One way that some savers attempt to increase their returns is to put their money in a money market bank account. Money market accounts have a certain attractiveness due to their sometimes competitive rates as well as the fact that they are covered by FDIC insurance. In the most basic of terms, a money market bank account can offer the chance of better interest earnings than a traditional savings account, combined with the ability to access the money (on a limited basis) in a manner similar to a checking account. However, it is important to understand that money market bank accounts are not checking accounts.

How the Federal Reserve Classifies Money Market Bank Accounts

Even though it is possible to write checks from a money market bank account, realize that the Federal Reserve classifies them as savings deposit accounts; this means money market bank accounts are subject to Regulation D. It is true, though, that financial institutions set up money market deposit accounts in a way that is akin to NOW (negotiable order of withdrawal) accounts. These efforts produce a hybrid that can be attractive to savers in some instances, since there is a certain amount of flexibility combined with the possibility of earning a higher interest rate.

Since money market bank accounts are classified as savings deposit accounts, though, you are limited as to withdrawals that you can make. Regulation D rules state that you can only make six withdrawals each month from a money market bank account. (Note, though, that this is a maximum amount. Banks can choose to limit you to three or four or any number of withdrawals.) If you make more than six withdrawals a month, Regulation D requires that the financial institution move your money to an account that doesnt bear interest, or that your account be closed. Some banks and credit unions will impose the lower withdrawal limits and charge hefty fees when you violate them.

Withdrawals from a Money Market Deposit Account

Most money market bank accounts allow you to write a limited number of checks, creating easy access to your money. Some accounts will even come with a debit card, although you will need to be careful when using it; debit card transactions count toward your Regulation D limit. If you write four checks from your account, and make two debit card purchases, you will be at your limit. If your financial institution imposes lower limits, you will reach it faster and could be charged a fee. Other transactions that count toward your six include:

• Automatic transfers out of your money market account.
• Point of Sale transactions.
• Bill pay transactions.
• Automated payments.

There are certain types of transactions that do not count toward your Federal Reserve imposed limit of six withdrawals a month. You can make as many deposits as you like to a money market bank account. Additionally, you can make in-person transfers out of your account. So, if you go to the bank to transfer money from your money market bank account to another bank account, it does not count toward your six.

Also, be aware that minimum balance requirements are part of virtually any money market account. If you drop below the minimum balance, you could be charged a fee. Make sure you understand the withdrawal limits and balance requirements associated with your specific money market bank account before you open it.

Money Market Mutual Funds

Another money market product that can be attractive to savers is the money market mutual fund. However, it is vital to understand that a money market mutual fund is not a deposit account. Money market mutual funds do not come with FDIC insurance coverage, so if you lose money, it is gone just as you can lose money in any other mutual fund investment.

Some are attracted to money market mutual funds because the higher potential returns, in return for the slightly increased risk. One of the reasons that many consider money market mutual funds as safe as a deposit account is that the SEC is involved with monitoring them. Indeed, in 2010, the SEC approved reforms meant to protect investors. Additionally, some investors are drawn to the idea that there are some money market mutual funds that are tax exempt. (Although this was more attractive back when returns on these investments were higher.) You can also hold a money market fund in an IRA.

For the most part, money market mutual funds invest in securities that are traditionally quite reliable, with an average maturity that is less than 120 days. Many money market mutual funds invest in short-term government bonds (at all levels from federal to municipal) that are considered reasonably safe. Other possibilities include short-term commercial paper and corporate bonds. Returns are lower than what you might get in the stock market in some cases. In fact, sometimes returns on money market mutual funds are even lower than what you get in a high yield savings account. Automatic sweep or core options may mean that you have to choose a money market fund when you have a brokerage account. Indeed, many money market funds considered lately are the result of a desire for a safe place for their funds in a brokerage account. It can tempting to have a relatively safe investment where the money is accessible albeit in a limited fashion by check or debit card.

Even though money market funds are considered quite safe by most investors and savers, it is important to realize that there have been instances in which money market mutual funds have lost money. So there is the risk of loss that you need to be aware of.

Like a money market bank account, many money market mutual funds come with checking writing privileges and/or debit card access. However, you are likely to be limited as to your withdrawal transactions, so it is important not to get too carried away; the fees that result could be significant. Also, pay attention to other costs related to your money market mutual fund. Minimum requirements might be in place. Like any other mutual fund, there are fees to be paid. While expense ratios are generally in the neighborhood of 0.5% to 0.75% on money market mutual funds, it is still something to think about. Check into all of the fees associated with the money market mutual fund before investing.

Bottom Line

Money market accounts, whether you go with a bank deposit account or a mutual fund, can be a way to squeeze a little more yield from your cash while keeping it fairly safe for capital preservation purposes. You may even be able to beat inflation in certain instances. However, before you commit your funds, make sure you understand the limitations, requirements and fees that may be imposed.