Marcus does not offer wire transfers from savings accounts
Marcus by Goldman Sachs does not allow you to send wire transfers directly from your savings account. Wire transfers require a different kind of account structure than Marcus provides, and the bank has chosen not to build that capability into its savings product.
If you need to move money out of Marcus quickly, you have other options: ACH transfers (which take one to two business days), external transfers to a linked bank account, or withdrawing cash. Each method has different speed, limits, and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Marcus savings accounts cannot send wire transfers, but you can move money to another bank account using ACH transfer in one to two business days.
- ACH transfers from Marcus are free and have no daily limit, though the receiving bank may impose its own caps.
- If you need money the same day, you cannot use Marcus — wire transfers and same-day ACH both require a different account type.
- You can link Marcus to any external bank account and transfer money out whenever you need it, as long as you own both accounts.
How to move money out of Marcus using ACH transfer
The standard way to send money from Marcus is an ACH transfer to another bank account you own. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, and it is the system that moves money between most consumer bank accounts in the United States.
Log into your Marcus account online or through the mobile app, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer to External Account." You will need the routing number and account number of the bank you are sending to. Marcus will verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm them — this takes one to two business days. After verification, you can transfer money, and it will arrive at the receiving bank in one to two business days.
Marcus does not charge a fee for ACH transfers out of your account. The receiving bank may charge a fee to receive the transfer, though most do not.
Why Marcus does not offer wire transfers
Wire transfers move money through a different network (SWIFT for international wires, Fedwire for domestic ones) and require banks to maintain compliance infrastructure that online-only banks like Marcus often do not build. Wire transfers also carry higher fraud risk because they are irreversible once sent, which means the bank takes on more liability.
Marcus prioritizes low fees and high savings rates by keeping its product simple. Adding wire capability would require additional compliance staff, fraud monitoring, and customer support — costs that would either raise fees or lower the interest rate on your savings. The bank has decided that most customers can meet their needs with ACH transfers, which are free and nearly as fast.
When you might need a wire transfer instead
If you are buying a house, paying a large invoice to a business, or sending money internationally, you may need a wire transfer because the recipient requires it. In those cases, you cannot use Marcus alone.
Your options are to transfer money from Marcus to a checking account at another bank (one that does offer wire transfers), then send the wire from there. This adds one to two business days to the timeline. If you need the wire to go out the same day, you would need to use a bank account that already has wire capability — Marcus cannot help you meet a same-day deadline.
Linking external accounts and transfer limits
Marcus lets you link as many external bank accounts as you want, as long as you own them. You can transfer money to any of these accounts using ACH. There is no daily transfer limit from Marcus itself, though the receiving bank may have its own caps on how much you can deposit in a single day.
If you are moving a very large sum, check with your receiving bank first. Some banks flag large deposits for review or have daily deposit limits. Splitting the transfer across two days may be necessary, but Marcus will not stop you from sending it.
Moving money into Marcus from another bank
You can also transfer money into Marcus from another bank account using ACH. The process is the same: link your external account, wait for verification, then transfer. Money usually arrives in one to two business days.
If you are moving a large amount of money into Marcus to take advantage of the savings rate, this is the standard way to do it. There is no limit on how much you can transfer in, and Marcus does not charge a fee.
What to do if you need money faster than ACH allows
ACH transfers take one to two business days, which is standard across the banking system — there is no way to speed this up from Marcus's side. If you need cash the same day, your only option is to withdraw from an ATM or visit a branch of a bank that is part of the Allpoint network (Marcus customers can use these ATMs for free).
If you need to send money to someone else the same day, you would need to use a different payment method: a debit card, a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal, or a wire transfer from a different bank account. Marcus cannot help you meet a same-day deadline for outgoing transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money from Marcus to pay a contractor or business?
No, Marcus does not offer wire transfers. You would need to transfer money from Marcus to a checking account at another bank (one to two business days), then send a wire from there. If the contractor needs payment the same day, you cannot use Marcus.
What if the bank I am transferring to does not accept ACH?
Most banks in the United States accept ACH transfers, but some very small banks or credit unions may not. Contact the receiving bank to confirm they accept ACH deposits. If they do not, you would need to use a wire transfer from a different account, or ask them what payment methods they do accept.
Is there a fee to transfer money out of Marcus?
No, Marcus does not charge a fee for ACH transfers out of your account. The receiving bank may charge a fee to receive the transfer, though most do not. Check with your other bank if you are unsure.
How long does it take to verify a new external account?
Marcus deposits two small test amounts into the account you are linking, and you confirm the amounts in the Marcus app. This usually takes one to two business days. After verification, transfers to that account take one to two business days.
Can I transfer money from Marcus to a friend's bank account?
Only if you own both accounts. ACH transfers require that the account owner and the person initiating the transfer be the same. If you want to send money to someone else, use a peer-to-peer app like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle instead.