US Bank Review
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Weighing up on banking with U.S. Bank? This comprehensive review covers its pros, cons and how it stacks up against other banks.
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U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $400 Bonus | |||
Overall Score | 3.7 | ||
Savings | 3.0 | ||
CD | 4.0 | ||
Checking | 3.0 | ||
Money Market | 3.0 | ||
Mobile App | 4.5 | ||
Customer Service | 4.5 | ||
Pros and Cons
- Promo CD with high APY
- Free student account
- 24/7 customer service
- Low standard savings APY
Bottom Line
Big national bank with wide array of services and many account options
U.S. Bank has more than 2,000 branches across the country and over 4,500 ATMs for U.S. Bank clients. They have a wide selection of checking, savings, CDs, and retirement accounts available. They even offer accounts that cater to students and seniors.
Is U.S. Bank the right choice for you or would you be better off with another bank that has different options? Keep reading to find out what U.S. Bank could offer you.
Checking Accounts
U.S. Bank checking accounts come with a U.S. Bank Visa Debit Card, access to online/mobile banking, online bill pay, and free use of U.S. Bank ATMs.
- U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking:
This is U.S. Bank's main checking account. It comes with helpful money management tools. You get personalized insights based on your saving and spending habits. You can set budgets for different categories and keep track of your spending.It also offers a variety of overdraft protection options. You get no-fee overdraft protection transfers, and they don't charge anything if you overdraw your account by $50 or less.
- Student Checking:
Students age 13-24 can get the U.S. Bank Smartly® checking account with no monthly maintenance fee. Students get four "no fee" non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per cycle.[1]U.S. Bank also has a Campus Banking program with 35+ participating universities. Some extra benefits could include: on-campus branches and a campus card that combines student ID and debit card.
- Safe Debit:
This is a "checkless" checking account. It's similar to a prepaid checking card, but you get access to online/mobile banking.There is a low monthly maintenance fee that you cannot waive. But you do get access to discounted money orders (if you need to pay someone by check) and free access to your credit score.[2]
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $400 Bonus
Earn up to $400 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s) totaling $3,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $200 or $5,000 or more to earn $400
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Silver Business Checking account - $400 Bonus
Promo code Q4AFL24 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Silver, Platinum, or Business Essentials (Available in AZ, NV, CO, NM, OH, IN, KY and TN) Business Checking account. Limit of one Business Checking bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.
Earn your $400 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking or Business Essentials (not available in all markets) account between 10/1/2024 and 1/15/2025. You must make deposit(s) of at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $5,000 until the 60th day after account opening.
New money is considered money that is new to U.S. Bank. Funds must come from outside U.S Bank and cannot be transferred from another U.S. Bank product or a U.S. Bank Affiliate. Checking account fees (e.g., monthly maintenance, paper statement fee, etc.) could reduce the qualifying daily balance, therefore you must make deposit(s) to cover the fees to maintain the daily balance during the qualifying period to be awarded the bonus. Refer to the Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information Document for a list of fees.
The business checking bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank Business Checking account within 30 days following the last calendar day of the month you complete all of the offer requirements, as long as the account is open and has a positive available balance.
Offer may not be combined with any other business checking account bonus offers. Existing customers (businesses) with a business checking account or customers (businesses) who had an account in the last 12 months, do not qualify.
All regular account-opening procedures apply. For a comprehensive list of checking account pricing, terms and policies, reference your Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information and YDAA disclosure. This document can be obtained by contacting a U.S. Bank branch or calling 800.872.2657.
Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Current U.S. Bank employees are not eligible. U.S. Bank reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Member FDIC.
Platinum Business Checking account - $900 Bonus
Promo code Q4AFL24 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Silver, Platinum, or Business Essentials (Available in AZ, NV, CO, NM, OH, IN, KY and TN) Business Checking account. Limit of one Business Checking bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.
Earn your $900 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account between 10/01/2024 and 1/15/2025. You must make deposit(s) of at least $30,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $30,000 until the 60th day after account opening.
