking account. Another option is to reserve an MMA as a savings vehicle for a particular purchase, such as a family vacation or a down payment on a car. With your cash in a separate account from your typical checking and savings, you might be less likely to squander it. In any case, consider the specific terms. MMAs differ in terms of minimum deposit requirements, the number of monthly withdrawals you can earn and the ability to write checks.
Are money market accounts worth it?
How To Choose a Money Market Account
Here’s what to consider when shopping for a money market account:
- APY. One of the most important aspects of a money market account is the rate at which it earns interest or dividends. Look for an account that offers a competitive APY while meeting your other needs, such as low fees.
- Fees. Watch out for monthly fees, excessive transaction fees and other fees that can eat into your returns.
- Minimums. Minimum deposit and balance requirements vary by institution. Generally, lower minimum requirements make it easier to maintain the account. Find an account with minimums that you can afford.
- Customer experience. Especially if you’re banking at an institution with limited branch access, make sure the bank or credit union offers customer care representatives that are accessible and responsive to your requests.
- Digital banking. Consider the online and mobile banking features you use most often, including the score of a particular bank’s mobile app.
- Accessibility. Banks and credit unions vary on how they allow you to withdraw funds from a money market account. Some offer check-writing and debit card privileges. Although the Federal Reserve Board has suspended Regulation D, which restricts the number of transactions a saver can make per cycle from their savings account, each institution has its own policies. Ask about withdrawal options and the excess transaction fee of each institution before you open an account.
- Safety. Look for an account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which provides up to $250,000 in insurance per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. At credit unions, make sure the account is similarly insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
How To Open a Money Market Account
You can open a money market account in person or online by following these steps:
- Gather the required documentation, such as your Social Security number and proof of identity.
- Compare money market accounts from different financial institutions to find the best rates and fees.
- Complete the online application process with your chosen financial institution—or visit a branch if online applications aren’t available.
- Fund your account via direct deposit, a check or a transfer from an existing account.
Confirm your account is open and in good standing by checking your money market account balance regularly.
Alternatives to Money Market Accounts
Money market accounts are just one savings tool; you may find that others better suit your needs. Here are some trade offs to consider:
Money Market Account vs. Savings Account
Money Market Account vs. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Money Market Account vs. Money Market Mutual Fund
Methodology
To create this list, Forbes Advisor analyzed more than 140 money market accounts at 85 financial institutions, including a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online banks and credit unions. We ranked each account on 14 data points within the categories of APY, minimum requirements, customer experience, digital experience, fees and accessibility of funds. All of the accounts on our list are online-based accounts. Here’s the weighting assigned to each category:
- APY: 43%
- Minimums: 15%
- Accessibility of funds: 12%
- Customer experience: 10%
- Digital experience: 10%
- Fees: 10%
Banks and credit unions offering the highest APYs rose to the top of this list, as did those with low fees and easy-to-meet minimum deposit and balance requirements. Accounts with high customer experience ratings and highly rated online and mobile banking tools were also ranked higher. And we prioritized money market accounts offering check-writing and debit card privileges. We also considered whether there were complex tier structures or requirements to earn the APY or other stipulations to earn the APY. High minimum deposit and balance requirements affected scores negatively. The money market account must be nationally available to appear on this list. To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on How Forbes Advisor Reviews Banks
Banks We Monitor
Money Market Account FAQs
Is a money market account a savings account?
A money market account is a type of savings account. You earn interest on the funds you deposit, and the interest you earn is compounded and deposited into your account.
How does a money market account work?
Money market accounts work similarly to savings accounts in that you earn interest on the funds you deposit. These accounts aren’t meant for everyday spending, like a checking product. But they tend to offer limited liquidity and access to funds—you may be able to write checks or make debit transactions.
Are money market accounts FDIC insured?
Yes, so long as they are at a financial institution insured either by the FDIC or the NCUA. All of the banks on our list are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. The NCUA provides similar coverage for all federal and most state-chartered credit unions. Connexus Credit Union is insured by the NCUA.
Are money market accounts taxable?
Yes, money market accounts are taxable. Any interest earned in a money market account is considered income by the IRS. Your bank or credit union should provide a 1099-INT form each year reporting taxable interest payments made to your account. If you don’t receive this form, you still must report taxable interest alongside your income when doing your taxes. And because MMAs are not tax-advantaged, everything you contribute is post-tax earnings.
Can you write checks from a money market account?
This practice varies. Some money market accounts allow you to write checks from the account or make debit card transactions. Generally, you’re limited to making six transactions per statement cycle, but each institution makes its own policies. Before opening an account, make sure to ask about withdrawal and excess transaction fees.
Can you lose money in a money market account?
No. Your money market account is safe as long as the institution is federally insured by the FDIC or NCUA. The FDIC insures MMAs at banks for up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure. The NCUA provides similar coverage for all federal and most state-chartered credit unions. Money market accounts are also safe because they aren’t investment accounts. Your deposits are held securely until you need them, not invested in unpredictable assets such as stocks. Except for fees and penalties, there is no way to lose insured deposits in an MMA.