Marcus by Goldman Sachs has become one of the most popular highâyield savings accounts thanks to its competitive APY, no fees, and generous referral program. But a common question arises: Can you stack the Marcus referral bonus with a promotional rate offer in 2026? The short answer is yes â in most cases you can combine both, but you need to understand the eligibility rules and timing to maximize your earnings.
In this comprehensive guide, weâll break down exactly how the Marcus referral program works, what promotional rate offers are currently available, and the stepâbyâstep process to stack them. Weâll also compare Marcus with other bank referral programs and answer the most frequently asked questions about stacking.
âĄď¸ Read next (recommended)
đ Table of Contents
- 1. How the Marcus Referral Bonus Works (2026 Update)
- 2. Current Marcus Promotional Rate Offers
- 3. Can You Stack? Official Policy & Real-World Evidence
- 4. StepâbyâStep: How to Stack Referral + Promo Rate
- 5. Maximizing the Stack: Strategies & Examples
- 6. Marcus vs Other Banks: Stacking Comparison
- 7. Tax Implications of Referral Bonuses & Interest
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
How the Marcus Referral Bonus Works (2026 Update)
The Marcus referral program is simple: when you refer a friend or family member to open a Marcus highâyield savings account (or CD) using your unique referral link, both you and the new account holder receive a bonus. As of early 2026, the standard offer is:
- Referrer gets: 1.00% APY boost for 3 months on their existing balance (capped at a certain balance, typically up to $50,000).
- New account holder gets: The same 1.00% APY boost for 3 months on their new balance (up to the same cap).
There is no limit to how many people you can refer, and each successful referral extends the boost period for you (you can earn multiple 3âmonth boosts, but they are applied sequentially).
đĄ Key Requirements (2026)
- Your referral link must be used by someone who is not a current Marcus customer and has not had a Marcus account in the past 12 months.
- The new account must be funded with at least $10,000 within 15 days of opening (this threshold may vary; always check the latest terms).
- The bonus APY boost is paid on balances up to $50,000. Any amount above that earns the standard APY.
- Referral bonuses are credited as an APY boost, not a cash deposit â youâll see the extra interest applied monthly.
Current Marcus Promotional Rate Offers
From time to time, Marcus runs promotional rate campaigns for new customers. These can be:
- Fixedâterm APY boosts: e.g., âEarn 0.50% extra APY for the first 3 months.â
- Oneâtime cash bonuses for depositing a certain amount (rare, but occasionally offered).
In 2026, the typical promotional offer for new accounts is a 0.50% APY boost for 3 months (on top of the standard APY). Sometimes itâs a higher boost, such as 1.00%, but thatâs less common. These promotions are usually available to anyone opening a new account, regardless of referral, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
â ď¸ Important
Promotional rates are often autoâapplied when you open an account online. You may need to use a specific promo code or click a special link. Always read the terms before opening.
Can You Stack? Official Policy & RealâWorld Evidence
The millionâdollar question: can a new customer receive both the referral bonus APY boost and a promotional APY boost at the same time?
According to Marcus official terms and conditions (as of February 2026), the referral bonus is considered a separate offer and is generally combinable with new account promotional rates. In practice, thousands of customers have successfully stacked them. However, there are nuances:
- The referral boost (1.00% for 3 months) and a promo boost (e.g., 0.50% for 3 months) are added together â so you would earn standard APY + 1.50% for the first 3 months (assuming a 0.50% promo).
- Both boosts apply only to balances up to the $50,000 cap. So the maximum extra interest you can earn is limited.
- If the promotional rate is a cash bonus rather than an APY boost, you can still receive the referral APY boost on top â these are entirely different reward types.
Real Example: Stacking in Action
Case StudySarah opened a Marcus savings account in January 2026 using a friendâs referral link. At that time, Marcus was also running a âNew Year, New Rateâ promo offering 0.50% extra APY for 3 months. Her standard APY was 4.00%.
Result: For the first 3 months, Sarah earned 4.00% + 1.00% (referral) + 0.50% (promo) = 5.50% APY on balances up to $50,000. After 3 months, she continued to earn the standard 4.00% plus any remaining referral boost (if she referred others, the boost could extend).
đ Earnings Breakdown
On a $50,000 balance, the extra 1.50% APY for 3 months generated about $187.50 in additional interest compared to the standard rate alone.