New money is considered money that is new to U.S. Bank. Funds must come from outside U.S Bank and cannot be transferred from another U.S. Bank product or a U.S. Bank Affiliate. Checking account fees (e.g., monthly maintenance, paper statement fee, etc.) could reduce the qualifying daily balance, therefore you must make deposit(s) to cover the fees to maintain the daily balance during the qualifying period to be awarded the bonus. Refer to the Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information Document for a list of fees.
The business checking bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank Business Checking account within 30 days following the last calendar day of the month you complete all of the offer requirements, as long as the account is open and has a positive available balance.
Offer may not be combined with any other business checking account bonus offers. Existing customers (businesses) with a business checking account or customers (businesses) who had an account in the last 12 months, do not qualify.
All regular account-opening procedures apply. For a comprehensive list of checking account pricing, terms and policies, reference your Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information and YDAA disclosure. This document can be obtained by contacting a U.S. Bank branch or calling 800.872.2657.
Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Current U.S. Bank employees are not eligible. U.S. Bank reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Member FDIC.
Compare Checking Account Promotion
BMO Checking Accounts - Earn up to $600
Earn up to $600 with qualifying activities. Conditions Apply. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
Get either a $250 or $500 cash bonus when you open a new checking account and complete qualifying activities between 9/10/24 and 10/31/24. Plus, get a $100 digital gift card when you meet with a BMO banker to discuss your financial priorities after opening your account online. Combine the cash bonus and the gift card to maximize your rewards.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
HSBC Premier - Earn Up to $2,500
Start an HSBC Premier relationship today. You'll enjoy premium banking with both local and global benefits and access to wealth solutions offered through HSBC Securities, (USA), Inc*.
You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities.
- Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements.
Savings Accounts
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U.S. Bank savings accounts come with access to online/mobile banking, recurring bank transfers, overdraft protection options, and free access to U.S. Bank ATMs.
- Standard Savings Account:
This is the basic savings account. You can waive the monthly fee with only $300 minimum daily balance. OR you can have it as a joint savings account with a teen 17 or under, and it'll be free.[3]However, the savings rate is low, like most traditional banks. You'll need at least $25 to open this account.
- Elite Money Market:
Open this account with $100 and earn higher interest rates the higher your balances become. You'll need a $10,000 minimum balance to waive the monthly fee.You'll have check writing privileges with this money market account as well as access to online/mobile banking. You can also use any U.S. Bank ATM free of charge.[4]
- Retirement Money Market Account:
This is an individual retirement account plan account with tax benefits. There's no monthly maintenance fee, and you can open the account with $100 or $25 automatic monthly deposits.[5]
U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account
- Competitive interest rates to grow your savings.
- Unlock even higher rates with an eligible checking account and combined qualifying balances.
- Waive your monthly maintenance fee when you maintain a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking or Safe Debit account.
- Access to easy-to-use digital budgeting tools to help you monitor all your accounts and set clear financial goals.
Member FDIC.
Compare Savings Accounts
High-Yield Savings Premier - 4.81% APY
- No account activity or maintenance fees
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- FDIC insured
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.70% APY
- 4.70% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
- 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
CDs
- CD Special: With just $1,000, you can open a "special CD" that has promotional interest rates. These interest rates are usually higher than what you'd find with a standard CD. They offer a variety of maturity dates that range from 17 months to 59 months. The longer you can tie up your money, the higher the interest rate you'll earn.[6]
- CD: If you have $500 to invest, you can open a standard CD with maturity dates ranging from one month to 60 months.[7]
- Step Up CD: If you can tie up your money for at least 28 months, take advantage of the increasing rates of this CD. Every seven months, the rate increases. This would give you an opportunity for four interest rate increases in 28 months. You'll need $1,000 to open this CD.[8]
- Trade Up CD: With $1,000 and 30 or 60 months available, you have the opportunity to lock in a higher interest rate one time during your CD's term.[9]
Reasons We Like U.S. Bank
- You can customize your alerts. You can receive text or email alerts about low balances, negative balances, withdrawals that exceed your threshold, overdrafts, and new statement alerts. You can also set up alerts for any type of debit/credit card transactions that you want to know about, including declined transactions or high transaction amounts.
