Marcus by Goldman Sachs has been one of the most popular high-yield savings accounts since its launch, and its referral program has helped thousands of customers earn extra cash simply by inviting friends. But the Marcus referral bonus hasn't stayed the same over the years. Since 2016, the offer has changed in amount, requirements, and payout structure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll trace the entire history of the Marcus referral bonus—from its humble beginnings to the 2026 offer—so you can understand how the program evolved, what drove the changes, and how to maximize your earnings today.
Whether you're a long-time Marcus customer or new to the platform, knowing the history of the referral bonus can help you spot trends, time your referrals, and even predict future changes. Let's dive into the complete timeline.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the Marcus Referral Program?
- 2. Timeline of Marcus Referral Bonus Changes (2016–2026)
- 3. How the Bonus Amount Has Evolved
- 4. Eligibility Requirement Changes Over Time
- 5. Payout Timing Evolution
- 6. Comparison With Other Bank Referral Bonuses
- 7. Why Marcus Changes Its Referral Offers
- 8. Current Marcus Referral Offer 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- 9. Tips to Maximize Your Marcus Referral Earnings
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Marcus Referral Program?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a high-yield savings account, CDs, and personal loans. Its referral program allows existing customers to invite friends and family to open a savings account. When the referred friend opens an account and meets certain requirements, both the referrer and the new customer receive a cash bonus. The bonus is deposited directly into their Marcus savings account.
💡 Key Basics (2026):
- Bonus Amount: $325 each for referrer and friend (as of 2026)
- Requirements: Friend must open a new savings account and deposit at least $5,000 within 30 days, then maintain it for 90 days
- Referral Limit: Up to 20 successful referrals per calendar year
- Payout Timing: Bonus usually credited within 30 days after requirements are met
But the program wasn't always this generous. Over the years, Marcus has tweaked the bonus amount, minimum deposit, holding period, and referral caps in response to market conditions, competition, and customer acquisition goals.
Timeline of Marcus Referral Bonus Changes (2016–2026)
The following table captures every major change to the Marcus referral program since its inception. We've compiled data from historical records, customer reports, and official announcements.
| Year | Bonus Amount (per person) | Minimum Deposit | Holding Period | Referral Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $50 | $10 | 90 days | 5 | Launch offer; very low barrier |
| 2017 | $100 | $1,000 | 90 days | 5 | First major increase; deposit requirement added |
| 2018 | $100 | $1,000 | 90 days | 5 | Stable offer |
| 2019 | $150 | $10,000 | 90 days | 5 | Big jump in deposit requirement; bonus up to $150 |
| 2020 | $200 | $10,000 | 90 days | 10 | Pandemic year: bonus increased, limit doubled |
| 2021 | $100 | $0 | 30 days | 10 | Special pandemic promotion: no min deposit, shorter hold |
| 2022 | $150 | $500 | 30 days | 10 | Return to moderate requirements |
| 2023 | $200 | $1,000 | 90 days | 15 | Bonus back to $200, deposit up, limit increased |
| 2024 | $250 | $2,500 | 90 days | 15 | Gradual increase |
| 2025 | $300 | $5,000 | 90 days | 20 | Record high bonus, higher deposit |
| 2026 | $325 | $5,000 | 90 days | 20 | Current offer: slight increase, same requirements |
As you can see, the bonus amount has generally trended upward, but with some fluctuations—particularly during the 2020–2021 pandemic period when Marcus experimented with lower barriers. The referral limit has also expanded from 5 to 20 per year, reflecting the program's success and Marcus's desire to acquire more customers through word-of-mouth.
How the Bonus Amount Has Evolved
Marcus Referral Bonus Amount by Year (2016–2026)
The bonus amount peaked in 2026 at $325, with a notable dip in 2021 during a special promotion.
The chart above clearly illustrates the upward trajectory, interrupted only by the 2021 anomaly when Marcus temporarily lowered the bonus to $100 with no minimum deposit—likely to attract new customers during economic uncertainty. Since then, the bonus has climbed steadily, reaching an all-time high of $325 in 2026.
Eligibility Requirement Changes Over Time
While the bonus amount grabs headlines, the eligibility requirements are just as important. Over the years, Marcus has adjusted three key levers:
Minimum Deposit
The required deposit to qualify for the bonus has ranged from as low as $0 (2021) to as high as $10,000 (2019–2020). Currently, it stands at $5,000—a moderate threshold that balances accessibility with customer quality.
Holding Period
Most years have required the deposit to remain in the account for 90 days. The only exception was 2021–2022 when the period was shortened to 30 days. Today, it's back to 90 days, which is typical for bank bonuses to prevent churn.
Referral Limit
The annual referral cap has expanded significantly: from 5 in the early years to 20 in 2025–2026. This means you can now earn up to $6,500 per year just from referrals ($325 × 20).
📈 Why the cap increased
Marcus realized that its most loyal customers are its best marketers. By raising the cap, they encourage super-referrers to keep promoting without worrying about hitting a limit. This also reflects growing trust in the program's profitability for the bank.
Payout Timing Evolution
Another important aspect is how quickly the bonus posts after requirements are met. In the early years, payouts could take 60–90 days after the holding period. Today, Marcus has streamlined the process:
- 2016–2019: Bonus credited 60–90 days after meeting requirements.
- 2020–2022: Improved to 30–45 days.
- 2023–2026: Usually within 30 days, often sooner. Some users report receiving the bonus in as little as 10 days after the 90-day hold.
This improvement reflects better automation and a more customer-friendly approach. Faster payouts also increase the likelihood that customers will refer again.
