The investing material on this website is merely provided for educational purposes. NerdWallet does not offer brokerage or advisory services to investors, nor does it advise them whether to buy or sell a particular stock, security, or other investment.
Interest-bearing federally insured savings accounts include certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts (MMAs). Their prices and degrees of accessibility, however, differ.
A CD's term must pass before funds may be accessed, and its interest rates are frequently higher than those of money market accounts. Early withdrawals are typically penalized, such as paying interest for a few months to a full year. Money is locked up for a predetermined amount of months or years. Typically, CD interest rates are fixed. (Research the foundations of CD.)
Money market accounts often offer regular savings account rates and access to funds. Both allow fee-free withdrawals of funds, and interest rates are subject to change over time. Checks are occasionally available at MMAs. However, the minimum balance requirements are often higher. Money market accounts (MMAs), a type of investment, differ from money market funds. Other names for them are money market deposit accounts and accounts.
Comparing money market accounts and CDs isn't fair because of how differently they are structured, so let's break it down.
Money market accounts are better than CDs if you want an account that is simpler to access. Simple deposits and withdrawals can be made with money market accounts utilizing personal checks, ATM cards, online banking, and mobile devices. Check once more if a bank provides ATM cards or personal checks with money market accounts. Your major restriction you are allowed per statement cycle.
CDs' entire purpose is to limit your money's access. After opening an account and depositing your first sum, you cannot add or remove funds without incurring a heavy fee. This might be advantageous for you, though, if you tend to spend more money than you make. If so, a money market account might give you too much flexibility.
Regarding interest rates, money market accounts may be the greatest choice. Rates on short-term CDs and regular savings accounts are frequently lower than MMA rates. Money market accounts typically have two or longer periods and can provide better rates than CDs. If the CD rate is higher than the interest on a money market account, you will likely have to wait a while before you can access the money. A money market account can occasionally be chosen over a CD.
You need to be able to make contributions and withdrawals of cash regularly. Over time, an MMA can enable you to save money. Additionally, withdrawals from MMAs are restricted to six per month, excluding ATM and in-person withdrawals, just like regular savings accounts. Each bank has its limitations; some may have none, while others may charge fees for exceeding six. You want benefits similar to those of a bank account. In some MMAs, services like checking accounts are often required to use debit cards, use ATMs, or make cheques.
You choose the compromise between easy access and a stable rate. Some MMAs stand out because they have high-interest rates, but it's best to contrast them with high-yield savings accounts.
It would help if you decided on a rate. Bank accounts with the highest yields are typically CDs.
Your risk should be as low as possible. CDs are safe investments that don't fluctuate in value as much as stocks do.
You enjoy setting aside a predetermined amount in savings for a big purchase that won't happen for several months or years. A CD cannot be used to make deposits or withdrawals until its term has ended. This is helpful if you want a safe place to store money aside for pricey purchases like a car or a down payment.
More high-yield choices are required than what MMAs normally offer. High-yield savings accounts often have greater interest rates than usual, especially those offered by online banks. They may be more cost-effective than many MMAs while allowing you to maintain control over your budget. Check out the best online savings accounts.
The increased minimum balance requirements that MMAs and CDs might have shouldn't worry you. Savings accounts typically have the lowest opening and ongoing balance requirements of the three banking products. Many high-yield savings choices have no monthly fees, but others may have minimum balance requirements in order to achieve the best rates.
watch next