Compare checking accounts to find which one is best for you.

Both choices give you all the banking essentials you need. Easily open a checking account online in minutes.

Bank Smartly® Checking

Why you'll love it:  You get an interest-earning 1 checking account with access to online tools that’ll help you easily manage all your money, even in accounts at other banks. And, kids get money-smart too with a complimentary Greenlight account. 2 See why kids love Greenlight >

Protection against overdrafts.  Avoid an unexpected shortage of funds with overdraft protection.3 Plus, enjoy a $50 overdrawn Available Balance threshold with our Overdraft Fee Forgiven Program,4 ways to get Overdraft Paid Fees waived, and no Overdraft Protection Transfer Fees.5

$12 or $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee.6 Waive the $12 fee in multiple ways including monthly direct deposits, balance minimums or the presence of a
U.S. Bank SmartlyTM Visa Signature® card.7

Automated digital financial tools.  Manage your finances with real-time spending notifications, personalized financial insights and customizable goal-planning.

Unlock higher rates 8 when you add on a Bank Smartly® Savings account.

 

Smart Rewards are yours with a U.S. Bank Smartly checking account

Extra perks start from day one.

Smart Rewards® are yours automatically with Bank Smartly® Checking. Earn more fee waivers, loan discounts and debit card cash-back deals 9 as your balances grow.

Safe Debit Account10

Why you'll love it: You’ll skip the checks but want the tools to help manage your money and build your credit. Plus, debit card.

No overdraft fees.11 In most situations a transaction more than your balance won't go through. If it does, there's no fee.

No surprise fees. Pay a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee with no minimum balance penalty. Fee cannot be waived.

Banking essentials. Directly deposit paychecks, lock a lost debit card and pay bills for free using our award-winning mobile app.

 

U.S. Bank Safe Debit Checking Account BankOn Certification Seal

More than safe, it's certified safe.

U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account has been certified by Bank On for meeting the National Account Standards as a low-cost, low-fee account since 2016.

No matter what you choose, you'll get:

Mobile check deposits

Zelle® instant transfers12

Automated online bill pay

Contactless payments

National ATM network

Account alerts and reminders

What do you need to open a checking account online?

You can apply online for a personal checking account if you’re 18 years or older and a legal U.S. resident. You’ll need the following information:

  • Your Social Security number
  • A valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, passport or state or military ID
  • A minimum opening deposit of $25 to activate your account (once you’ve been approved). This can be paid with a credit, debit or prepaid card, a transfer from another account at U.S. Bank or a transfer from another financial institution.

Want to open a checking account in person?

You can visit any U.S. Bank branch to open a checking account. You’ll still need personal details such as a valid government ID and Social Security number, but you can call a U.S. Bank representative at 855-605-1871 to ensure you have what you need.

Military, seniors and youth - Checking account benefits

This could be you.

If you're a member of one of these groups, you're eligible for added benefits and rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Discover simple ideas and easy tips on how to reach your goals faster.

Your #1 priority? Balancing your checking account.

Balancing your checking account monthly helps you spot errors, detect fraud and understand spending patterns.

6 questions students should ask about checking accounts.

Checking accounts can be valuable money management tools. These six questions can help decide which account is right for you.

Steer clear of overdrafts to your checking account.

Checking accounts are great for potential rewards and quick access, but they still require practicing smart spending habits.

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Disclosures

  1. Variable rate account – The interest rates and Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) are variable, determined at the bank’s discretion and can change at any time, including after the account is opened. Speak to a banker for current deposit rates, disclosures on rates, compounding and crediting, and other balance information.

  2. U.S. Bank customers are eligible to receive the Greenlight Select plan complimentary when an eligible U.S. Bank checking account (excludes Safe Debit and Electronic Transfer accounts) is added as a funding source. You are required to be an authorized transactor on the U.S. Bank account, be at least 18 years of age, and be enrolled in online banking. Your U.S. Bank checking account(s) must be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account for the entirety of the partnership. If your U.S. Bank checking account(s) cease to be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account or you add a funding source that is not an eligible U.S. Bank checking account, you may be charged a monthly fee by Greenlight. In-app upgrades will result in additional fees. Subject to Greenlight identity verification. See greenlight.com/terms for additional information. Offer subject to change. Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC. The Greenlight Mastercard is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.

