National Average Money Market Account Rates — December 2025 Update

National average money market account rates saw modest movement in December 2025 as a mix of central bank policy signals and competitive bank offerings shaped short-term yields. After a period of elevated policy rates earlier in the year, many institutions adjusted deposit pricing across money market accounts (MMAs) to reflect evolving expectations about interest-rate trajectories and liquidity demand heading into year-end.

Online banks and fintech challengers continued to present some of the most attractive advertised yields, while brick-and-mortar institutions tended to lag due to higher operating costs and local competition. For consumers, the gap between top-tier online MMAs and the national average remains a key opportunity: shoppers who compare APYs, minimum-balance requirements, and fee structures can often capture materially higher returns without sacrificing FDIC protection or daily liquidity.

December’s rate movements were also influenced by portfolio rebalancing flows and seasonal deposit shifts, as households reallocated cash after holiday spending and tax-planning decisions. Money market accounts, prized for their combination of liquidity and typically higher yields than standard savings accounts, responded differently across providers: some firms trimmed advertised rates slightly, citing funding cost improvements, while others held rates steady to retain deposit balances.

For savers deciding where to park cash, consider three practical steps: (1) Compare annual percentage yields (APYs) and check whether promotional rates are time-limited; (2) Review fees, minimums, and transaction limits that can erode returns; (3) Verify FDIC insurance and consider laddering across institutions for larger balances.

Looking ahead to early 2026, MMA rates are likely to track broader short-term market rates and any shifts in Federal Reserve guidance. That means savers should keep monitoring rate tables and provider announcements while taking advantage of competitive offers that match their liquidity needs. For conservative savers prioritizing access and safety, MMAs remain a flexible option to earn incremental yield on cash without locking funds into longer-term certificates.