What can trust accounts earn on their balance?

Trust accounts can earn interest depending on client agreement. In practice, when a real estate broker holds client funds in a trust account, the terms regarding interest earnings are often subject to the specific agreement made with the client. Many times, the agreement will outline whether the funds in the trust account can accrue interest and how that interest will be handled.

For instance, many brokers may place trust funds in accounts that earn interest, and the arrangement can specify whether the client or the brokerage receives that earned interest. This flexibility allows for a range of appropriate financial practices depending on the needs and agreements made with clients.

Interest on trust accounts isn't solely dictated by fixed interest rates or entirely prohibited. Instead, its availability and distribution are governed by what has been agreed upon between the broker and the client.