Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers one of the most straightforward and rewarding referral programs in the banking world. In 2026, you can earn a cash bonus for every friend you refer who opens a High-Yield Savings Account or CD. This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact steps, eligibility rules, bonus credit timing, and strategies to maximize your earnings — so you never miss a payout.
Whether you're new to bank referrals or already experienced, understanding the nuances of the Marcus program can add hundreds of dollars to your annual income with minimal effort.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the Marcus Referral Program?
- 2. How the Marcus Referral Bonus Works
- 3. Eligibility Requirements (Who Qualifies?)
- 4. Bonus Amounts & Annual Limits
- 5. When Does the Bonus Credit? (Timeline)
- 6. How to Maximize Your Earnings
- 7. Marcus vs Other Bank Referral Bonuses
- 8. Why Referral Bonuses Don't Payout (Fix It)
- 9. Tax Implications of Referral Bonuses
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Marcus Referral Program?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs is the consumer banking arm of Goldman Sachs, offering high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and personal loans. The Marcus Refer-a-Friend program rewards existing customers for introducing friends and family to Marcus products. When your referred friend opens and funds an eligible account, both you and your friend receive a cash bonus.
💡 Key Program Features (2026):
- Bonus Type: Cash deposited directly into your Marcus savings account
- Typical Bonus: $50–$100 per successful referral (subject to change)
- Annual Limit: Up to $500 in referral bonuses per calendar year
- Products Covered: High-Yield Savings, CDs (terms vary)
- No Cap on Referrals: You can refer as many friends as you like until you hit the annual bonus limit
How the Marcus Referral Bonus Works (Step-by-Step)
Earning the Marcus referral bonus is simple if you follow these exact steps:
Log in to Your Marcus Account
Access your Marcus online banking dashboard. If you don't have an account yet, open one (you must be an existing customer to refer others).
Navigate to the Referral Section
Look for "Refer a Friend" or "Refer & Earn" in the menu. Marcus provides a unique referral link that tracks your referrals.
Share Your Referral Link
Send the link to friends via email, text, or social media. You can also use the pre-written email template provided by Marcus.
Friend Opens and Funds an Eligible Account
Your referred friend must click your link, open a new Marcus account (savings or CD), and meet the minimum funding requirement (usually $0 for savings, but a deposit may be required for CDs).
Wait for the Bonus to Credit
Once your friend meets all requirements, the bonus is credited to both your accounts within a specified timeframe (typically 10–30 days).
Eligibility Requirements (Who Qualifies?)
Not everyone can earn the Marcus referral bonus. Both you and your friend must meet certain criteria:
Referrer Requirements
- Must be an existing Marcus customer with an open savings or CD account in good standing.
- Cannot have previously referred the same person.
- Must not have abused the referral program (e.g., self-referrals).
- U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number or Tax ID.
Referred Friend Requirements
- Must be a new Marcus customer (never had a Marcus account before).
- Must use the unique referral link to open the account.
- Must open an eligible account (High-Yield Savings or CD) and complete any minimum funding within the specified period (usually 10–30 days).
- Must be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number or Tax ID.
- Cannot be a current Marcus customer or have closed an account within the last 12 months.
⚠️ Important: Self-Referrals Are Strictly Forbidden
Attempting to refer yourself or using fake identities will result in forfeited bonuses and possible account closure. Marcus actively monitors for fraud.
Bonus Amounts & Annual Limits (2026 Update)
The exact bonus amount can vary based on promotions. As of early 2026, the standard offer is:
Sometimes Marcus runs limited-time promotions where the bonus increases to $150 or more. Check your account dashboard for current offers.
You can earn up to $500 in referral bonuses each year. After that, additional referrals will not earn a bonus until the next calendar year.
Your referred friend also receives the same cash bonus, making it a win‑win.
When Does the Bonus Credit? (Timeline)
Understanding the timing helps you track your earnings. Here's the typical schedule:
| Event | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Friend opens account via your link | Immediate (tracking recorded) |
| Friend funds account (if required) | Within 10–30 days of opening |
| Bonus posts to both accounts | 10–30 days after funding requirement met |
| Bonus appears in transaction history | Usually within 1–2 business days of posting |
📌 Pro Tip: Track Your Referrals
Marcus provides a referral dashboard showing pending, successful, and expired referrals. Check it regularly to ensure your friends complete the requirements.
How to Maximize Your Marcus Referral Earnings
Use these proven strategies to get the most out of the program:
Time Your Referrals with Promotions
Limited-Time OffersMarcus occasionally runs promotions with higher bonuses ($150+). Keep an eye on your email and the referral dashboard. Refer during these windows to maximize per‑friend earnings.
