In a Nutshell
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking at a glance
Fees
Security
Customer Service
Online and Mobile Experience
Features and Benefits
Cutting-Edge Banking Services
By downloading US Bank’s mobile app, you can use smart insights to track your spending habits and set savings goals. US Bank makes it simple to transfer funds to friends and family through the mobile app thanks to its partnership with Zelle. Best of all, US Bank offers 24/7 customer support and allows you to schedule virtual, phone, or in-person appointments through its website.
U.S. Bank has recently rolled out its Overdraft Fee Forgiven program, which gives customers the ability to waive overdraft fees if they meet specific conditions once their account goes into overdraft. All U.S. Bank consumer checking accounts qualify for this new program, excluding the Safe Debit Account. These innovative features position US Bank among the best online banks for comprehensive and user-friendly services.
Traditional Banking Services
US Bank offers traditional banking services including home loans, investment accounts, savings accounts, and checking accounts. Additionally, US Bank features 9 different credit cards, including rewards cards and secure cards. It maintains 2,900 physical locations across 25 states and 4,700 ATMs nationwide.
Interest Rates and Fees
With US Bank, you can choose between 5 different checking accounts. Each one requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 and offers a unique set of terms and conditions. While some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, most accounts provide a fee waiver, and some do not charge a fee at all. US Bank does not charge ATM fees for withdrawals taken from US Bank ATMs but may charge a fee for withdrawals from non-US Bank ATMs depending on the account or the number of withdrawals per statement period.
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | Requirement to Waive Maintenance Fee | Non-US Bank ATM Fee | Interest Rate | |
| Easy Checking | $6.95 or $0 | Monthly direct deposits totally $1,000, ORAverage account balance of $1,500, ORAge 65 or older | $2.50 | N/A |
| Gold Checking | $14.95 or $0 | An open US Bank personal loan, line, mortgage, or credit card | $2.50 (first 2 withdrawals free per statement period) | N/A |
| Platinum Checking | $24.95 or $0 | $25,000 in combined personal deposits, credit balances, or investments, ORPersonal trust relationship with US Bank Wealth Management | N/A | 0.005% |
| Student Checking | $0 | N/A | $2.50 (first 4 withdrawals free per statement period) | N/A |
| Safe Debit Checking | $4.95 | Fee cannot be waived | $2.50 | N/A |
Customer Service and Online Experience
Navigating US Bank’s website is simple. All of the information is intuitively laid out, and the site features Support and FAQs links where you can get answers to most general questions. If you need immediate assistance, customer service is available by phone 24/7 at 800-872-2657. Alternatively, you can book a future virtual, phone, or in-person appointment online in just a few minutes.
Mobile App
US Bank’s mobile app is available for Android and iPhone devices through the Apple Store or Google Play. With US Bank’s mobile app, you can keep track of your spending habits and set savings goals. It’s easy to set travel notifications on your cards when you’re going out of town to avoid spending delays. For people who need to send money on the go, US Bank offers mobile check deposits and speedy money transfers with Zelle.
Security
All of US Bank’s checking accounts are FDIC-insured and protected with SSL encryption. Its mobile app offers numerous security features including facial and fingerprint recognition, 1-time passcodes, and visual pattern locks. For added protection, you can sign up for security alerts that send you a text whenever your account information changes. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, US Bank’s Fraud Liaison team is available 24/7 at 877-595-6256 to answer your questions and help you secure your account.
Summary
US Bank provides numerous banking services and products including checking, savings, and investment accounts, home loans, and credit cards. While most of US Bank's checking accounts charge maintenance fees, many offer you a chance to waive the fee if you meet eligibility requirements. Its mobile app makes it easy for you to track your spending, set savings goals, and transfer or deposit funds. Additionally, it offers 24/7 customer support and a simple yet effective online banking experience.
Methodology
This review was created based upon information available on US Bank’s website and customer and 3rd-party reviews.
Patrick Sather is a personal finance expert at BestMoney.com, specializing in online banking. He is an award-winning writer and licensed broker who has worked at leading financial firms such as TD Ameritrade and Pacific Life. With degrees in Economics, International Trade, and English from the University of Nebraska, Patrick delivers practical advice on financial decisions.
