Marcus by Goldman Sachs launched in 2016 as Goldman's consumer banking experiment — no branches, no minimums, no nonsense. Nearly a decade later, it remains one of the most trusted names in online high-yield savings. But is it still the best choice in 2026? We dug into the current rates, features, and real user feedback to find out.
Current Marcus APY Rates (April 2026)
As of April 4, 2026, Marcus is paying 3.65% APY on its standard High-Yield Savings Account. That's more than nine times the national average rate of approximately 0.41% APY offered by traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Marcus also offers Certificates of Deposit (CDs) at competitive rates — recent terms show around 4.00% APY on certain CD products, locking in your rate for the full term. If you're confident you won't need the funds for 12–24 months, a Marcus CD can squeeze even more yield out of your savings.
| Product | APY (April 2026) | Min. Deposit | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Most Popular | 3.65% | $0 | None (variable) |
| 12-Month CD | ~4.00% | $500 | 12 months |
| 6-Month CD | ~3.80% | $500 | 6 months |
| 24-Month CD | ~3.70% | $500 | 24 months |
Rates are variable and subject to change at any time. Verify current rates at marcus.com before opening an account.
Marcus Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- High 3.65% APY — well above national average
- Zero monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum deposit to open or maintain
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor
- Backed by Goldman Sachs brand trust
- Easy online/app account management
- 24/7 US-based customer service
- No hard credit pull to open an account
- Competitive CD rates available
❌ Cons
- No ATM card or debit card — savings only
- No checking account offered
- No mobile check deposit
- Transfers can take 1–3 business days
- No physical branch locations
- Some competitors offer slightly higher APYs
Who Is Marcus Best For?
Marcus is purpose-built for one thing: earning more on money you're not spending right now. It's not a checking account replacement — there's no debit card, no ATM network, and no way to write a check from it. Think of it as a high-performance parking spot for cash.
Marcus is a great fit if you:
- Have an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses) you want to grow without risk
- Are saving toward a goal 6–24 months away (down payment, vacation, new car)
- Already have a checking account elsewhere and just need a dedicated savings vehicle
- Want a trusted brand name backing your savings
- Prefer simplicity over a feature-packed banking app
Look elsewhere if you:
- Need instant access to funds via ATM or debit card
- Want a one-stop-shop bank with checking, savings, and loans
- Are chasing the absolute highest APY (a few niche banks offer 4.00–5.00%)
- Frequently deposit cash (requires external transfer)
How Marcus Compares to Top Competitors
Marcus is strong, but it's not the only game in town. Here's how it stacks up against the most popular high-yield savings accounts in 2026:
| Bank | APY | Min. Deposit | Monthly Fee | Checking? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus (Goldman Sachs) | 3.65% | $0 | $0 | No |
| SoFi Savings | 4.00% | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| Ally Bank | 3.80% | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| Barclays Tiered Savings | 3.85% | $0 | $0 | No |
| Discover Online Savings | 3.75% | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| Capital One 360 Performance | 3.70% | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| National average (traditional banks) | ~0.41% | Varies | Often $5–$15 | Varies |
Bottom line: SoFi technically edges Marcus on APY (4.00% vs. 3.65%) and adds a checking account. But Marcus earns its spot with exceptional brand credibility, zero fees, and a rock-solid reputation for not pulling surprise rate cuts. Bankrate gave Marcus's savings account a 5/5 rating as of 2026.
Is Marcus Safe?
Yes — Marcus is a federally insured bank. Your deposits are protected by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) up to $250,000 per depositor. Goldman Sachs Bank USA, which operates Marcus, is a Member FDIC institution. This is the same protection you'd get at Chase, Bank of America, or any major bank.
Beyond FDIC coverage, Goldman Sachs is one of the largest and most well-capitalized financial institutions in the world, with over $1.5 trillion in assets under management. Marcus has been operational since 2016 with no major outages or security incidents that affected customers' funds.
How to Open a Marcus Account
Opening a Marcus savings account takes about 10 minutes. The process is entirely online — no branch visit, no paper forms.
- Visit marcus.com and click "Open an Account"
- Enter your personal information (name, address, SSN, date of birth)
- Verify your identity — no hard credit pull required
- Link an external checking account for fund transfers
- Make your initial deposit (even $1 will do)
- Start earning interest — Marcus compounds daily and credits monthly
You'll receive a confirmation email and can access your account immediately via the Marcus mobile app (iOS or Android) or the web portal.
Ready to Earn 3.65% on Your Savings?
No fees. No minimums. Backed by Goldman Sachs. Open your Marcus account in 10 minutes.
Open a Marcus Account →Marcus Transfer Speed: What to Expect
One common frustration with Marcus is transfer timing. Unlike some banks that offer instant or same-day transfers, Marcus uses standard ACH transfers:
- Incoming transfers (deposit): Typically 1–3 business days to post
- Outgoing transfers (withdrawal): 1–4 business days
- Push vs. pull: Initiating a transfer from within the Marcus app (ACH pull) tends to be faster than pushing from an external bank
This is not ideal if you need emergency cash quickly. That's why we recommend keeping Marcus as a secondary savings account alongside your primary checking account, not as your only financial account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict: Is Marcus Worth It in 2026?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs remains one of the most trustworthy, user-friendly high-yield savings accounts available. While it's no longer the top rate on the market, 3.65% APY is still exceptional — and the Goldman Sachs pedigree, zero-fee structure, and clean app experience make it a top-three pick for most savers.
If you want the highest possible APY and don't care about brand name, SoFi or Barclays may squeeze out a bit more. But for a dependable, no-drama high-yield savings account from a name you know? Marcus earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Open a Marcus Account Today
Takes 10 minutes. No minimum. No fees. Start earning 3.65% APY on your savings now.
Get Started at Marcus →Disclaimer: The Clear Money Guide is not a licensed financial advisor. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify current rates and terms directly with the financial institution before opening an account. Interest rates change frequently.