Money Market Account vs. Savings Account: Which Should You Choose? - NerdWallet (2024)

Trying to choose between a money market account versus a savings account? Since an MMA is a type of savings account, the choice isn’t so much between two very different kinds of accounts. It's more of a question of what type of savings account is best for you.

Both bank deposit accounts typically earn interest, but there are some differences between the two. MMAs typically offer debit cards and the ability to write a few checks each month, for example, while regular savings accounts don’t. But high-yield savings accounts have advantages that could make them the better choice. Read more about the differences and similarities between the two types of accounts and how to choose which one is best for you.

Ease of access

MMAs can make it easier to access your money quickly as they often offer a debit card and check-writing capabilities. It is unusual for a savings account to offer a debit card or checks for purchases, though some do offer an ATM card for withdrawing cash. If a savings account doesn’t offer an ATM card, however, the only practical ways to withdraw money are to visit a branch (not an option with online banks), electronically transfer the funds to an external savings or checking account (which could take a few minutes or a few days) or have a check mailed to you (which could take even longer).

But MMAs shouldn’t be confused with checking and other everyday spending accounts. Having access to a debit card could make it easier to reach your money in an emergency, but a money market account shouldn’t be used for everyday spending.

Both money market accounts and savings accounts can limit the number of certain kinds of withdrawals to six per month. Go over that limit, and you could be charged a fee for each excess transaction. (Withdrawals made in person or from ATMs typically don’t count against the six-per-month cap.)

The limit was previously a federal requirement, but the Federal Reserve Board removed the rule in 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, an institution can still charge the fee. Before opening an account, whether it’s savings or a money market, you’ll want to check your financial institution's rules.

Fees and APYs

Typically, a brick-and-mortar (or traditional) bank's money market account has higher monthly service fees but offers a better interest rate compared to its savings account. But online savings and MMA accounts don’t always follow that pattern — they both tend to have competitive rates and low or no monthly fees. In fact, the best online savings accounts offer some of the best rates around, even better than some money market account yields.

Federal insurance

Generally, both money market and savings accounts are federally insured. Federal insurance means if a bank were to fail, you would not lose your money, up to the insured balance. Accounts at banks are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. (A “single account” is one ownership category, for example, and a “joint account” is another.) With credit unions, the account is typically federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, also up to $250,000 per share owner, per credit union and per ownership category.

(Note that there is a similar-sounding product, called a money market fund, which is actually an investment and is not federally insured. You can read our primer on money market funds to learn more.)

Here’s a list of online money market and online savings offerings from a few institutions, along with their respective annual percentage yields. All of the accounts listed have no monthly service fees, assuming you receive e-statements andunless otherwise noted.

Look for accounts with high APYs and low or no monthly fees. Then, consider how quickly you might need to access your funds.

If you won’t need immediate access to your funds, then an online savings account with a high APY could be a great choice.

If you don’t plan to write checks, but do plan to make cash withdrawals, a high-yield savings account with an ATM card could be a solid option. If you want to earn more interest than a checking account offers and have the ability to write an occasional check or make a debit card purchase, a money market account that offers both could fit your needs.

Money market accounts and savings accounts can help you build up your savings. While MMAs may offer easier access, high-yield savings accounts could be a strong choice because of their high APYs and minimal requirements. Take a look at the best savings accounts and the best money market accounts to weigh your options.