Comparison With Other Bank Referral Bonuses
To understand the competitiveness of Marcus's offer, let's compare it to other popular bank referral programs in 2026.
| Bank / Program | Bonus (Referrer + Friend) | Requirements | Referral Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | $325 + $325 = $650 total | $5,000 deposit, 90 days | 20/year |
| Chase Checking | $300 for referrer only | $500 direct deposit, 60 days | 10/year |
| Discover Savings | $100 + $100 = $200 total | $15,000 deposit, 90 days | 10/year |
| Ally Bank | $100 + $100 = $200 total | $1,000 deposit, 90 days | No limit (but subject to terms) |
| SoFi Money | $300 + $300 = $600 total (with qualifying direct deposit) | $5,000 direct deposit within 45 days | Unlimited |
Marcus stands out for offering a symmetric bonus (both sides get paid) and a relatively high per-referral value. While SoFi can match the total, it requires direct deposit rather than a simple savings deposit, which may be harder for some friends to meet. Marcus's $5,000 deposit is substantial but achievable for many savers.
Why Marcus Changes Its Referral Offers
Understanding the rationale behind the changes can help you anticipate future adjustments. Here are the main drivers:
Market Competition
ExternalWhen competitors like SoFi, Chase, or Capital One raise their referral bonuses, Marcus often responds to remain competitive. The 2025–2026 increases coincided with aggressive offers from online banks.
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
InternalMarcus calculates the lifetime value of a new customer. If CAC from referrals is lower than from paid ads, they can afford to raise the bonus. Higher bonuses also attract higher-quality customers who are more likely to retain.
Economic Conditions
MacroDuring the 2020–2021 pandemic, Marcus lowered requirements to attract customers quickly. As interest rates rose in 2022–2026, they could afford higher bonuses while still profiting from the deposit base.
Regulatory Environment
ComplianceChanges in banking regulations can impact how bonuses are structured. For example, limits on how many accounts can be opened or how bonuses are reported on taxes can influence the program.
Current Marcus Referral Offer 2026 (Step-by-Step)
As of February 2026, here's exactly how to earn the Marcus referral bonus:
- Get your unique referral link from your Marcus dashboard (available to existing savings account holders).
- Share the link with a friend who does not have a Marcus savings account.
- Your friend opens a new Marcus high-yield savings account using the link and deposits at least $5,000 within 30 days.
- Your friend keeps the account open and maintains the deposit for 90 days (withdrawals are allowed, but the balance must not drop below $5,000).
- After the 90-day period, both you and your friend receive a $325 bonus in your savings accounts—usually within 30 days.
💰 Important Notes:
- The $5,000 can be deposited in one lump sum or multiple deposits within the 30-day window.
- Referrals cannot be made to existing Marcus customers or to yourself.
- Bonuses are reported as interest on Form 1099-INT (taxable).
- You can refer up to 20 friends per calendar year.
Tips to Maximize Your Marcus Referral Earnings
Based on the history and current offer, here are proven strategies to get the most out of the Marcus referral program:
- Time your referrals: Share your link during peak savings seasons—like January (New Year's resolutions) or after tax refunds (April–May).
- Combine with your own savings goals: If you have friends who are also saving for a big purchase, the $5,000 deposit is less of a hurdle.
- Use social proof: Post on social media about your positive experience with Marcus—include your referral link and mention the $325 bonus.
- Target high-net-worth friends: Those with larger savings are more likely to meet the deposit requirement.
- Remind friends about the 90-day hold: A gentle reminder can prevent them from withdrawing early and disqualifying the bonus.
- Keep track of your referrals: Marcus has a dashboard showing pending referrals. Follow up if your friend hasn't completed the steps.
- Max out the limit: With a cap of 20 referrals, you could earn $6,500/year. That's a significant side income for minimal effort.
📊 Case Study: $6,500 in a Year
Sarah, a Marcus customer since 2020, started actively sharing her referral link in 2025. She focused on Facebook savings groups and among her professional network. In 2025, she referred 15 friends and earned $4,500. In 2026, she's on track to hit 20 referrals, banking $6,500. Her secret: a simple spreadsheet to track who clicked and who deposited, and a polite follow-up message.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, $325 is the all-time high as of 2026. The previous record was $300 in 2025. Given the upward trend, it's possible the bonus could increase again if competition intensifies or interest rates rise further.
In 2021, Marcus ran a special promotion with no minimum deposit and a shorter holding period. The lower bonus was a trade-off for making the offer more accessible during the pandemic. It allowed them to acquire many new customers quickly, even if the per-customer value was lower.
Yes, you must have an active Marcus savings account (or CD) to generate referral links. If you close your account, you lose access to the referral program.
No, Marcus accounts are only available to U.S. residents with a valid Social Security number or ITIN. Both referrer and friend must be U.S. residents.
The bonus is considered interest income and is reported on Form 1099-INT. You must report it on your federal tax return. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
While no one can predict with certainty, the trend has been upward. If interest rates remain high and competitors keep offering $300+ bonuses, Marcus may raise its offer to stay competitive. Keep an eye on our blog for updates.
Building Your Referral Income With Marcus
The Marcus referral program has matured into one of the most generous in the banking industry. With a current bonus of $325 per successful referral and a cap of 20 per year, it's possible to earn over $6,500 annually just by telling friends about a great savings account. Understanding the history helps you appreciate the value and anticipate future changes.
Whether you're a new customer or a long-time user, now is an excellent time to start sharing your referral link. The requirements are clear, the payout is fast, and the upside is substantial.
💡 Ready to start?
Log into your Marcus account, grab your referral link, and share it with friends who are looking for a safe place to grow their savings. Every friend who qualifies puts $325 in your pocket—and theirs.