Money Market Rates 101

Here at Money Market Rates 101, we know that our readers are constantly on the lookout for the best MMA rates available right now.  So here is an update on the latest and best money market account rates nationally.

The current and best money market rates are at Capital One Bank with a 1.35% annual percentage yield (APY) and a $1,000 minimum deposit.  Next is American Express Bank with a 1.30% APY and no minimum deposit requirement followed closely by Ally Bank with a 1.29% APY and also with no minimum requirement.

There are many other MMA rates available, of course, depending on your location and deposit amount.  WTDirect has a $10,000 minimum deposit required, but gives a 1.21% APY for it and Zion’s Bank in Utah has a 1.11% APY with a $1,000 minimum deposit.  Both ING and FNBO Direct have 1.10% APY offers with no minimum deposit requirement to open and maintain.

If any of these money market rates appeal to you, apply for yours today.  Money market account rates are subject to change and are variable, so what is listed here may not be what is offered tomorrow.  All banks listed are fully FDIC insured.

Today at Money Market Rates 101, we’re going to have a look at the latest happenings with Regions Bank money market rates.

Interest on money market rates at Regions varies according to account balances.  A $100 minimum opening deposit is required and fees are charged unless the account balance is above $2,500.  Accounts with less than $2,500 will have a yield of only 0.02% annual percentage yield (APY) and will likely lose money due to fees.

For a $2,500 to $9,999 balance, the APY is 0.05%, which stays the same for balances of $10,000 to $24,999.  At $25,000 the rate climbs to 0.10% APY.

Of course, Regions Bank is fully FDIC insured.  Rates are variable, so these Regions money market rates could change at any time.  If you already have accounts at Regions, you may qualify for special, higher Regions Bank money market rates with a Relationship offer.

These are also variable, but are about 25% higher than the standard Regions Bank money market rates.

With a Chase money market account, you get higher rates for higher balances along with the convenience of limited checking access. With the Chase Money Market rates, you can also set up the Chase Automatic Savings Program for free, which lets you transfer money automatically from your checking account to your Chase Bank Money Market savings account. Your savings account can be linked to your checking account for overdraft protection and your balance can be used to offset the monthly service fee on some checking accounts.

The minimum amount to open is $1,500 and the interest is compounded and credited monthly, based on the daily collected balance. Chase Money Market rates of interest are variable and determined daily at Chase’s discretion. Account fees, however may reduce earnings. When your Chase Bank Money Market Savings account is linked to an active Chase checking account with the Chase Better Banking package, higher relationship rates are available for you to enjoy. For those who do not have an active Chase Better Banking Checking account, non-relationship rates will apply (about 25% lower).

Debit Card purchases and cash withdrawals made outside the U.S. in a foreign currency will have a 3% exchange rate adjustment fee. There is a $3 fee for ATM withdrawal outside the U.S. and $2 each for any non-Chase ATM withdrawal, balance inquiry or transfer. Under federal regulations, only up to six pre-authorized withdrawals per monthly statement cycle is allowed with a Chase Money Market account, no more than three of which may be by check or similar order payable to a third party. This includes telephone or electronic transfers.

There is no limit on deposits or the number of withdrawals you can make from your Chase Bank Money Market at an ATM, by mail, or at a Chase branch, though. There is also a $12 monthly service fee but is waived if the minimum daily balance is $1,500 or more, or if linked to a Chase Better Banking Checking account.

Regions Bank is a major financial institution with its home base in Birmingham, Alabama. The bank offers a number of investment opportunities. Regions Bank money market rates depend on a number of factors including national economic outlook, regulatory directives and orders and the general financial health of the company. Following are the money market rates at Regions as of June 2010.

A basic account under the money market option at the bank can be opened for $100. Regions Money Market rates for an investment of up to $2,499 are calculated with an APY of 0.02%. A monthly fee of $10 is deducted in case the account holders fail to maintain a minimum balance of $2,500. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly on collected balances.

