CDs vs. MMAs vs. Savings Accounts

Choosing the right type of savings account can be confusing. Are you better off with a certificate of deposit (CD)? A traditional savings account? A money market account (MMA)? In some ways, these three types of savings accounts are similar.

They're all taxable accounts you can open at a bank or credit union, and are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Each account has pros and cons, and the right choice will be different depending on how much money you have and your personal needs.

Traditional Savings Accounts

These simple accounts are one of the most basic ways to bank your money. A savings account is a good choice for a young person’s first bank account, or for anyone who needs easy access to their cash. Most banks don’t require a large deposit to open a savings account.

Often $25 is sufficient. You may need to keep a minimum balance in the account to avoid a monthly fee, which can range from $25 to $1,000, depending on the bank and the account.

If your savings and checking accounts are with the same bank, you'll likely be able to easily transfer money between the accounts or use your savings account for overdraft protection. A linked savings account makes it especially easy to move money from your savings to your checking account.

You won’t be penalized for withdrawals from your savings account, but you won’t earn that much in interest either. One exception is a high-yield savings account, which offers significantly higher interest rates. These are typically at online-only banks and offer some of the best savings account rates.

Who Savings Accounts Are Good for

• Students and children beginning their relationship with a bank
• Anyone who wants unfettered access to their cash, without penalty

Money Market Accounts (MMAs)

Another type of savings account, money market accounts (MMAs) are similar to traditional savings accounts but often require that you have more money to save. Typically, you’ll need a larger deposit to open the account—$1,000 is common—and will need to maintain a higher balance to avoid fees (this can be as high as $5,000); however, you’ll be rewarded with a higher interest rate.

Unlike traditional savings accounts, which pay a flat annual interest rate, many MMAs have a tiered interest rate, with higher rates for larger balances. This makes them desirable for those who are able to maintain a high daily balance in the account. Another perk offered by many MMAs is the ability to write checks from the account.

Who MMAs Are Good for

• Individuals with large amounts of cash to deposit, who don't need daily or weekly access to their money

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

When you purchase a certificate of deposit (CD) from a bank, you are allowing the bank to use your money for a fixed period of time, which means you will face a steep fine for early withdrawals; however, the interest rates are higher for CDs than for traditional savings accounts or MMAs, making them desirable for those who can make large deposits without needing access to the money during the CD’s term.

Terms can be as short as a month or as long as ten years. You can find CDs with no minimum, but typically the required initial deposit is larger, often $1,000 or more.

Like with MMAs, higher balances on CDs tend to offer higher rates. CDs generally have fixed interest rates, but some banks offer variable-rate CDs as well. It's important to keep in mind that the particular bank you select and the length of your term can have a large impact on your interest rate. Shop around to find the top CD rates as they change frequently.

Who CDs Are Good for

• Individuals who do not need access to their money for several months to several years at a time
• Larger (or jumbo) CDs often get higher interest rates, so individuals with a larger deposit amount will see a better return

The Bottom Line

When deciding if a traditional savings account, MMA, or CD is best for you, you’ll need to consider how much you can deposit initially, how frequently you will need access to your savings, and how much you’d like to earn in interest.

If you might need your money for bills or emergencies, a traditional savings account or MMA is the best choice. If you can afford to leave a larger sum of money untouched for a long stretch of time, a CD may be the better option.