Best money market account rates today, December 2, 2025 (Earn up to 4.26% APY)

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, along with liquidity and flexibility, making them suitable for long-term savings that may be accessed for purchases or bills [1] Interest Rates - The national average interest rate for MMAs is currently 0.59%, while the best rates can exceed 4% APY, similar to high-yield savings accounts [3] - By late 2023, many MMAs were offering rates of 4.00% or higher, with some accounts in 2024 providing rates above 5% APY [7] - The highest MMA rate available today is 4.26% APY [13] Historical Context - MMA rates have fluctuated significantly due to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate, particularly during economic events such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic [4][5][6] - Following the 2008 crisis, MMA rates were low, typically between 0.10% and 0.50%, but began to rise as the economy improved and the Fed increased interest rates [5][6] - The aggressive interest rate hikes initiated by the Fed in 2022 to combat inflation resulted in historically high deposit rates for MMAs [7] Account Features - When selecting an MMA, factors beyond interest rates should be considered, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, which can affect overall value [9] - Some MMAs may require a minimum balance of $5,000 or more to earn the highest rates, and monthly maintenance fees can reduce interest earnings [10] - There are competitive MMAs available without balance requirements or fees, emphasizing the importance of comparing options [10] Insurance and Safety - It is crucial to ensure that the chosen MMA is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which protects deposits up to $250,000 per institution, per depositor [11]