For ZIP  

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

Review these features, fees and benefits to choose the right fit, then easily open a checking account online.

SMARTER BANKING + REWARDS

Bank Smartly Checking

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee can be waived in multiple ways1
  • Flexible banking with perks and rewards, debit card access, interest earning and optional checks
  • Track spending, savings and subscriptions to help you manage your budget, all in one place
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
     
Open an account Learn about Bank Smartly Checking

NO MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEES

Young adult & student checking (ages 18 to 24)

  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee; $12 fee is waived for ages 18 to 241
  • Bank Smartly Checking with special benefits for young adults, including perks and rewards that grow with you
  • Spending and savings goal tracking available anytime with the mobile app
  • Overdraft Fee Forgiven and protection options
  • $25 minimum opening deposit 
Open an account Learn about young adult checking

BUILD FINANCIAL SKILLS + DEBIT CARD

Teen checking (ages 13 to 17)

  • $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee; $12 fee is waived for ages 13 to 171
  • Bank Smartly Checking with special benefits for teens, including money management with a debit card and optional checks
  • Tools for saving, spending tracking and overdraft protection
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
Open an account Learn about teen checking account

BANKING MADE SIMPLE

Safe Debit account2

  • $4.95 Monthly Maintenance Fee with no minimum balance requirement
  • Money management with a debit card – no checks, no overdraft fees3
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
     
Open an account Learn about Safe Debit account

All U.S. Bank checking accounts have these benefits built right in.

Mobile check deposits

Zelle® to send or receive money fast6

Automated online bill pay

Zero Fraud Liability7

Over 4,000 no-fee ATMs45

Account alerts and reminders

How to open a checking account: 
It only takes a few minutes.

Open an 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 minimum opening deposit of $25 to activate your account (once you’ve been approved). This can be paid with a credit or debit card, a transfer from another account at U.S. Bank or a transfer from another financial institution.

Open an 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, but you can call a U.S. Bank representative at 855-605-1871 to ensure you have what you need.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Dad and his daughter relaxing on a bench in an outdoor shopping setting

You may qualify for even more checking benefits.

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

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account1
  • ATM transaction fees waived on first four Non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement period45
  • Wire Transfer Fees waived for the first two incoming wires per U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking statement period
Learn how to open your first bank account

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account1
  • ATM transaction fees waived on first four Non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement period45
  • $5 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account*9
Learn how to open an account for a minor

When an owner on an account is a member of the Military Customer Group, all other account owners receive Military Customer Group Benefits on that account.

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account1
  • ATM transaction fees waived on first four Non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement period45
  • Non-U.S. Bank ATM Surcharge reimbursed for the first fee charged by an ATM Owner (one per statement period, domestic only)45
  • $10 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on all Elite Money Market account with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account
  • Exclusive cash-back deals across top merchants/categories with an eligible and open U.S. Bank Personal Credit Card or Debit Card10
  • Unlimited fee waivers for: Cashier’s Check fees*, Personal Money Order fees*, Stop Payment fees
  • 50% discount on personal check re-orders (U.S. Bank logo or personal)8
  • U.S. Bank IRA Annual Fee waiver11
Learn more about military banking Learn how U.S. Bank supports the military community

Alliance (including State Farm®1213) 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.

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account when you are an owner of a personal State Farm credit card114
  • $10 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on all new U.S. Bank Elite Money Market accounts for 12 months from the money market account open date15
  • $10 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on all Elite Money Market accounts with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account
  • ATM transaction fees waived on first four Non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement period45
  • Exclusive cash-back deals across top merchants/categories with an eligible and open U.S. Bank Personal Credit Card10

Wealth Management16benefits include:

  • Premier service including:
    • Access to a dedicated team of wealth professionals with planning, investment and banking expertise16
    • Dedicated concierge phone support
    • Market and economic updates
    • Exclusive event invitations
  • Access to custom lending solutions and pricing, including Liquid Asset Secured lines of credit and Mortgage Relationship Based Pricing17
  • Higher money movement limits
  • Immediate access to your funds18
  • Non-U.S. Bank ATM Surcharge reimbursed for the first four fees charged per statement period by an ATM Owner (domestic only)45
  • Complimentary Wealth Management-branded personal checks8
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).

  • $12 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on every U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account1
  • $10 Monthly Maintenance Fee waived on all Elite Money Market accounts with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account
  • Exclusive cash-back deals across top merchants/categories with an eligible and open U.S. Bank Personal Credit Card10
  • ATM transaction fees waived on first four Non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement period45
  • Wire Transfer Fees waived for the first two incoming wires per U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking statement period

*A Bank Smartly® Checking account and/or Smart Rewards® participation 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.

A checking account is a deposit account that provides convenient access to your money for everyday expenses and paying your bills. Our Bank Smartly checking account offers a safe place to manage all your finances, automatically pay your bills and set spending goals.

A savings account is a simple, secure way to help you grow your money or set aside funds for future use. Having both accounts as part of your financial plan can be beneficial. Since checking and savings accounts serve different purposes, many people see the value in opening checking and savings accounts together.

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. If you’re under 18, you can open an account jointly with an adult. 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. You’ll also have the option of a debit card and services like Overdraft Fee Forgiven and overdraft protection, which work together to help manage overdrafts.

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. At the end of the application, you’ll be able to select Yes to add a co-applicant and provide their name, email and phone number. 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 gain access to tools and resources that can help teach them financial responsibility. The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account offers special benefits for youth in this age group.

For greater parental control, consider Greenlight,19 the award-winning money app and debit card that empowers parents to raise financially smart kids.

Learn more about teen checking accounts

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 $250,000.20

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.2122 

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

Person balancing checking account online

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
Students gathered around a laptop having a discussion

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
Person viewing checking account available balance on a smartphone

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

  1. Bank Smartly Checking account Monthly Maintenance Fee: For newly opened U.S. Bank Smartly Checking accounts, the Monthly Maintenance Fee is waived for the first 2 statement periods from the account open date. Members of the military (requires self-disclosure), Workplace-Financial Wellness Program, U.S. Bank Global Transition Solutions, clients age 13-24 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.  

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Bank Smartly Savings account Monthly Maintenance Fee: The $5 monthly maintenance fee is waived when you are an owner of a Bank Smartly® Checking, Safe Debit account, Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card, or for accounts with a minor under the age of 18.

  10. Exclusive U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® 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 members who identify as part of the following Customer Group segments: Military, Alliance (Including State Farm), Global Transition Solution (Formally 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 1-2 billing cycles. 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. 

  11. 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 applies to U.S. Bank IRAs only. Fee waiver does not apply to Personal Trust IRAs.

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

  13. The Retirement Money Market minimum opening deposit is $100 for State Farm customers.

  14. The Bank Smartly® Checking Account Monthly Maintenance Fee will be waived if the account holder also has a 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 and in good standing (not past due or overlimit) and you are the account owner. If a qualifying credit card is closed at any time, you will no longer be eligible for the monthly maintenance fee waiver associated with this card. No limitation on the number of U.S. Bank Smartly Checking accounts that can receive this benefit.

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

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

  17. Contact your Wealth Management Banker for more information.

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

  19. 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.

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

  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.

  22. A rate of 0.001% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) applies to accounts with balances between $0–$24,999.99. A rate of 0.005% APY applies to accounts with balances of $25,000.00 or more. U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking is a tiered-rate account. Advertised rates are variable and effective as of 11/24/2025. Rates in any tier are subject to change at any time before or after account opening. A minimum of $25 is required to open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.

Start of disclosure content

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

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