If you’re looking to save more money beyond your regular savings account, consider adding a money market account (MMA) to the mix. A money market account can earn at a higher rate than a savings account, especially if you have a larger balance to deposit. Many MMAs tier their rates as well, rewarding higher balances with higher rates.
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the current average money market rate is 0.08% — but you can do much better than that if you’re willing to break with traditional brick-and-mortar banks. With so many options out there, however, it may seem daunting to search for a new bank account. We’ve made it easier by rounding up the best money market accounts out there.
To identify the best options, we reviewed over 12,000 banks and credit unions, looking for the highest APYs, as well as considering an account’s minimum requirements and fund accessibility (we’ve featured accounts that require no more than $10,000 to earn the advertised APY). For larger deposits, read our roundup of the best jumbo money market accounts.
Premier Members Credit Union has the highest available top-line APY for a money market account with its 2.00% paid on balances up to $2,000. There are lower APY amounts for higher balance tiers, resulting in a blended APY. For example, a balance of $5,000 would receive 2.00% APY on the first $2,000 and 0.35% APY on the rest of the balance. Unless you’re planning on maintaining a much higher balance, PMCU provides some of the best APY rates.
PMCU is based in Colorado and offers broad-based membership through an affiliation with Impact on Education, a charity for the Boulder Valley School District.
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union currently offers a 1.00% APY on its Superior Money Market account for balances up to $25,000. Balances over that amount earn a blended APY. The account has no monthly service charge or minimum deposit requirement. Customers can access their funds through electronic transfers to and from their money market account.
Founded in 1930 and originally called State Capitol Credit Union, Affinity Plus FCU opens membership to members of various Minnesota communities as well as anyone who makes a one-time dues payment of $25 to the Affinity Plus Foundation.
Patelco Credit Union offers 1.00% APY on its Money Market Select Account for balances up to $2,000. After that, you’ll earn:
There is no minimum required to open an account and no monthly fees or minimum monthly balance. The APY applies to each dollar amount in a given range, so a $5,000 deposit would earn 1.00% on the first $2,000 plus 0.50% on the next $3,000 for a blended APY of 0.70%.
Patelco Credit Union is open to anyone through joining the Financial Fitness Association for $8 a year, although Patelco will pay your first annual membership fee. The credit union got its start in 1936 serving employees of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, which is now a part of AT&T. It has branch locations throughout Northern California.
Established in 2004, Prime Alliance Bank is currently offering a Personal Money Market account with an APY of 0.60% on all balances. There aren’t any monthly fees with this account, nor is a minimum balance required to open the account.
This account can be managed online or via the bank’s mobile app.
Vio Bank currently offers 0.55% APY on its Cornerstone Money Market Account for all balances. You can open an account with $100, and you won’t be charged monthly fees as long as you opt-out of paper statements. Account-holders are allowed six free withdrawals per monthly statement cycle.
Vio Bank is the online bank division of MidFirst Bank, which is the largest privately-held U.S. bank. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000.
Ally Bank is a popular internet-only bank, offering a 0.50% APY on its Money Market Account. Although the interest rate on the money market account is not the highest, Ally does offer a very competitive overall package — particularly if you link the account to an Ally checking account.
By linking your money market account to your checking account, you provide overdraft protection there. The checking account has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee.
The National Cooperative Bank is currently offering a 0.50% APY on all balances in its Impact Money Market account. While there is a $100 minimum deposit required to open this account, there is no required minimum balance in order to earn the APY. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. Note that this account charges a monthly maintenance fee of $25 if your average monthly balance dips below $5,000.
While the National Cooperative Bank has only three locations in Ohio, Alaska, and New York, its services are available to consumers nationwide, online.
First Internet Bank boasts a robust rate of 0.50% APY on its Money Market Savings. There is a minimum deposit of just $100 required for this account. It also has a $5 monthly service charge, which can be waived by maintaining an average daily balance of at least $4,000.
First Internet Bank has roots dating back to 1999, and it claims to be the first FDIC-insured institution to operate entirely online.
Sallie Mae Bank offers 0.50% APY, compounded daily and paid monthly, on its money market account. There’s no minimum balance to open an account, no monthly fees, and no fees for transfers.
Even though the bank specializes in student loans, they offer deposit accounts like savings account, money market account, and certificates of deposit (CDs).
Western State Bank’s money market account offers 0.50% APY on all balances. Interest is compounded and credited monthly. There is no minimum balance required and no monthly fees, although a $5,000 initial deposit is required. However, even if you drop below that amount later, you’ll still receive the 0.50% APY.
Western State Bank is a Midwestern, employee-owned regional bank with locations in North Dakota and Arizona.
Source: https://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/earning-interest/best-money-market-rates-2017/