What the Marcus Credit Card Is
The Marcus Credit Card is a cash-back rewards card issued by Marcus by Goldman Sachs, a digital banking division of Goldman Sachs. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no rotating categories to track. The card is designed for people who want a straightforward rewards structure without complexity.
Unlike many cash-back cards that offer higher rewards on specific categories (groceries, gas, dining), the Marcus card gives the same 1.5% rate on everything you buy. This means you earn the same reward whether you're paying for groceries, gas, travel, or utilities. The cash back posts to your account monthly and can be used to pay your statement balance, transferred to a linked bank account, or left to accumulate.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs also offers savings accounts and personal loans, but the credit card is a standalone product. You do not need an existing Marcus account to open the card, though you can link them if you choose.
Key Takeaways
- The Marcus Credit Card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, no rotating categories, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Cash back posts monthly and can be used to pay your statement balance, transferred to your bank, or left to accumulate in your account.
- The card requires a credit check during the process process, and approval depends on your credit history and income.
- You can manage your account online or through the Marcus mobile app, which shows your balance, rewards, and payment options in one place.
- If you are denied, you can contact Marcus to understand why and may be able to reapply after addressing the issue.
how the process works for the Marcus Credit Card
You can start an process on the Marcus website or through the mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, employment information, and annual income. Marcus will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
During the process, you will also set a credit limit request. Marcus will review your credit history and income to determine what limit they will offer. You may request a higher limit than what they initially propose, but the final decision is theirs. After you submit, you will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days.
If you are approved, your card will ship to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. You can add the card to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) before the physical card arrives and start using it right away.
Activating Your Card and Setting Up Your Account
When your physical card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up through the Marcus app, the website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute.
After set up, log into your online account or app to set up your payment method. You can link a bank account for automatic payments, pay manually each month, or use the cash back to pay your balance. Marcus also lets you set up payment reminders so you do not miss your due date.
Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your first purchase. You will have at least 21 days from the statement date to pay before interest charges explore. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not pay any interest.
Understanding Cash Back and Rewards
Every purchase you make earns 1.5% cash back, calculated on the amount you spend. If you buy $100 in groceries, you earn $1.50 in cash back. If you spend $1,000 on a flight, you earn $15. The rate does not change based on what you buy or when you buy it.
Cash back posts to your account once per month, usually around the middle of the month. You can see your pending cash back in the app or online account at any time. Once it posts, you have three options: use it to pay part or all of your statement balance, transfer it to a linked bank account, or leave it in your rewards account to accumulate.
There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, any unspent cash back will be forfeited, so withdraw or use it before closing.
Fees and Interest Rates
The Marcus Credit Card has no annual fee. There are also no fees for foreign transactions, which means you can use it abroad without paying extra. However, the card does charge interest if you carry a balance past your due date.
The interest rate (APR) varies by person and is based on your creditworthiness. Marcus will tell you the range of rates you may receive before you submit your process. Once approved, your specific rate will be shown in your account. If you always pay your full balance by the due date, you will never pay interest.
Late payments carry a late fee, and your interest rate may increase if you miss a payment. Paying on time protects both your credit score and your account standing with Marcus.
Comparing the Marcus Card to Other Cash-Back Options
| Card | Cash Back Rate | Annual Fee | Foreign Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Credit Card | 1.5% all purchases | None | None | straightforward, flat rewards with no categories |
| Citi Double Cash | 2% (1% at purchase, 1% at payment) | None | None | Higher flat rate, requires two steps to earn |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% all purchases, 5% on Chase transfers | None | None | Rewards plus travel benefits |
| American Express Blue Cash | 1% all purchases, 3% groceries, 1% gas | None | None | Higher rewards on specific categories |
The Marcus card's main advantage is simplicity. You do not have to remember which categories earn higher rates or track rotating bonuses. Every dollar spent earns the same reward. This works well if you want a straightforward card and do not want to optimize spending across multiple cards.
Other cards offer higher flat rates (like the Citi Double Cash at 2%) or bonus rates on specific categories (groceries, gas, dining). If you spend heavily in those categories, a category-based card may earn you more. The trade-off is complexity — you have to track which card to use for which purchase.
What Happens If You Are Denied
If Marcus denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent negative marks on your credit report, high existing debt, or insufficient income. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
You can contact Marcus customer service to ask for more details about the denial. Some denials are based on factors you can address — for example, if your score is just below their threshold, waiting a few months and reapplying after paying down debt or correcting errors may help. Other denials are harder to overcome, such as a recent bankruptcy or fraud alert.
If you are denied, you may want to check your credit report for errors before reapplying. You can get a free report from annualcreditreport.com, the only government-authorized source. If you find errors, dispute them with the bureau that reported them, and the correction may improve your chances on a future process.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Bill
You can manage your Marcus account through the website (marcus.com) or the mobile app. Both show your current balance, available credit, recent transactions, pending cash back, and your due date. You can also view your interest rate, credit limit, and account settings.
To pay your bill, log into your account and select "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. You can also set up automatic payments so the same amount is paid on the same day each month. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date.
Payments made before 8 p.m. ET on your due date will post the same day. Payments made after that time or on weekends may post the next business day. If you are close to your due date, pay a few days early to may support it posts on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Marcus Credit Card internationally?
Yes. The card works in most countries and carries no foreign transaction fees. You will get the same 1.5% cash back on purchases made abroad. However, your bank or card issuer may place a temporary hold on your account if you use it in an unusual location, so consider notifying Marcus before traveling.
What is the minimum credit score needed to be approved?
Marcus does not publish a specific minimum score, but the card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit (usually 670 or higher). If your score is lower, you may still be approved depending on your income and credit history, but approval is less likely. Check your score before explore to set realistic expectations.
How long does it take to receive my card after approval?
Physical cards ship within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can use the card in digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) when ready after set up, even before the physical card arrives. If you need the card urgently, using a digital wallet is the fastest way to start earning rewards.
Can I transfer my cash back to any bank account?
You can transfer cash back only to a bank account you have linked to your Marcus account. The account must be in your name. Transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days. You can also use your cash back to pay your statement balance directly without transferring it.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Any unspent cash back will be forfeited if you close your account. Before closing, withdraw your cash back to a linked bank account or use it to pay your balance. Once the account is closed, you cannot recover forfeited rewards.