A magnetoresistance effect element has favorable symmetry of an MR ratio even if the sign of a bias voltage is different, which is capable of reversing magnetization to a current, which has a high MR ratio. A magnetoresistance effect element includes a laminate in which an underlayer, a first ferromagnetic metal layer, a tunnel barrier layer, and a second ferromagnetic metal layer are laminated in that order, wherein the underlayer is made of one or more selected from a group containing of TiN, VN, NbN, and TaN, or mixed crystals thereof, and wherein the tunnel barrier layer is made of a compound having a spinel structure and represented by the following composition formula (1). (1): AxGa2Oy where A is a non-magnetic divalent cation and represents a cation of at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, and cadmium, x is a number that satisfies 0<x≦2, and y is a number that satisfies 0<y≦4.