Marcus by Goldman Sachs vs Ally Savings, Compared
We don't publish either institution's current APY here — see the methodology for why we'd rather show a real national benchmark than an unsourced bank-specific number. What we can compare, sourced from each bank's own disclosures: what it costs to open and keep the account, what it takes to earn the top published rate, and how you actually get cash out. Marcus by Goldman Sachs's catch: Zero card access, period — not "link a checking account," just no path to a physical card. Fine for a pure savings parking spot, a real friction point if you need occasional cash. Ally's catch: Savings-only means no card by default — if same-day cash access matters, budget for opening the companion checking account too.
The comparison
What actually differs, sourced from each bank
Every figure below is a structural account term, checked against Marcus by Goldman Sachs's and Ally's own disclosures as of early August 2026 — not an APY. Rates change constantly and we don't yet publish named-institution rates (see the methodology); confirm the current rate directly with each bank before you decide.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Ally
FDIC entity
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
Ally Bank
Open to new applicants
Yes
Yes
Minimum to open
$0
$0
Monthly fee
$0
$0
To earn the top rate
Marcus pays its published Online Savings rate to every balance, with no direct-deposit or activity requirement.
Ally pays its published Online Savings rate to every balance, with no direct-deposit or activity requirement to unlock it.
ATM / debit access
None at all — there is no debit or ATM card on any Marcus savings product; every withdrawal routes out by ACH transfer, wire, or check to a linked external account (same-day ACH available up to $100,000).
Not on the savings account itself — an ATM/debit card requires linking an Ally Interest Checking account (75,000+ Allpoint/MoneyPass ATMs, up to $10/statement cycle reimbursed on out-of-network fees via that checking account).
The catch on each
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Zero card access, period — not "link a checking account," just no path to a physical card. Fine for a pure savings parking spot, a real friction point if you need occasional cash.
Ally
Savings-only means no card by default — if same-day cash access matters, budget for opening the companion checking account too.
On the rate itself
We don't publish Marcus by Goldman Sachs's or Ally's current APY — both change frequently and we don't yet have a sourced, dated feed for named-institution rates. What we do publish is the real, dated FDIC national-average benchmark, so you have a floor to check either bank's advertised rate against. See the high-yield savings guide for that benchmark and how to read an APY.
Next step
See how every savings option compares.
We don't open accounts or hold your money. We lay out the account terms against a published standard so you can decide with the fine print in plain sight, then take it to the bank that holds the account.
Compare savings accountsGet an email when Marcus by Goldman Sachs or Ally rates change.
We track both of these. We'll email you the moment either changes — no checking back.
Frequently asked
Are Marcus by Goldman Sachs and Ally both FDIC-insured?
Yes. Marcus by Goldman Sachs deposits are held by Goldman Sachs Bank USA; Ally deposits are held by Ally Bank. Both are FDIC member institutions, insuring deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. The insurance comes from the bank through the FDIC, not from ClearValue Banking. Confirm current FDIC status at the FDIC's BankFind tool before you move money.
What's the minimum to open an account — Marcus by Goldman Sachs vs Ally?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs requires $0 to open and charges $0 in monthly fees. Ally requires $0 to open and charges $0 in monthly fees.
Does Marcus by Goldman Sachs or Ally require direct deposit to earn its top rate?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Marcus pays its published Online Savings rate to every balance, with no direct-deposit or activity requirement. Ally: Ally pays its published Online Savings rate to every balance, with no direct-deposit or activity requirement to unlock it. Confirm current tiering directly with each bank before you decide — this changes without notice.
Can I get an ATM or debit card with Marcus by Goldman Sachs or Ally?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: None at all — there is no debit or ATM card on any Marcus savings product; every withdrawal routes out by ACH transfer, wire, or check to a linked external account (same-day ACH available up to $100,000). Ally: Not on the savings account itself — an ATM/debit card requires linking an Ally Interest Checking account (75,000+ Allpoint/MoneyPass ATMs, up to $10/statement cycle reimbursed on out-of-network fees via that checking account).