Free money market account (mma) calculator
Calculate money market account earnings — enter balance, APY, and term to see monthly and annual interest and compare to a standard savings account, updated live, as you type.
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Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
How the money market account calculator works
A money market account (MMA) is an FDIC-insured deposit account that typically earns a higher APY than a standard savings account while still letting you withdraw or transfer funds without a fixed-term penalty. The calculator projects how your balance grows by applying the published APY to your starting deposit over your chosen time horizon — no contributions needed, though you can add them.
Most MMAs compound interest daily or monthly. Because the quoted rate is already expressed as APY, the annual formula captures the full compounding effect without needing to know the bank's internal compounding frequency. For long-term projections the difference between daily and monthly compounding is negligible; APY removes that variable entirely.
Worked example: $20,000 MMA at 4.5% APY for 2 years
Sam deposits $20,000 into a high-yield money market account paying 4.5% APY. She makes no additional contributions and plans to leave it untouched for 2 years.
MMA growth at common balances and APYs
The table below shows projected MMA balances for four deposit sizes across two typical rate tiers. Rates shown reflect high-yield online MMAs; the national average (often below 0.7%) would produce far lower figures.
| Balance | 3.5% — 1 yr | 4.0% — 1 yr | 4.5% — 2 yr | 5.0% — 3 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $5,175 | $5,200 | $5,461 | $5,788 |
| $10,000 | $10,350 | $10,400 | $10,920 | $11,576 |
| $25,000 | $25,875 | $26,000 | $27,301 | $28,940 |
| $50,000 | $51,750 | $52,000 | $54,601 | $57,881 |
Source: FDIC national MMA rate survey; high-yield tier rates mid-2025. Assumes no additional contributions.
Tips for getting the most from a money market account
MMAs sit at the intersection of liquidity and yield — they outpay standard savings but stay fully accessible. These habits help you maximise that advantage.
- Compare MMAs and high-yield savings accounts side by side — the products overlap significantly. An HYSA at the same APY is equally valid; the tiebreaker is minimum balance requirements and transaction limits.
- Watch for tiered rates — many MMAs pay the advertised APY only on balances above a threshold (e.g., $10,000+). Falling below that floor can cut your rate dramatically.
- Use it as your emergency fund home — FDIC coverage, same-day liquidity, and a yield 4–6× the national savings average make an MMA ideal for 3–6 months of expenses.
- Confirm transaction limits — federal Regulation D was relaxed in 2020, but some banks still impose a 6-transfer monthly limit. Excessive transfers can result in fees or account conversion.
- Re-shop the rate every 6 months — MMA rates are variable and track the Fed funds rate. When the Fed cuts rates, your yield can drop within weeks. Keep a shortlist of competing accounts.
Accuracy and limitations
This calculator assumes a fixed APY for the entire projection period. MMA rates are variable and can be changed by the bank at any time — often within days of a Federal Reserve rate decision. The formula assumes no additional deposits or withdrawals. Actual results will differ if you contribute, withdraw, or if your balance crosses a rate tier threshold during the period.
This calculator is provided for educational and planning purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor per institution. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making deposit or investment decisions.
Money market account terms defined
About this money market account calculator
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