Money Market Account [UK Banking 101]

If you’re looking for more information on a Money market account in the UK, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about opening and maintaining a UK money market account. This will include the pros and cons, and important nuances.

Additionally, we’ll also share some alternative options you may want to consider instead, including banks in Malta, the Channel Islands, and elsewhere.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Money Market Accounts in the UK
  2. Alternatives to a UK Money Market Account
  3. How Do Money Market Funds Work?
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Ready to Explore Your Options?

Money Market Accounts in the UK

Money market accounts in the UK are interest-bearing accounts that can be opened by both individuals and businesses. In most cases, UK money market accounts have minimum deposits, earn interest monthly, and can be opened in several major currencies.

The advantages offered by a money market account include easy access to funds and that they are relatively safe compared to other investment options.

That said, there are disadvantages that prospective account holders should be aware of as well, including low returns, fees, restrictions, and minimum deposits.

For example, depending on the bank that you are considering opening accounts with, you need to deposit between 5,000 to 10,000 GBP.

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Alternatives to a UK Money Market Account

As mentioned above, there are alternatives to opening a money market account in the UK. For example, individuals and businesses can consider opening accounts in offshore jurisdictions like Malta, Cyprus, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, or Jersey.

In most cases, it is possible to find deposit accounts offering higher returns in such offshore jurisdictions. However, opening bank accounts as a non-resident in these jurisdictions is not always easy. We share the process to navigate your options using GlobalBanks IQ below.

How Do Money Market Funds Work?

Money market funds refer to a type of mutual fund. As a result, they are considered low-risk, low-cost, and highly diversified. For example, major UK fund managers offer a money market fund that is spread across more than 50 low-risk assets. However, like any investment, it’s important that you consider whether these low-risk assets match your specific risk tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people interested in money market accounts in the UK. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

Are There Money Market Accounts in UK?

Yes, there are money market accounts in the UK. In most cases, this account allows the account holder to receive a slighter higher return than holding their deposits in a savings or current account.

Is a Money Market Account a Good Investment?

Whether a money market account is a good investment ultimately depends on the individual considering opening the account. Likewise, consideration needs to be given to the other alternatives available. For example, the opportunity cost of placing funds in a money market account instead of investing in the stock market or commodities.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Money Market Account?

Money market accounts have several disadvantages that prospective account holders should consider. These disadvantages include low returns compared to other investments, fees of opening and maintaining the account, withdrawal restrictions after funds have been deposited, minimum deposits to open the account, and loss of purchasing power while the account is active.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you would like assistance navigating your banking options at home or abroad, we can help.

You can access GlobalBanks IQ, our international banking intelligence platform, in just a few clicks. Unlock our bank database, individual bank profiles, account opening strategies and reports, banker scripts, and more.

But, if you want a 100% personalized account opening service that taps into our team’s expertise and provides direct banker introductions, you can get started with GlobalBanks Insider.

Of course, if you have any questions, please contact us directly.

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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