  3. In the event the Available Balance at the end of the business day is or would be overdrawn $50.01 or more and the transaction paid is $5.01 or more, an Overdraft Paid Fee may be assessed for each item. In the event the Available Balance at the end of the business day is or would be overdrawn $50.00 or less, a fee will not be assessed. U.S. Bank limits the number of charges to a daily maximum of three Overdraft Paid Fees per day, no matter how many items we pay on your behalf.

  4. Consumer checking accounts (excluding Safe Debit accounts) assessed an Overdraft Paid Fee may qualify for a fee waiver. The Overdraft Fee Forgiven period starts the first business day your Available Balance becomes negative and you were charged an Overdraft Paid Fee(s). U.S. Bank will review your account at the end of the Overdraft Fee Forgiven period (11 p.m. ET) and if your Available Balance (excluding the Overdraft Paid Fees and including immediate and same day deposits), is at least $0 we will waive Overdraft Paid Fee(s) charged. Deposits that generally will qualify for Overdraft Fee Forgiven include: ACH and electronic deposits, cash deposits, wire transfers, ATM deposits at U.S. Bank ATMs, check deposits in branch and internal transfers from another U.S. Bank account. Deposits that generally will not qualify for Overdraft Fee Forgiven include: Mobile check deposit, extended hold placed on a deposit and deposits into new accounts opened less than 30 days where funds are generally made available the fifth business day after the day of your deposit. Refer to the Determining the Availability of a Deposit – All Accounts section of Your Deposit Account Agreement  (PDF) for full funds availability details.

  5. If you have linked eligible accounts and the negative Available Balance in your checking account is $5.01 or more, the advance amount will transfer in multiples of $50. If, however, the negative Available Balance is $5 or less, the amount advanced will be $5. The Overdraft Protection Transfer Fee is waived if the negative Available Balance in your checking account is $50 or less. Overdraft Protection Transfer Fees are waived on Bank Smartly Checking accounts.

    Note: If you have Overdraft Protection and your account becomes overdrawn, Overdraft Protection funds will be accessed before the account is eligible for U.S. Bank Overdraft Fee Forgiven.

    Refer to Your Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) section titled Overdraft Protection Plans for additional information.

  6. Members of the military (requires self disclosure), Workplace-Financial Wellness Program, U.S. Bank Global Transition Solutions, clients ages 24 and under or clients 65 and over, pay no monthly maintenance fee. State Farm Alliance customers can waive the monthly maintenance fee as an owner of an eligible personal State Farm credit card. All others can have it waived by meeting any one of the following criteria: Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more; or keep a minimum average account balance of $1,500 or more; or owner on a U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card; or owner of an eligible U.S. Bank small business checking account; or qualify for one of the three Smart Rewards® tiers (Gold Tier, Platinum Tier or Platinum Plus Tier).

    The average account balance is calculated by adding the balance at the end of each calendar day in the statement period and dividing that sum by the total number of calendar days within the statement period. Other fees may apply.

    Please refer to the Consumer Pricing Information (PDF) disclosure for more details.

  7. The Bank Smartly Checking Account Monthly Maintenance Fee will be waived if the account holder also has the qualifying credit card account. Qualifying credit card accounts include the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card and personal State Farm credit cards for Alliance customers. Cards must be open, activated and in good standing and you are the account owner. This benefit may take up to 5 business days to be applied after credit card activation. Credit products are subject to eligibility requirements and credit approval and may be subject to additional charges.

  8. The interest rates and Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) for the Bank Smartly® Savings account are variable, determined at the bank's discretion, and can change at any time, including after the account is opened.

  9. Cash-back deals are currently available for personal debit and credit cards only. Business debit and credit cards are not eligible at this time.

  10. Safe Debit Account is subject to certain account limitations and eligibility requirements, including the use of bill pay and Mobile Check Deposit. Please refer to the U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account Terms and Conditions (PDF) and Safe Debit Account Pricing and Information (PDF) guide for details. Refer to Your Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) and the Consumer Pricing Information (PDF) disclosure for a summary of fees, terms and conditions that apply.

  11. We will not charge you an Overdraft Paid Fee, but you will not be able to use your debit card or withdraw funds from your account until you transfer or deposit enough money to bring your available balance positive.