Share Your Link on Social Media
Broad ReachPost your referral link on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, explaining the benefits of Marcus (competitive APY, no fees). Friends who trust you are more likely to sign up.
Combine with Other High-Yield Account Benefits
Value-AddWhen talking to friends, highlight that Marcus consistently offers one of the best savings rates with no monthly fees. The referral bonus is just an extra incentive.
Refer Friends Who Are Likely to Keep the Account
Long-Term ValueWhile the bonus is paid regardless of how long they stay, referring friends who genuinely benefit from the account builds goodwill and may lead to future referrals from them.
Marcus vs Other Bank Referral Bonuses (2026)
How does Marcus stack up against competitors? This table compares key aspects:
| Program | Typical Bonus | Annual Limit | Friend's Bonus | Account Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus | $50–$100 | $500 | Yes (same amount) | Savings or CD |
| Chase Checking | $100–$300 | Varies | Sometimes | Direct deposit, debit card usage |
| Ally Bank | $50–$100 | $500 | Yes | Savings or CD |
| Capital One 360 | $50–$150 | Varies | Yes | Checking or Savings |
| SoFi Money | $75–$300 | $1,200 | Yes | Direct deposit, debit card usage |
Marcus stands out for its simplicity: no direct deposit or debit card usage required. Just open and fund an account.
Why Referral Bonuses Don't Payout (and How to Fix It)
Sometimes a referral bonus doesn't post. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:
⚠️ Common Issues:
- Friend didn't use your link: Ensure they clicked your unique link before opening the account. If they opened directly on the Marcus site, the referral won't track.
- Friend already had an account: The program is only for new customers. If they previously had a Marcus account (even closed), they are ineligible.
- Funding not completed: For CDs, a minimum deposit may be required. For savings, sometimes a minimum balance must be maintained for a certain period (check terms).
- Account closed before bonus posted: If the friend closes the account during the waiting period, the bonus is forfeited.
- Annual limit reached: If you've already earned $500 in the calendar year, additional referrals won't earn bonuses until the next year.
What to do: First, check the referral dashboard. If the referral shows as "pending," remind your friend to complete any missing steps. If it shows "expired" or you believe it's an error, contact Marcus customer support with your referral details.
Tax Implications of Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses from banks are considered taxable income by the IRS. Here's what you need to know:
- Form 1099-INT or 1099-MISC: If your total bonuses plus interest earned exceed $10, Marcus will issue a tax form. Even below that, you are legally required to report the income.
- How to report: Include the bonus as "Other Income" on Schedule 1 of your Form 1040.
- State taxes: Most states also tax this income; check your state's rules.
💡 Keep Records
Save your referral statements and any tax forms from Marcus. If you don't receive a form, keep your own records of the bonuses earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as they are a new Marcus customer and meet all eligibility requirements. However, be cautious: if Marcus suspects self-referral fraud (like using the same IP address or device), they may deny the bonus. It's best to refer friends from separate households.
There's no limit on the number of referrals, but you are capped at $500 in total referral bonuses per calendar year. So if the bonus is $50 per friend, you can earn up to 10 referrals per year. If the bonus is $100, up to 5 referrals.
Once the bonus is credited, it's yours. You can close your account later without affecting the bonus, though you'd lose the high-yield savings benefits. However, closing immediately after receiving the bonus might be flagged as gaming the system; it's safer to keep the account open for a few months.
Yes, joint account holders can also refer friends. Each account holder may have their own referral limit and bonus tracking. Check the referral dashboard for details.
As long as they fund the CD and meet any minimum holding period specified in the terms (often 30 days), the bonus should still credit. Early withdrawal penalties are separate and don't typically void the referral bonus.
Currently, the Marcus referral program focuses on savings accounts and CDs. Personal loans are generally not included, but check your dashboard for any limited-time promotions that may include loans.
Final Thoughts: Is the Marcus Referral Bonus Worth It?
Absolutely. The Marcus by Goldman Sachs referral program is one of the easiest and most lucrative bank referral programs available in 2026. With no direct deposit requirements, a generous annual limit, and a bonus for both you and your friend, it's a win‑win. By following the steps and strategies in this guide, you can reliably earn up to $500 each year with minimal effort.
Remember to always share your link with friends who would genuinely benefit from a high-yield savings account — not only does this ensure compliance, but it also builds trust and may lead to them referring you in return.
💫 Ready to Start Earning?
Log in to your Marcus account, grab your referral link, and start sharing. If you don't have an account yet, consider opening one — the high APY alone makes it worthwhile, and the referral bonus is the cherry on top.