Money Market Accounts Worth Considering in 2026
A middle ground between checking and savings — with check-writing privileges and competitive yields. When an MMA beats an HYSA, and when it doesn't.
What an MMA actually is
A money market account (MMA) is a deposit account (FDIC-insured, not to be confused with money market funds) that pays higher interest than checking but offers limited check-writing or debit-card access — making it useful for cash you want to keep liquid but slightly out of reach.
Top picks
- Quontic Bank Money Market — 5.00% APY, $100 minimum, debit card and checks.
- Vio Bank Cornerstone Money Market — 5.30% APY, $100 minimum.
- Sallie Mae Money Market — 4.85% APY, no minimum, includes check writing.
- CFG Bank High Yield Money Market — 5.25% APY, $1,000 to open.
MMA vs. HYSA — when each wins
Pick an MMA if you:
- Want occasional check-writing for big purchases (deductible, contractor, gift).
- Need a place for earnest money or insurance payouts that you'll deploy soon.
- Have $10,000+ and want the slightly higher tier rates.
Pick an HYSA if you:
- Don't need checks.
- Want the simplest rate-chasing setup.
- Are comfortable doing transfers through your phone.
What about money market funds?
Money market funds (like SPAXX, VMFXX, SWVXX) are brokerage products, not bank accounts. They often pay slightly more (5.10–5.30%) and are extremely safe but not FDIC-insured. For brokerage cash, they're excellent. For the cash you treat as "savings," stick with an FDIC-insured MMA or HYSA.
Bottom line
For most households, an HYSA is simpler and good enough. But if you regularly write checks to contractors, the IRS, or charities — or want a separate bucket for emergency funds with deliberate friction — a money market account at 5%+ is a perfectly reasonable choice in 2026.