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Ally Bank and Marcus by Goldman Sachs are two of the most popular online savings accounts. Both have no monthly fees. Both have no minimum deposit. Both are FDIC insured. So which one should you choose?
This side-by-side comparison covers APY, mobile app, CD options, ATM access, and customer service.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ally Bank | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
|---|---|---|
| Savings APY | 4.35% | 4.50% |
| Minimum Balance | None | None |
| Monthly Fee | None | None |
| CD Options | Yes (many terms) | Yes (many terms) |
| Checking Account | Yes | No |
| ATM Access | Yes (Allpoint network + reimbursements) | No (savings only) |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.7/5 (iOS) | 4.8/5 (iOS) |
| Customer Service | 24/7 phone, chat, email | 24/7 phone |
| FDIC Insured | Yes | Yes |
Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently. Check with each institution for current APY before opening an account.
Savings APY: Marcus Wins
Marcus pays 4.50% APY. Ally pays 4.35%. On a $10,000 balance, that difference is $15 per year. It is not huge. But Marcus has consistently matched or beaten Ally on rates for the past few years.
ATM and Checking: Ally Wins
Ally has a full checking account with a debit card. You can use over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs for free. Ally also reimburses up to $10 per month in out-of-network ATM fees. Marcus is savings-only. No debit card. No ATM access. If you want easy access to cash, Ally is better.
CD Options: Tie
Both banks offer competitive CD rates. Ally has a wider range of CD types, including a No-Penalty CD that lets you withdraw early without a fee. Marcus offers straightforward CDs with clear terms. Both are good options for locking in today’s rates.
Mobile App: Near Tie, Marcus Edges Out
Both apps are excellent. Marcus scores slightly higher on the App Store, but Ally has more features since it includes checking. Day-to-day, both are smooth and easy to use.
Customer Service: Ally Wins
Ally offers 24/7 phone support plus live chat and email. Marcus offers 24/7 phone support only. Both have good reputations, but Ally gives you more options to reach a human.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Marcus if you want the highest savings rate and a clean, simple experience. It is great if you already have a checking account somewhere else.
Choose Ally if you want a full banking relationship — checking, savings, and CDs — in one place. Ally is also better if you need ATM access.
Want to compare more options? See our guide to the best high-yield savings accounts. You might also consider a money market account, which combines savings rates with check-writing ability. For emergency fund planning, use our emergency fund calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marcus or Ally have a higher savings rate?
Marcus currently pays 4.50% APY versus Ally’s 4.35% APY, so Marcus pays more.
Can I have both Ally and Marcus savings accounts?
Yes. You can open accounts at multiple banks. Some people use one for their emergency fund and one for a specific savings goal.
Does Marcus have a checking account?
No. Marcus only offers savings accounts, CDs, and personal loans. For checking, you need a different bank.
Is Ally Bank or Marcus by Goldman Sachs safer?
Both are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor. They are equally safe.
What is the minimum to open a Marcus savings account?
There is no minimum deposit required to open a Marcus savings account.