Marcus CD review: Competitive APY and a variety of CD options

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Marcus CD rates

Marcus Bank CD rates are higher than the average CD rate. Marcus has three types of CDs: high-yield CDs, no-penalty CDs, and one bump-up CD. 

High-yield CDs offer a fixed interest rate. Your rate will depend on the term you select. If you need to take out your money from a CD before it reaches maturity, take note that there will be early withdrawal penalties for these CDs.

A no-penalty CD is different from regular CDs because it doesn’t charge you an early withdrawal penalty if you decide to take out money before your CD matures.

A bump-up CD allows you to request a one-time rate increase if you see that Marcus CD rates go up during your term.

Generally, banks require at least $1,000 for an initial deposit. However, Marcus may be worthwhile if you’d like to get a CD with at least $500. 

The Marcus by Goldman Sachs No-Penalty CD is one of the bank’s strongest accounts.

Not all banks have no-penalty CDs. Marcus stands out from other financial institutions because it has three term lengths for no-penalty CDs: a 7-month, 11-month, and 13-month term.

Marcus also offers the Marcus 20-month Rate Bump CD. You might consider this CD if you want the flexibility of being able to request a one-time rate increase if Marcus CD rates rise during your CD term.

Is Marcus good for CDs?

You might like Marcus if you’re searching for competitive interest rates on CDs. Marcus is featured in our best 18-month CD rates guide and no-penalty CD guide because these CDs, in particular, pay higher interest rates than most brick-and-mortar and online banks. 

Marcus is also a solid choice if you’re looking for a variety of CD options. Marcus has high-yield CDs, no-penalty CDs, and bump-up CDs. Not all banks offer no-penalty CDs or bump-up CDs, so Marcus could be worth considering if your priority is to get one of these types of CDs.

You may prefer another financial institution if you also want to open a checking or money market account. Marcus only has high-yield savings accounts and CDs. If you want to withdraw money from your account, also bear in mind that you’ll have to transfer funds to an external bank account. Marcus savings accounts and CDs do not come with debit cards or ATM cards.

Marcus vs. Alliant

Alliant Credit Union is another online-only financial institution with some of the highest CD rates available.

To open accounts at Alliant, you must become a member first. The easiest way to become a member is to join Foster Care to Success, and Alliant will cover your $5 joining fee.

Marcus will likely be a better option if you don’t have that much money for an initial deposit. Marcus CDs have a minimum opening deposit of $500. In comparison, Alliant Credit Union share certificates require at least $1,000.

If your goal is to keep your banking primarily at one financial institution, you may favor Alliant. Alliant has checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs. It also has accounts specifically for kids and teens. 

Marcus vs. Barclays

Barclays is an online-only bank with a high-yield savings account and CDs. Barclays doesn’t require opening deposits for savings accounts or CDs. If you’d like to open a CD with Marcus, you’ll need at least $500.

Barclays and Marcus pay similar CD rates. However, Barclays doesn’t have no-penalty CDs or a bump-up CD.

Frequently asked questions