Goldman Sachs Marcus Checking Requires a Linked Savings Account

Goldman Sachs does not offer a standalone checking account. Instead, it offers Marcus Checking, which is a checking account that must be paired with a Marcus Savings Account. You cannot open the checking account alone — both accounts are created together in a single enrollment process.

The checking account itself has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. However, because it is linked to the savings account, you will need to fund both. The savings account also has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, but it does earn interest on deposits.

Marcus Checking is available only to U.S. residents age 18 or older with a valid Social Security number. You do not need to be an existing Goldman Sachs customer or have any other relationship with the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Marcus Checking must be opened together with a Marcus Savings Account — you cannot have one without the other.
  • The entire enrollment process happens online and takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with account access available the same day.
  • You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit to complete enrollment.
  • Debit card delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after account opening, so plan ahead if you need the card for immediate spending.
  • Transfers between Marcus and other banks use ACH routing, which takes one to three business days depending on the other bank.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin the online enrollment: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current mailing address. You will also need an email address and phone number that you can access during enrollment, because Goldman Sachs sends a verification code to both.

Have a funding source ready. You can link an external bank account to transfer money into Marcus, or you can fund the account with a debit card. If you use a debit card, the transaction posts immediately, but transfers from an external bank account take one to three business days. You do not need to make a large initial deposit — any amount will open the account, though some people deposit at least $1 to confirm the account is working before moving larger sums.

The Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Go to the Marcus website and select "Open an Account." You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Goldman Sachs will send a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the next screen.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Goldman Sachs runs a soft credit check at this stage, which does not affect your credit score. You will also confirm your phone number and receive a verification code via text message.

Upload or photograph your government ID. The system accepts driver's licenses, passports, and state ID cards. Make sure the photo is clear and all four corners of the ID are visible. If the upload fails, you can try again or call Goldman Sachs customer service at 1-833-469-6027 to complete verification by phone.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then agree to them. At this point, your checking and savings accounts are created. You will see your account numbers and routing number on the screen immediately. Write these down or take a screenshot — you will need the routing number to set up transfers from other banks.

Funding Your Account and Getting Your Debit Card

After enrollment, you can fund the account right away using a linked debit card, or you can set up an ACH transfer from another bank account. Debit card deposits post immediately. ACH transfers from external banks take one to three business days, depending on the sending bank's processing speed.

Your debit card ships automatically after enrollment and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the card arrives, but you cannot make in-person purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs until the card is in hand. If you need immediate card access, there is no expedited shipping option — the standard timeline is the only option available.

Once your debit card arrives, activate it through the Marcus mobile app or website before using it. The activation step takes less than a minute and is required before the card will work at merchants or ATMs.

How to Transfer Money In and Out

To move money from another bank into Marcus, link an external account through the app or website. Go to "Transfer Money," select "From Another Bank," and enter the routing number and account number of the bank you want to transfer from. Goldman Sachs will send two small test deposits to that account (usually $0.01 each) within one to two business days. Log into your other bank's website, find those deposits, and enter the amounts back into the Marcus app to confirm you own the account. After confirmation, you can transfer up to $25,000 per day.

To move money out of Marcus to another bank, use the same linking process in reverse. Enter the routing number and account number where you want the money to go, confirm ownership with the test deposits, and then initiate the transfer. Outgoing ACH transfers take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the receiving bank.

You can also withdraw cash at ATMs using your debit card once it arrives. Marcus does not operate its own ATM network, but it reimburses out-of-network ATM fees charged by other banks. This means you can use almost any ATM without paying a fee yourself — the fee is refunded to your account within one to three business days.

What Happens If Verification Fails

If your ID upload is rejected, the system will tell you why — usually because the photo is blurry, a corner is cut off, or the ID is expired. You can retake the photo and resubmit immediately. If you try three times and the upload still fails, call Goldman Sachs at 1-833-469-6027 and ask to complete identity verification by phone. A representative will ask you questions about your ID and personal history, and the process takes about 10 minutes.

If the soft credit check flags your application for manual review, you will receive an email within one business day explaining what happened. Most manual reviews are completed within 24 hours. In rare cases, Goldman Sachs may ask for additional documentation, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your address. If that happens, upload the document through the app or email it to the address provided in the notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open just a checking account without the savings account?

No. Marcus Checking and Marcus Savings are linked products and must be opened together. You cannot have one without the other. However, you can keep the savings account with a $0 balance and use only the checking account if you prefer.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

The debit card ships automatically after enrollment and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. There is no expedited shipping option. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the card arrives, but not for in-person purchases or ATM withdrawals.

What is the routing number for Marcus Checking?

The routing number is 021000021. You will also see your unique account number in the app after enrollment. Both numbers are required to set up transfers from other banks or to receive direct deposits.

Can I set up direct deposit to Marcus Checking?

Yes. Provide your employer or benefits administrator with the Marcus routing number (021000021) and your account number. Direct deposits typically post within one to two business days of being sent by the employer.

What if I forget my password?

Go to the Marcus login page and select "Forgot Password." Enter your email address, and Goldman Sachs will send a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. The reset link expires after 24 hours, so complete the process promptly.