  12. To send and receive money in minutes with Zelle®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account, and have a United States mobile number registered in your online and mobile banking profile for at least three calendar days. Transactions between enrolled customers typically occur in minutes.  

  13. When changing existing checking options or customer group, check order discounts may not be immediately available, but will generally be available within five business days. Additional shipping fees may apply if expedited or shipped outside the continental United States.

  14. ATM Transaction Fee. U.S. Bank will assess this fee for each ATM Transaction conducted at the Non-U.S. Bank ATM. This means that you may be charged more than one ATM Transaction fee at a Non-U.S. Bank ATM during a single ATM session. Non-U.S. Bank ATMs are defined as any ATM that does not display the U.S. Bank logo in any manner, physically on the ATM or digitally on the  screen.

    ATM Surcharge. Non-U.S. Bank ATM owners may apply a surcharge fee on ATM transactions at their ATMs. U.S. Bank participates in MoneyPass®, an ATM surcharge free network. To find MoneyPass ATM locations, select “visit the MoneyPass locator” at the bottom of our ATM locator search results to be taken to the MoneyPass website. If you use an ATM that uses the MoneyPass® Network and are charged a surcharge fee, please call us at 800-USBANKS (872-2657) for a refund of the surcharge fee. However, a Non-U.S. Bank ATM Transaction Fee may be assessed on transactions at a MoneyPass ATM.

    Please refer to the Consumer Pricing Information (PDF) disclosure section titled Miscellaneous Checking, Savings or Money Market Fees for a summary of ATM transaction fees.

  15. When changing checking account types, corresponding Non-U.S. Bank ATM transaction fee waivers will become available on the first day of the next statement cycle. ATM transaction fee waivers are only applicable for your U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking accounts.

  16. The $5 monthly maintenance fee is waived with the presence of a Bank Smartly® Checking, Safe Debit account, Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® card, or for accounts with a minor under the age of 18.

  17. Exclusive U.S. Bank Smart Reward® cash back deals are available to U.S. Bank personal credit card members whose accounts are open and in good standing (not past due or overlimit) who: (1) have a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account which automatically enrolls the account in Smart Rewards; and (2) qualify for the Silver Tier of the program or higher. In addition, exclusive U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® cash back deals are available regardless of tier qualification to U.S. Bank personal card member who identify as part of the following Customer Group segments: Military, Alliance (Including State Farm), Global Transition Solutions (formerly Referral Banking) and U.S. Bank Employees. Card members who have both a personal credit card account and a business credit or charge card account with U.S. Bank are not eligible for these offers. Smart Rewards cash back deals appear in online banking and the U.S. Bank mobile app and will change approximately every 45 days. Following automatic enrollment in Smart Rewards program, offers will be made available to eligible card members within 4-6 weeks. To access and activate the cash back deals, card members must log in to online banking or the mobile app and select the Smart Rewards cash back deals to activate them. Once the deal or deals are activated, shop online or in store at offer-activated stores using your enrolled U.S. Bank personal credit card at checkout. Terms and conditions applicable to each offer are provided with the offer. Cash back is automatically credited within 1-2 billing cycles to the card or account used to complete the deal.

  18. Maintaining an open U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account in the Smart Rewards® Gold Tier, at a minimum, is required to waive the IRA annual fee. The IRA annual fee waiver does not apply to Personal Trust IRAs.

  19. If you have any questions, please call the State Farm Banking Customer Service at U.S. Bank, 800-890-2233.

  20. The Retirement Money Market minimum opening deposit is $100 for State Farm clients.

  21. Valid if the client maintains an Elite Money Market account only (without the presence of a Bank Smartly® checking account); Monthly Maintenance Fee waiver starts on account open date.

  22. For banking clients of U.S. Bank Wealth Management, Private Wealth Management or Ascent Private Capital Management.

  23. For more information, refer to Your Deposit Account Agreement (PDF), in the section titled Funds Availability.

  24. The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, for each deposit insurance ownership category.

  25. Zero fraud liability – U.S. Bank provides zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions. Cardholder must notify U.S. Bank promptly of any unauthorized use. Certain conditions and limitations may apply. See the Electronic Fund Transfers section in Your Deposit Account Agreement (PDF) for details.

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Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.