The fastest way to withdraw from Marcus is a transfer to your linked bank account, which takes one to two business days
Marcus does not have ATMs or physical branches, so you cannot walk in or use a card to pull cash. Instead, you move money out by transferring it to an external bank account you have already linked to your Marcus account. The transfer arrives within one to two business days in most cases. If you need cash immediately, you will have to withdraw from your linked bank account after the transfer lands.
You can also request a wire transfer or a check, but both cost money and take longer. A wire transfer costs around $15 and arrives the same day or next business day. A check is free but takes five to ten business days to clear, and you have to mail it to yourself or deposit it at your bank.
Marcus does not charge you to transfer money out to a linked bank account, and there are no limits on how often you can withdraw or how much you can move at once.
Key Takeaways
- Link an external bank account to your Marcus account before you can withdraw; this takes a few minutes and requires your routing and account numbers.
- A standard transfer to a linked bank account is free and takes one to two business days; this is the cheapest and most common withdrawal method.
- Wire transfers cost around $15 and arrive the same or next business day, but only use this if you need the money urgently.
- Checks are free but take five to ten business days to arrive and require you to deposit them at your bank or cash them in person.
- Marcus does not limit how much you can withdraw or how often, and there are no monthly withdrawal restrictions.
How to link a bank account for transfers
You must link an external bank account before you can transfer money out of Marcus. Open the Marcus app or log into your account online, then go to the Transfers section. Select "Add a bank account" and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Marcus will deposit two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the account you listed. This takes one to two business days. Once those deposits land, you return to Marcus and confirm the two amounts. This verification step proves you own the bank account and prevents someone else from transferring your money to their account.
After verification is complete, you can transfer money immediately. Keep the bank account linked in your Marcus profile so you do not have to add it again next time.
Transferring money to your linked bank account
Once your bank account is linked and verified, transferring out is straightforward. In the Marcus app or online, go to Transfers and select "Transfer to external account." Choose the linked bank account, enter the amount you want to withdraw, and confirm. The transfer is free and takes one to two business days.
The money will appear in your linked bank account as a deposit from Marcus. You can then withdraw it as cash from an ATM, write a check, or use a debit card—whatever your bank offers. If you need the money faster, a wire transfer is an option, but it costs money.
There is no limit on how much you can transfer at once or how many transfers you can make per month. You can withdraw your entire balance if you want to close the account.
Wire transfers for faster withdrawals
A wire transfer sends money directly to your bank account and arrives the same day or the next business day, depending on when you request it and your bank's processing schedule. Marcus charges around $15 for outgoing wire transfers. To request one, contact Marcus customer service by phone or through the app and provide your bank's routing number and your account number.
Wire transfers are useful if you need cash urgently and cannot wait one to two business days for a standard transfer. However, the $15 fee makes them more expensive than a free transfer, so use them only when speed matters. Once the wire arrives at your bank, you can withdraw the cash immediately.
Marcus processes wire transfer requests during business hours. If you request one after hours or on a weekend, it will be processed the next business day.
Requesting a check from Marcus
You can ask Marcus to mail you a check for any amount in your account. This method is free but slow—the check takes five to ten business days to arrive by mail, and then you have to deposit it at your bank or cash it in person. To request a check, contact Marcus customer service and provide your mailing address.
Checks are useful if you want to avoid fees and do not need the money quickly, or if you prefer a paper record of the withdrawal. However, if you need cash within a few days, a standard transfer or wire transfer is faster.
Make sure the address you provide is correct, because a mailed check can be lost or delayed. If your check does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Marcus to report it and request a replacement.
What happens if you withdraw before interest posts
Marcus calculates interest daily but deposits it into your account monthly, usually on the last business day of the month. If you withdraw money before interest posts, you lose the interest that would have been earned on that amount. For example, if you have $10,000 earning 4.5% annual interest and you withdraw $5,000 on the 28th of the month, you will not earn interest on that $5,000 for the month.
There is no penalty for withdrawing early, and Marcus does not charge a fee. However, you do lose the interest that money would have earned. If you want to maximize interest, keep your money in the account until after the monthly interest deposit, then withdraw what you do not need.
Troubleshooting common withdrawal problems
If your transfer is taking longer than two business days, check that the linked bank account information is correct. A wrong routing number or account number will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed. Log into Marcus and verify the account details match what your bank shows.
If you see a pending transfer that has not arrived, wait until the second business day. Transfers that start on a Friday may not land until Monday or Tuesday. If it has been more than two business days and the transfer still shows as pending, contact Marcus customer service with the transfer confirmation number.
If you cannot link a bank account, make sure you are entering the correct routing and account numbers. Some banks use different routing numbers for different branches or services. Check your bank's website or call them to confirm the correct routing number for ACH transfers (the type Marcus uses).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from Marcus using a debit card or ATM?
No. Marcus does not issue debit cards or have ATMs. You must transfer money to a linked bank account first, then use that bank's ATM or debit card to access cash. This is why linking an external account is the first step.
How long does it take to link a bank account?
Linking takes a few minutes to enter your information, but verification takes one to two business days. Marcus deposits two small amounts into your account, and you confirm them in the app. After that, the account is ready to use for transfers.
What if I want to close my Marcus account and withdraw all my money?
Transfer your entire balance to your linked bank account using a standard transfer (free, one to two days) or request a wire transfer (costs around $15, arrives same or next day). Once the money lands in your bank account, your Marcus account will be empty and you can close it.
Does Marcus charge a fee to withdraw money?
No fee for standard transfers to a linked bank account. Wire transfers cost around $15. Checks are free. There are no monthly withdrawal limits or penalties for withdrawing early, though you do lose any interest that would have been earned on withdrawn money.
Can I transfer money from Marcus to someone else's bank account?
No. You can only transfer to a bank account in your own name that you have linked to your Marcus profile. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. If you want to send money to someone else, withdraw it to your own bank account first, then send it from there.