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What's the Difference Between a Checking, Savings, and Money Market Account?

When you open a bank account, you’ll find several types to choose from. The most common are checking, savings, and money market accounts. Each has its own features, benefits, and best uses. Some help you manage your spending. Others help your money grow.

Here, learn the difference between a checking, savings, and money market account. Then, pick the one that fits your needs.

What Is a Checking Account?

A checking account is made for spending. You use it for everyday things like buying groceries, paying bills, or getting cash from an ATM. Many people have their paycheck sent straight to their checking account through direct deposit.

You can access your money with a debit card, checks, or online and mobile banking. Many banks also offer tools that help you track spending or set alerts for low balances.

Here are some of the benefits of checking accounts:

Easy access to money anytime.
Comes with a debit card and you may also choose to order checks (there may be a fee for purchasing checks).
Good for bill pay and direct deposit.
FDIC insured — Deposits are insured up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.

And, some of the downsides are:

Typically pays low or no interest.
May charge monthly or overdraft fees.

So, let’s imagine you get paid every two weeks and use your debit card for gas, groceries, and bills. A checking account helps you manage all of this in one place. You can use a high-interest checking account to earn on your balance if you can meet the minimum balance requirements.

What Is a Savings Account?

A savings account can help you put money aside. It’s made for saving, not spending. You earn interest on your balance, which means your money grows over time.

Many people use savings accounts to build an emergency fund or save for something big, like a vacation or car. It’s a safe place to store money that you don’t need right away. Note that saving is not the same as investing.

Some of the advantages of a savings account are:

You can earn interest on your balance.
Usually comes with low or no monthly fees.
Helps build good saving habits.
FDIC insured.

While there are disadvantages like:

May offer lower interest than other possible options.
Usually comes with limited withdrawals each month.
Not ideal for daily purchases.

If you want to save, say, $1,000 for emergencies, a savings account offers a safe, low-risk way to set money aside. If this sounds like what you need, learn how to start saving with small deposits and explore savings education resources.

What Is a Money Market Account?

A money market account (MMA) is like a mix between checking and savings. It often can earn more interest than a regular savings account. It may also let you write a few checks or use a debit card. In other words, your money isn’t fully stuck in an MMA.

MMAs often require a higher minimum balance. In return, they offer higher interest rates and more flexibility than a savings account.

Some of the pros of an MMA include:

Tends to earn higher interest than standard savings.
Can offer limited check writing or debit use.
FDIC insured.

Still, there are some cons such as:

Requires a higher balance to avoid fees.
There may be limits on withdrawals and transfers.
Not as flexible as checking.

For example, if you have $10,000 you don’t need to spend right away, a money market account could help you earn more interest while still keeping the money accessible. If you think this might be the best option, learn more about what an MMA is and how it works.

Checking vs. Savings vs. Money Market: Key Differences

Each type of account helps you manage your money in a different way.

First, a checking account is best for daily spending.

Some of the key features of checking include:

You can use it often, and it usually comes with a debit card and checks.
It doesn’t earn much interest, if any, but it gives you easy access to your money anytime.
You usually don’t need a high balance to keep it open.
There are no limits on how often you can take money out.

A savings account may be better for short-term goals, like building an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

The main characteristics of a savings account are:

Your money earns a small amount of interest.
It can keep your money safe and separate from everyday spending.
You might be able to get a debit card, but you’ll be allowed fewer withdrawals.
The minimum balance needed is often low.

An MMA can be a good choice if you have more money saved and want to earn more interest.

A few central features of an MMA are:

It combines some features of both checking and savings.
You can usually get a debit card and/or check-writing ability.
There are still limits on how often you can take out money.
These accounts usually require a higher balance to open or avoid fees.

So, the main differences are how often you plan to use the money, how much interest you want to earn, and how much you can keep in the account.

How To Choose the Right Account for You

Still not sure which one is right for you?

Ask yourself a few questions:

Do you need continual access to your money? If so, you may want to go with a checking account.
Are you trying to build a savings habit? In this case, you might start with a savings account.
Do you have a larger balance and want to earn more? If that is the case, an MMA might be the best fit.

You can also use more than one account. Most people open checking and savings accounts simultaneously. You can connect checking and savings accounts to make use of several benefits. The perks can include features like overdraft protection and round-up savings.

MMAs can complement your banking even further by offering a place to keep and grow extra funds. Moreover, checking, savings, and MMAs aren’t the only type of accounts to explore.

Some other types of accounts Centier offers are:

The right account for you depends on your needs and financial goals. Use our savings goal calculator for more insights into what it will take to reach them.

Pick the Best Account With Centier by Your Side

Knowing the difference between a checking, savings, and money market account gives you more control over your money. Checking accounts are for spending. Savings accounts help you set money aside. Money market accounts let you grow your savings faster with a bit more flexibility.

Choosing the right one depends on your goals. You might want all three for different reasons. And as your life changes, so can your accounts.

Want help picking the best account for your needs? Connect with Centier today.