- You can use online banking to pay bills, check transactions, transfer money, access free online statements, and check transactions. You can access online banking 24/7.
- You can set up online bill pay alerts. Whether you want to be alerted of an upcoming due date, sent payment, reminder about an automatic payment about to be sent, or when an eBill is received, you can do so. This way you can automate the bill pay process, but still always know what is going on in your account.
- You can use the U.S. Bank mobile app to conduct many banking transactions. The mobile app mirrors the online bank portal, making it easy to check balances, pay bills, transfer funds, and activate your bank cards. You can also enable the Instant Balance Feature that allows you to see your balance without logging into your account.
- You can deposit your checks from your mobile app. You don't have to visit the bank; you just take a picture of the front and back of your check and follow the prompts in the app to deposit your check.[10]
- You can send money to friends and family with Zelle®. All you need is an email address or mobile phone number to send the payment. It's free to use and you can access it right in your U.S. Bank mobile app.[11]
- You can enjoy complimentary access to Greenlight. If you have a Bank Smartly® Checking account or any other eligible U.S. Bank checking account, you'll receive access to Greenlight's debit card and money app at no additional cost. Greenlight helps kids and teens develop healthy financial habits.
- You can activate location services in the mobile app to enhance the security of your bank card. With location services on, U.S. Bank can tell when you and your bank card are together. If someone tries to use your card that isn't at the location that your phone is located, it will alert U.S. Bank of potential fraud.[12]
- U.S. Bank is FDIC insured. Your accounts are protected up to $250,000 each. In the event that U.S. Bank goes out of business, your money will be safe.[13]
Reasons You May Want to Look Elsewhere
- U.S. Bank is located in 26 states. If you don't live in one of the states where the bank is located, you can't take advantage of their banking programs.
- U.S. Bank has high minimum balance requirements to waive the monthly service fees. Basic account holders usually want minimum balance requirements that are less than $500, but even the Basic checking account requires a minimum balance of $1,500 to waive the monthly service charge.
How It Compares
- Chase: Chase is another big name in the banking industry, with thousands of branches and ATMs throughout the country. Consumers usually go to Chase for the Chase checking account bonus for new accounts. Chase offers online bill pay and mobile banking just like U.S. Bank, but they tend to have lower minimum requirements to waive the monthly service fees.
- BMO: BMO offers fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide. Their account selections are much less than what U.S. Bank offers, and they only have one interest-bearing checking account that requires a $25,000 balance to waive the high monthly service charge.
- Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo has 13,000 ATMs and 5,800 branches in the U.S. Wells Fargo offers a similar number of checking/savings account offerings. What they are known for, though, is their "second chance checking account" offerings. This helps those who faced financial destruction get back on their feet with a standard checking account.
Bottom Line
US Bank offers a solid checking account with good banking features and personalized money management tools. It also offers some savings accounts with higher-than-average APYs.
It has lower fees than some other banks. Just be sure to meet the minimum requirements in order to waive the monthly service fee.
All in all, if you're searching for a trustworthy bank with excellent account options, US Bank is definitely worth exploring.
References
- ^ U.S. Bank. Student Checking Account, Retrieved 4/11/2023
- ^ U.S. Bank. Safe-Debit Checking Account, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Standard Savings Account, Retrieved 4/11/2023
- ^ U.S. Bank. Elite Money Market Savings Account, Retrieved 4/11/2023
- ^ U.S. Bank. Retirement Money Market Account, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. CD Special, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Certificate of Deposit, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Step Up CD, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Trade Up CD, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Mobile Check Deposit, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. Zelle Payments, Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. "How do I enable location services on my mobile device?", Retrieved 1/25/2022
- ^ U.S. Bank. "FDIC deposit insurance coverage", Retrieved 1/25/2022
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking - Up to $400 Bonus
Earn up to $400 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s) totaling $3,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $200 or $5,000 or more to earn $400
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.70% APY
- 4.70% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
- 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
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