StepâbyâStep: How to Stack Referral + Promo Rate
Follow these steps to ensure you receive both bonuses when opening a new Marcus account in 2026:
Obtain a valid referral link
Ask a friend who already has Marcus, or find one from a trusted source. Do not use your own link (selfâreferrals are prohibited and will result in forfeiture of bonuses).
Check for active promotional offers
Visit the Marcus website (or a reputable deal forum) to see if any public promo codes or automatic rate boosts are currently running. Write down the promo code if needed.
Click the referral link and start application
The referral link will take you to the Marcus site. During the application, look for a field to enter a promo code. If the promo is automatic, it should be applied without a code. If a code is required, enter it now.
Complete the account opening and fund it
You must fund the account with at least $10,000 within 15 days (or whatever the current minimum is). This triggers both the referral bonus and the promo rate.
Verify the bonuses
After a few days, log in to your Marcus dashboard. You should see your APY displayed as the sum of standard rate + referral boost + promo boost. If not, contact Marcus support.
Maximizing the Stack: Strategies & Examples
To get the most out of stacking, consider these tactics:
- Fund up to the cap: The referral boost applies only to the first $50,000. Depositing exactly $50,000 maximizes the extra interest without leaving money earning the lower rate.
- Time your deposit: If you have more than $50,000, you could open multiple Marcus accounts (each with its own referral) â but note that each account requires its own $10,000 minimum.
- Refer others while your boost is active: Each new referral extends your 1.00% boost by another 3 months (sequentially). You could theoretically maintain the boost indefinitely if you refer enough people.
- Combine with other banksâ offers: You are not limited to Marcus; you can also take advantage of similar stacking opportunities at Ally, SoFi, etc., as long as you meet their requirements.
Stacking Impact on $50,000 Balance
Base
Referral
Promo
Stacked
Stacked rate yields ~$206 more per quarter than base rate alone.
Marcus vs Other Banks: Stacking Comparison
| Bank | Referral Bonus Type | Typical Promo Rate | Stackable? | Max Extra Yield (3 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 1.00% APY boost for 3 months (up to $50k) | 0.50% APY boost (3 months) | Yes | 1.50% (â$187 on $50k) |
| Ally Bank | $100 cash bonus per referral | Often none, occasionally 0.25% boost | Usually yes (cash + rate) | $100 cash + 0.25% |
| SoFi | $50â$300 cash per referral | Direct deposit bonus (cash) | Yes, if terms allow | $300 + cash bonus |
| Capital One 360 | $50â$100 cash per referral | Rarely rate promos | Yes | Variable |
Marcus stands out because both the referral and promo are APY boosts, which compound and are easy to combine. Cash bonuses are also stackable but donât compound.
Tax Implications of Referral Bonuses & Interest
Both the referral APY boost and promotional rate increase the interest you earn, and that interest is taxable. Marcus will send you a Form 1099-INT if the total interest earned exceeds $10 in a year. The extra interest from boosts is included in that amount.
If you receive a cash referral bonus (from any bank), that is also taxable as interest income. Keep good records of all bonuses and interest to report accurately on your tax return.
đ Tip
Use a spreadsheet or tax software to track your interest income from multiple accounts. This will make tax filing much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Marcus explicitly prohibits selfâreferrals. If you open an account using your own referral link, both bonuses will be voided and your accounts may be closed.
Contact Marcus customer support immediately after opening. If the promo was available at the time, they may be able to apply it retroactively. However, itâs not guaranteed.
Yes. Each successful referral extends your 1.00% APY boost by another 3 months. The boosts are applied sequentially, not concurrently, so you could have a continuous 1.00% boost for many months if you refer enough people.
Yes, the $10,000 minimum funding within 15 days is required for the referral bonus. Promotional rate offers may have their own minimum deposit requirements; often they match the referral requirement. Always read the terms.
No, Marcus has no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no transaction fees. You only pay taxes on the interest earned.
Stack Smart, Earn More
Stacking the Marcus referral bonus with a promotional rate offer is not only possible but also a smart way to boost your savings yield significantly in 2026. By following the steps outlined above and staying aware of the terms, you can earn an extra 1.50% APY or more on up to $50,000 for three months â thatâs free money for simply opening an account and funding it.
Remember to always read the latest terms on the Marcus website, as offers can change. And if youâre looking for more ways to maximize your earnings, check out our related articles on bank bonuses and highâyield savings strategies.