You can withdraw money from Marcus whenever you want, but the method and timing depend on how you move it
Marcus is an online savings account, not a checking account, so you cannot write checks or use a debit card. To get your money out, you transfer it to another bank account you own — usually a checking account at your main bank. The transfer itself is free and takes one to two business days. You can move any amount, at any time, with no penalty.
The catch is that Marcus is subject to federal rules that once limited savings account withdrawals to six per month. Those rules changed in 2020, but some banks still enforce limits. Marcus does not. You can make as many transfers out as you want in a month. The only real limit is how long the transfer takes to show up in your other account.
Key Takeaways
- Withdrawals from Marcus happen through electronic transfer to another bank account you own, not through ATM or debit card.
- Transfers out of Marcus are free and typically arrive within one to two business days.
- Marcus does not limit how many times per month you can withdraw, though the receiving bank may have its own rules.
- If you need cash when ready, you will need to transfer to a checking account first, then withdraw from an ATM or branch.
- Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer because the banking system does not process them until the next business day.
The two ways to move money out of Marcus
The standard method is an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). You log into your Marcus account, go to the transfer section, enter the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to send money to, and confirm the amount. Marcus then sends the money through the ACH network, which is the same system that handles direct deposits and most bill payments. This takes one to two business days.
The second method is a wire transfer. This is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but Marcus charges a fee for outgoing wires. Wire transfers are useful if you need the money urgently and the receiving bank is set up to accept them. You would use the same transfer interface in your Marcus account, but select wire instead of ACH.
Most people use ACH because it is free and one to two days is fast enough for planned withdrawals. Wire transfers make sense only if you are moving a large amount and need it the same day.
What you need before you can transfer money out
You need the routing number and account number of the bank account you are transferring to. If you are moving money to your own checking account at another bank, you can find these numbers on a check, in your online banking portal, or by calling that bank. Marcus will ask you to confirm the account details before the first transfer, and some banks require you to verify a small test deposit first — though Marcus does not do this on outgoing transfers.
You also need to have the money in your Marcus account. If your balance is lower than the amount you are trying to transfer, the transfer will be rejected. There is no overdraft option.
How long withdrawals actually take
An ACH transfer initiated on a weekday morning usually arrives by the next business day. If you initiate it in the afternoon or evening, it may not process until the following day, so it could take two business days total. Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays do not start processing until the next business day opens.
Wire transfers are faster but less predictable. Marcus typically sends them same-day if you initiate before a certain cutoff time (usually mid-afternoon Eastern time). The receiving bank then processes it, which can add a few hours. In practice, wire transfers often arrive the same day, but you should not count on it if you need the money by a specific time.
If a transfer does not arrive when expected, check your Marcus account to confirm it was sent. Then contact the receiving bank to ask if it is in their queue. Delays usually happen on the receiving end, not at Marcus.
Transferring to accounts you do not own
Marcus will not let you transfer money directly to someone else's bank account. You can only transfer to accounts registered in your own name. If you need to send money to another person, you have to transfer it to your own checking account first, then send it from there using your bank's bill pay, wire transfer, or payment app.
This is a standard rule across most savings banks and exists to prevent fraud and money laundering. It adds a step but protects your account from unauthorized transfers.
What happens if you need cash right away
If you need physical cash, you cannot get it directly from Marcus because there are no Marcus branches or ATMs. Transfer the money to a checking account at a bank with ATM access, wait for it to arrive (one to two business days), then withdraw from an ATM or visit a branch. If you need cash the same day, a wire transfer gets the money there faster, but you still have to wait for the receiving bank to process it and make it available for withdrawal.
Some people keep a small amount in a linked checking account specifically for this reason — so they always have access to cash without waiting for a transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from Marcus on weekends?
You can initiate a transfer on weekends through the Marcus app or website, but it will not process until the next business day. The banking system does not move money on weekends or federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it typically arrives Tuesday or Wednesday.
Does Marcus charge a fee to withdraw money?
ACH transfers out are free. Wire transfers out cost money — the exact fee depends on the current Marcus fee schedule, so check your account or contact Marcus to confirm the current amount. There are no fees for failed transfers or transfers you cancel before they process.
What if I transfer money to the wrong account?
Contact Marcus when ready. If the transfer has not processed yet, they may be able to cancel it. If it has already gone through, Marcus cannot recover it — you would have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. This is why it is important to double-check the routing and account numbers before confirming.
Can I set up automatic transfers out of Marcus?
Marcus does not offer automatic recurring transfers out of your account. You have to initiate each withdrawal manually. If you want to move money regularly, you can set up a transfer from your other bank into Marcus, but not the other way around.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw at once?
Marcus does not publish a specific maximum transfer amount. Very large transfers may trigger fraud review, which could delay processing. If you are moving a large sum, contact Marcus first to let them know it is coming so they do not flag it as suspicious activity.