For ZIP  

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 checking account where you can use online tools to help manage your money, easily enroll in direct deposit and automatically earn extra perks from day one.  Learn more about Smart Rewards®.

Overdraft protection1 along with a $50 overdrawn Available Balance threshold and our Overdraft Fee Forgiven program.2

Pay $6.95 or $0 monthly maintenance fees. Waive the $6.95 fee in multiple ways including monthly direct deposits, balance minimums or the presence of eligible accounts.3

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

Earn more on your money when you add-on a high-yield Bank Smartly® Savings account to Bank Smartly® Checking.

 

Open an account Learn about U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Greenlight is complimentary with an eligible U.S. Bank checking account

Raise money-smart kids with Bank Smartly® Checking.

Then, add this complimentary Greenlight account4 to make finance fun using goal- setting games, money-earning chores and a debit card you can monitor.

See why kids love Greenlight

Safe Debit Account5

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.6 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.

 

Open an account Learn about U.S. Bank Safe Debit

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 transfers7

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.

  • Automatic enrollment in the Plus tier for active duty service members and veterans8
  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee3 for Bank Smartly® checking accounts
  • Free cashier’s checks*, personal money orders* and stop payments*
  • 50% discount on personal check re-orders (U.S. Bank Logo or personal)9 and annual Safe Deposit Box rental fees*
Learn more about military banking

If you’re 13 through 24 years old, we’ve got special account benefits and features just for you including waived fees and automatic enrollment in the U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® program.

Learn about student banking

  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee3 for Bank Smartly® Checking account
  • First four non-U.S. Bank ATM transaction fees waived per statement period1011
  • $0 Bank Smartly® Savings or Standard Savings12 Monthly Maintenance Fees; no limit*13
Learn more about opening a minor account

  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee3 for Bank Smartly® Checking account
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee waiver for new Standard Savings12 accounts for the first six months from the savings account open date; no limit*
  • First four free non-U.S. Bank ATM transaction fees waived per statement period 1011
  • $0 Bank Smartly® Savings or Standard Savings12 Monthly Maintenance Fees; no limit*13
  • Two incoming wire transfer fees waived per statement period
Learn how to open your first bank account

  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee3 for Bank Smartly® Checking
  • 50% discount on personal check re-orders (U.S. Bank logo or personal)9 and annual safe deposit box rental fees*
Learn about Bank Smartly® Checking account features

  • First two non-U.S. Bank ATM transaction fees waived per statement period1011
  • 50% discount on personal check re-orders (U.S. Bank logo or personal)9 and annual Safe Deposit box rental fees*

  • Alliance (including State Farm®1415) benefits are contingent on opening accounts through the Alliance partner channels. Products directly opened at U.S. Bank are not eligible for the Alliance Customer Group benefits.
  • Automatic enrollment in the Primary tier
  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee3 for Bank Smartly® Checking accounts
  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee16 for all new U.S. Bank Elite Money Market accounts for the first 12 months from the money market account open date; no limit*
  • First four non-U.S. Bank ATM transaction fees waived per statement period1011

  • Access to wealth management professionals17
  • Dedicated concierge line
  • Access to exclusive lending solutions
  • Exclusive event invitations
  • Higher move money limits and funds availability limits18
  • Complimentary Wealth Management-branded personal checks
Learn about our Wealth Management services

U.S. Bank Global Transition Solutions customer group currently has limited availability through qualifying referral partner programs (e.g. MUFG Bank).

  • Automatic enrollment in minimum tier of Primary

*A Bank Smartly® Checking account and/or Smart Rewards® enrollment are not required to qualify for these benefits

Frequently asked questions

Checking accounts provide convenient, safe access to your money using a debit card, ATMs or check writing, avoiding the need to carry cash. Another advantage is the ability to setup direct deposit of your paycheck or other recurring payments, eliminating a trip to the bank and giving you faster access to funds. Additionally, you get access to mobile and online banking where you can monitor your account, transfer funds and pay bills online. And, you can use a variety of digital tools to help you monitor and manage your money efficiently.

You can open your first checking account online or at any U.S. Bank branch if you’re 18 years or older and a legal U.S. resident. When you open your account, you’ll get access to the U.S. Bank Mobile app and online banking to manage your money on the go, plus an optional debit card.

Discover your options for a first bank account

You can open a joint checking account online easily in minutes. Simply select the Joint option when applying online. If applying in a branch, all joint owners must be present. With a $25 minimum opening deposit, you’ll enjoy benefits that include digital budgeting tools and more.

You can open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account with your 13-to-17-year-old child and get access to tools and resources that can help teach them financial responsibility. The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account offers special benefits for youth ages 13 through 17.

Learn more about opening a checking account for a minor

With our automated setup, enrolling in direct deposit is quick and easy. Your direct deposit update is seamless, secure and verified in real time.

Learn how to set up direct deposit

Whether you have never written a check or you’re in need of a refresher, learn how to properly fill out a check, with our step-by-step guide.

Learn how to write a check

Yes, U.S. Bank checking accounts are FDIC-insured, which means you may be covered up to $250,000. 19

Your balances are also protected with the industry’s strongest available encryption and zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions.20
 

When you open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account, you earn interest at a variable rate. Checking account interest rates are determined at the bank’s discretion and may change at any time.21Speak to a banker for current deposit rates, disclosures on rates, compounding and crediting and other balance information. Call (800) 872-2657 to find the nearest branch and schedule an appointment.

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.

Manage your money wisely

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.

Make an informed decision

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.

Learn how to avoid overdrafts

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Log in to your account(s)
Call 800-872-2657
Make an appointment
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Disclosures

  1. 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.

    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.

  2. 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 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.

  3. Members of the military (requires self disclosure) and clients ages 24 and under and those 65 and over pay no monthly maintenance fee. All others can have it waived by meeting any one of the following criteria: Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more; or keep a minimum average account balance of $1,500 or more; or presence of an eligible personal U.S. Bank credit card; or qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards® tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle).

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.  

  8. All regular account opening procedures apply. $25 minimum deposit required to open a U.S. Bank consumer checking account. Members of the military (requires self-disclosure) and clients ages 24 and under and those 65 and over pay no monthly maintenance fee.

  9. 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.

  10. ATM Transaction Fee. U.S. Bank will assess this fee for each ATM Transaction conducted at the Non-U.S. Bank ATM. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. NOTE: The Standard Savings product may no longer be available for sale. Please consult a banker for account details.

  13. Account may be assessed the Monthly Maintenance Fee when the account holder reaches 18 years of age. In the event the account holder is not currently a signer on the account the account holder must visit a branch with the custodian/guardian on the account to gain authority to access account funds.

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

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

  16. 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.

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

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

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

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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