Chime vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Last updated July 2026
Chime
Banking that has your back
Advantages
- Completely fee-free, no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance
- SpotMe allows overdrafts up to $200 with no fees
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Automatic savings round-ups make building a cushion effortless
- Simple, clean app focused on core banking
Drawbacks
- No physical branches anywhere
- Savings APY is lower than SoFi and other high-yield accounts
- No investing, lending, or credit card products within the platform
- Limited customer support channels, no phone callback until recently
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Simple high-yield savings from Goldman Sachs
Advantages
- 4.05% APY on Online Savings (as of July 2026, no minimum)
- No monthly fees, no minimum balance
- Backed by Goldman Sachs, strong brand and financial stability
- Simple, clean app focused on savings and CDs
- Competitive CD rates including a no-penalty CD product
Drawbacks
- No checking account, must pair with another bank for daily spending
- No ATM access (savings-only)
- No mobile check deposit for some legacy accounts
Chime and Marcus by Goldman Sachs both play in digital banking, but they're aimed at different buyers. Chime is built for people who want dead-simple, fee-free checking and savings without the bells and whistles. Marcus by Goldman Sachs is built for savers who want to park cash for yield and already have a primary bank. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chime | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
|---|---|---|
| Savings APY | 2.00% APY | 4.05% APY (as of July 2026) |
| Checking Included | -- | No, savings and CDs only |
| Minimum Balance | -- | None |
| Monthly Fees | $0 | None |
| CD Rates | -- | 4.15% - 4.35% APY; no-penalty CD available |
| ATM Access | 60,000+ fee-free ATMs | None, transfer to linked account required |
| Mobile App | -- | Clean and simple; savings-focused |
| Customer Support | -- | Phone and chat, U.S.-based |
| Early Direct Deposit | Up to 2 days early | -- |
| Overdraft Protection | SpotMe up to $200 fee-free | -- |
| Investing Options | Not available | -- |
| Lending Products | Not available | -- |
| FDIC Insurance | Yes, through Bancorp Bank / Stride Bank | -- |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs Wins
Marcus by Goldman Sachs takes it overall (8/10 vs 7/10), but Chime is still the sharper pick for people who want dead-simple, fee-free checking and savings without the bells and whistles.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs's standout strength: 4.05% APY on Online Savings (as of July 2026, no minimum). Its biggest drawback (no checking account, must pair with another bank for daily spending) is easier to live with than Chime's (no physical branches anywhere). Chime isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is completely fee-free, no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance. If you fit the profile of people who want dead-simple, fee-free checking and savings without the bells and whistles, that alone can flip the decision.
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