An investment from $2,500 to $9,999 will accrue an APY of 0.05% whereas an investment in the range of $10,000 to $24,999 will also return an APY of 0.05%. Investments greater than this amount accrue an APY of 0.10%.

The bank also offers Platinum Relationship accounts that require a minimum opening balance of $15,000 and a checking account in the bank with direct deposit. It can also be opened if a customer has a checking account with $2,500 in balance. An APY of 0.10% is offered to customers with up to $4,999 in deposit. An APY of 0.25% is offered to those with up to $19,999 in the account and an APY of 0.50% is offered to those with up to $29,999 in their accounts. Highest returns are possible on an investment of $100,000 or more with 0.75% in APY.

Money market does not offer the same high yield rates as are available in certificates of deposits. Yields are however higher than average savings account especially those with lower maturity dates.

The best money market rates in US, as of May 2010, are as follows. Sallie Mae is offering the highest APY at 1.40% and it does not have any minimum deposit requirements.

US best money market rates with the second highest APY are offered by Discover Bank and Capital One Direct Banking; they are both offering an APY of 1.35% and ask for a minimum deposit of $500 and $2,500, respectively.

American Express Bank ESB offers an APY of 1.30% and does not have any minimum deposit requirement. Colorado Federal Savings Bank and newdominionDIRECT.com are also offering an APY of 1.30% but ask for an opening balance of $2,500 and $3,000, respectively.

Ally Bank rates are also included among the best money markets. They are currently estimated at 1.29% APY with no requirement of minimum balance. EverBank offers an APY of 1.26% for a minimum opening balance of $1,500. FNBO Direct is offering an APY of 1.25% for a minimum opening balance of $1. OneWest Bank and Nationwide Bank are also offering an APY of 1.25% and have a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000. Other banks whose APY is greater than 1.20% include iGobanking.com and giantbank.com; both of them are offering an APY of 1.21% with a minimum deposit requirement of $1 and $1,000, respectively.

Money markets cannot be considered as equivalent of certificates of deposits and other savings accounts. They offer higher yields but there are enough fluctuations in the market that can nip the profits of an investor. They are changed on an almost daily basis but monthly averages are taken out to give an accurate figure.

The best money market rates in US, as of May 2010, are as follows. Sallie Mae is offering the highest APY at 1.40% and there is no minimum deposit requirement.

The second best money market rates 2010 with the highest APY are offered by Discover Bank and Capital One Direct Banking; they are currently offering an APY of 1.35% and ask for a minimum deposit of $500 and $2,500, respectively.

American Express Bank FSB offers an APY of 1.30% and does not have any minimum deposit requirement. Dollar Savings Direct and newdominionDIRECT.com are also offering 1.30% APY but ask for an opening balance of $1,000 and $3,000, respectively.

Ally Bank’s best MMA rates hover around 1.29% APY with no requirement of minimum balance. EverBank offers an APY of 1.26% for a minimum opening balance of $1,500. Sallie Mae is also offering the same APY and has no requirement for minimum opening balance. FNBO Direct is offering an APY of 1.25% for a minimum opening balance of $1 and iGOBanking.com offers an APY of 1.20% for no minimum opening balance requirement. Other banks are offering rates lower than 1.20% threshold.

Here at Money Market Rates 101, we know that you are always on the lookout for the best rates and offers from area and regional banks.  Today, we’re looking at First Florida CU to show you what they offer.

First Florida Credit Union offers a diverse range of financial products in its home state. The company has seen expansion and rising profits as more people have become aware of its existence and are investing money in the company. First Florida Credit Union money market accounts remain popular with investors as they have relatively higher yields and provide greater security of investment.

First Florida money market rates as of April 2010 are as follows. Security Plus More account of the credit union is currently offering an APY of 1.00% for a minimum deposit of $2,500. High Yield Money Market Account of the company is offering an APY of 1.25% with the minimum deposit requirement is ten times greater than the basic account at $25, 000.

First Florida Credit Union rates for its Platinum Money Market Account are currently estimated to yield 1.50% with a minimum investment of $50,000. The basic interest bearing checking account at the bank currently yields an APY of 0.50% and this rate is also valid for the savings account.

