Comparing Business Accounts: Standard vs. Money Market Savings

For business owners, choosing between a business savings account and a business money market account can make a significant impact on your bottom line. Whether you’re saving for future investments, maintaining a cash cushion for seasonal slowdowns, or optimizing idle capital, understanding the difference between savings and money market business accounts is essential.

At Sunwest Bank, both account types offer interest-bearing deposit accounts backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), but they differ in terms of accessibility, earning potential, and strategic use. Let’s explore how each account works and which one may be the right fit for your business.

Why Business Savings Accounts Matter

Business savings accounts are a foundational tool for financial strategy, helping companies optimize idle funds, prepare for future investments, and maintain a cushion for seasonal cash flow fluctuations. At Sunwest Bank, we understand that the goals of business banking go beyond simply storing capital. Our deposit accounts are designed to help you earn interest, manage liquidity, and gain better control of your company’s financial future.

Whether you need a secure place for emergency reserves or a flexible account that maximizes returns, Sunwest Bank offers a range of business savings options—including traditional savings accounts and tiered money market deposit accounts. Knowing the difference between money market and savings products is key to making an informed choice.

What Is a Business Savings Account?

A business savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account that allows companies to set aside funds for short-term or long-term goals. Unlike a checking account, which is used for daily transactions, a savings account is designed for limited activity while earning interest on deposited funds.

At Sunwest Bank, our business savings accounts feature tiered interest rates, FDIC insurance up to $250,000, and minimal barriers to entry—with opening deposits starting at just $100. This makes them an ideal choice for startups, sole proprietors, or companies looking to gradually build reserves over time.

What Is a Business Money Market Account?

A business money market account (MMA) functions similarly to a savings account but typically offers higher interest rates and greater flexibility. Sunwest Bank’s Tiered Super Savings Money Market Account is structured with four balance tiers, each offering a progressively higher annual percentage yield (APY) as your average balance increases.

While regular savings accounts and MMAs are both interest-bearing deposit accounts with benefits like unlimited withdrawals, online banking access, and FDIC insurance, one of the biggest differences between a money market account vs. savings is MMAs is their intended use. They are particularly effective for companies with fluctuating cash reserves or large idle balances seeking better returns without locking funds into long-term investments.

In addition to the Tiered Super Savings MMA, Sunwest Bank also offers the Fortress Money Market Account—a premium option with even higher APY potential, designed for businesses maintaining balances above $100,000. With FDIC insurance and access to Sunwest’s robust treasury management tools, it’s a strong choice for growing firms or those managing significant reserves.

Comparing Sunwest’s Savings and Money Market Accounts

To help you quickly evaluate which account type may be right for your business, here’s a side-by-side comparison of core features:

When to Use a Business Savings Account

If your business needs a simple, secure place to set aside capital, the Business Savings Account may be the right choice. This account is best suited for:

• Emergency funds or contingency planning
• Saving for future taxes or planned expenses
• Low-activity businesses that don’t require frequent withdrawals

With straightforward terms and minimal fees, it provides a stable and dependable savings environment for new businesses and lean operations.

When to Use a Money Market Savings Account

The Tiered Super Savings Money Market Account is ideal for more established businesses or those with higher liquidity. It’s a strong fit for:

• Businesses with large average balances seeking higher returns
• Companies that require flexible access to funds
• Organizations with seasonal income who want to optimize idle capital during high-revenue months

Its tiered structure and unlimited withdrawals set it apart from traditional savings accounts, especially for businesses looking to maximize interest earnings without sacrificing liquidity.

Background: The Rise of Tiered Interest Accounts

In recent years, financial institutions including Sunwest Bank have introduced tiered interest rate structures as a way to reward businesses for saving more. Unlike fixed-rate accounts, tiered accounts scale earnings with your balance, creating a built-in incentive to maintain higher deposits.

While traditional savings accounts and money market funds offered at a bank or credit union may deliver modest yields, tiered money market deposit accounts combine safety, flexibility, and the ability to earn interest at increasingly competitive rates. This evolution in deposit products gives businesses more control and customization over their financial strategy.

Understanding Monthly Maintenance Fees and Minimums

All deposit accounts come with some level of cost or requirement. Sunwest Bank’s business savings and money market options are no exception. Understanding minimum balance requirements and monthly maintenance fees helps avoid surprises and optimize account benefits.

• Savings Account: $15 per quarter, waived with a $1,000 daily balance
• Money Market Account: $15 per month, waived with a $2,500 daily or $5,000 average balance

Carefully monitoring your balances can keep your account fee-free while continuing to earn interest.

Maximize Your Financial Strategy with Sunwest Bank

Ultimately, both the business savings and money market account options at Sunwest Bank are designed to help you earn interest, manage excess capital, and support your company’s long-term financial goals.

If you prefer simplicity, minimal fees, and secure savings, our Business Savings Account is a dependable choice. If your business maintains higher balances and you’re looking to boost returns while preserving liquidity, our Tiered Super Savings Money Market Account may be the smarter path forward.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Sunwest Bank today to open your business deposit account and speak with one of our business banking specialists. We’ll help you choose the solution that aligns best with your cash flow, savings goals, and growth strategy.