Both are reserve tools
Neither account is usually ideal as the primary operating account. Businesses often use them for taxes, emergency reserves, future payroll, capital purchases or cash that exceeds near-term operating needs.
Money market may offer broader access
Some business money market accounts provide check-writing or debit access, while savings accounts may be simpler reserve vehicles. Product rules vary widely, so compare actual withdrawal and transfer features rather than relying on the account label.
Rates and balance tiers matter
Yield can vary by balance tier and can change over time. Compare the actual APY available at the balance your business expects to hold, along with any monthly fee and minimum-balance requirement.
FDIC ownership category matters
FDIC guidance states that deposits owned by a validly formed corporation, partnership or qualifying unincorporated association are insured separately from the personal deposits of owners or officials, generally up to $250,000 per insured bank in that ownership category. Businesses with larger reserves should understand how deposits are titled and how coverage is calculated.
Use reserve segmentation deliberately
Some businesses split reserves by purpose—tax cash, payroll buffer and emergency liquidity—while others keep a single reserve account. The right structure should make reconciliation easy without creating unnecessary accounts or fees.
Primary sources and reference material
Model the account around the way your business actually moves money.
Fees, balances, transactions, cash deposits, payment tools and controls should be evaluated together. A lower headline fee is not automatically the lower-cost operating account.