All rates are subject to change depending on the financial position of the company and national economic conditions. Regulatory procedures and rules and regulations may also alter the interest rates and APY of these accounts. The bank reserves the right to impose penalty in case of any violation of the user agreement or early withdrawal of money. Further details are available on the company website and customers can also make calls to the official contact center.

We here at Money Market Rates 101 know that money markets do not offer the same high yield rates as one can find in certificates of deposits or other savings accounts. Yields are higher but there are rapid fluctuations that can change the fortunes of an investor. A regular update is necessary for investors to abreast themselves with the latest financial indicators.

The best money market rates in US, as of April 2010, are as follows. Bank of Internet USA is offering the highest APY at 1.40% and there is a minimum deposit requirement of $100 for this account.

US best money market rates with the second highest APY are offered by Discover Bank and Colorado Federal Savings Bank; they are currently offering an APY of 1.35% and ask for a minimum deposit of $500 and $2,500, respectively.

American Express Bank ESB offers an APY of 1.30% and does not have any minimum deposit requirement. Dollar Savings Direct and newdominionDIRECT.com are also offering 1.30% APY but ask for an opening balance of $1,000 and $3,000, respectively.

Ally Bank money market rates hover around 1.29% APY with no requirement of minimum balance. EverBank offers an APY of 1.26% for a minimum opening balance of $1,500. Sallie Mae is also offering the same APY and has no requirement for minimum opening balance. Capital One Direct Banking is offering an APY of 1.25% for a minimum opening balance of $2,500 and AIG Bank offers an APY of 1.20% for minimum opening balance of $10,000.

Everbank has emerged as a major financial institution in the United States. It has yet to achieve the financial stability as enjoyed by the major financial institutions of the US but the bank is surely on its steady path to success. It has started offering many new accounts with lucrative offers to lure more customers. Everbank money market account has become the talk of the financial town in recent months. The company is offering a standard annual high yield rate of 1.51%. The account is called Yield Pledge Money Market account and claims to offer one of the highest rates in the financial market.

Everbank money market promises its account holders that their accounts will be kept in the top five percent of the competitive accounts in the Leading Index of national banks and thrifts. It also offers a starting rate of 2.25% as a three month bonus rate but the year long rate remains 1.51%.

The rates for money markets at Everbank are calculated after taking into account the national economic atmosphere and financial conditions. These rates are subject to change and the bank cannot promise the highest rates during extended periods of time. Latest information about rates is available on the company website to help visitors with deciding about their investment strategies. General rules and regulations apply on the high yield account and the bank might deduct some money in case of violations of user agreement or early withdrawals.

Here at Money Market Rates 101, we like to occasionally do an overview of how rates are doing market-wide.  Today, we’re looking at February’s top performers.

Best money market rates are not offered by a single financial institution. One of the best money market rates is offered by the San Diego-based Bank of Internet USA. The bank is currently offering an APY of 1.50% for a basic investment of $100.

Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Bank also offers one of the best money market rates. It offers an APY of 1.45% for a minimum investment of $1,000. Capital One Direct Banking also offers an APY of 1.45% but its minimum deposit limit is relatively higher at $2,500.

Dollar Savings Direct offers an APY of 1.40% for a minimum deposit of $1,000. Ally Bank, famous for not asking for any minimum deposit, offers an APY of 1.39%. EverBank is currently offering an APY of 1.26% for a minimum deposit of $1,500. WTDirect also offers an APY of 1.26% but it asks for a minimum deposit of $10,000. FNBO Direct, on the other hand, does not have any minimum deposit requirement and offers the same APY. HSBC Advance offers an APY of 1.20% for a minimum deposit of $1.

The best rates 2010 are thus currently offered by the Bank of Internet USA with its 1.50% APY. None of the rates mentioned above are not accompanied by monthly fees or other charges. Banks does impose penalties on violation of the customer agreements but otherwise do not levy any extra charges. Almost all of the banks now offer money market accounts through their respective websites.