U.S. Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States and offers a full range of personal and business banking products. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
When it comes to finding the right bank, there is no shortage of options to sift through. U.S. Bank may be your top choice as you research the best checking accounts.
A combination of low fees and accessible digital features makes opening an account with this bank a worthwhile option. Plus, if you have a side hustle or small business, they have excellent business banking options as well. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
What Is U.S. Bank?
U.S. Bank can trace its roots back to the First National Bank of Cincinnati, which was founded in 1863. Since its humble beginnings, it has grown to be one of the largest banks in the country. In fact, it just received approval to acquire Union Bank, which will continue to make U.S. Bank a banking powerhouse. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
As a consumer, you’ll have access to over 2,000 physical branch locations. The physical locations are spread out across 26 states. U.S. Bank headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What Does It Offer?
Here’s a closer look at what U.S. Bank has to offer.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking Account
Although U.S. Bank offers more than one checking account, the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account stands apart from the crowd as a viable option for adults and students alike. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
This account includes a U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card, mobile and online banking, mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and more! You also get access to send money with Zelle®, and access to U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® to reap additional benefits.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking has a $6.95 per month maintenance fee that’s easily waived if you simply do ONE of the following:
- Are age 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military (must self-disclose), OR
- Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more, OR
- Average account balance of $1,500 or more, OR
- Hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, OR
- Qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards® tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle).
If you attend a college that participates in the U.S. Bank Campus, there are several extra perks. This program issues you a campus card that links your student ID with your debit card, opens the door to a university-branded debit card, and gives you access to on-campus or near-campus advisory centers. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
Savings Accounts: Elite Money Market
While you are in school or just starting out, creating a habit of saving money is critical. U.S. Bank has the Elite Money Market Account that could be the tool for you.
The Elite Money Market Account is another place to store savings, and their rates have become more competitive. However, make sure you compare their rates to other high yield savings accounts. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
CDs
Certificates of Deposit, or CDs, offer a low-risk way to grow your savings. But in exchange for a higher interest rate, you’ll give up liquidity, or easy access, that comes with a savings account.
You can also opt for their Trade up CD with a minimum deposit of $1,000. This CD allows you to take advantage of rising rates once per term. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
Before tucking your funds into a CD, make sure you are comfortable with the lack of liquidity.
You can see how U.S. Bank compares on our list of the Best Bank CDs here.
Business Banking
U.S. Bank has a full suite of business banking options – including business checking, business savings, lending, and merchant services.
Their main business checking products include Essentials Business Checking and Platinum business checking. The big differentiator between the levels is the number of transactions your business does each month. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking
The U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking account is is a solid basic business checking account with all the features you need in a bank.
This account is designed for small businesses and has a $0 monthly maintenance fee. This account is consistently on our list of the best business checking accounts.
This account includes a U.S. Bank Visa Debit Card, mobile and online banking, mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and unlimited digital transactions! U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
And right now, you can earn up to an $400 bonus when you open a new, eligible U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking account online with promo code Q1AFL26 and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through March 31, 2026. Member FDIC.
Earn your $400 bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking account between 1/15/2026 and 3/31/2026.
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. You must also complete 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking
The U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account is a premium business checking account that earns you top-tier perks if you maintain a strong banking relationship. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
This account includes a U.S. Bank Visa Debit Card, mobile and online banking, mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and more! You also earn interest and get up to 500 free transactions per month.
U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking has a $30 per month maintenance fee that’s easily waived if you simply do ONE of the following:
- $25,000 average collected checking balance
- $75,000 combined average collected in business deposits and outstanding business credit balances.
And right now, you can earn up to an $1,200 bonus when you open a new, eligible U.S. Bank Platinum business checking account online with promo code Q1AFL26 and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through March 31, 2026. Member FDIC. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
Earn your $1,200 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account between 1/15/2026 and 3/31/2026.
You must make deposit(s) of at least $25,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $25,000 until the 60th day after account opening. You must also complete 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
U.S. Bank Platinum Business Money Market
The U.S. Bank Platinum Business Money Market is one of the best business money market accounts available. It pays a high APY, connects to your U.S. Bank Business Checking Account, and even offers a bonus APY when you sign up.
Check out the full list of business savings accounts here.
Are There Any Fees?
Yes, U.S. Bank does have monthly fees for most of its products, but these fees can typically be waived by meeting certain requirements.
For instance, the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking charges a $6.95 monthly maintenance fee, which you can easily waive by doing ONE of the following: U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,
- Are age 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military, OR
- Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more, OR
- Average account balance of $1,500 ore more, OR
- Hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, OR
- Qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards™ tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle).
The Elite Money Market Account comes with a $15 maintenance fee per statement cycle waived with $10,000 minimum daily balance. U.S. Bank Review: Pros, Cons,