U.S. Bank Review: Accessible Customer Service and Checking Account Options
Written by
Daria Uhlig
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
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Qualify for fee discounts and waivers, and cash back on purchases when you combine Smartly Checking with a U.S. Bank personal credit card.
U.S. Bank’s deposit accounts offer the features you need for everyday banking, plus extra perks like Greenlight, a financial literacy program for kids.
U.S. Bank is part of U.S. Bancorp and ranks as the fifth-largest bank in the United States, with over 2,000 branches in 26 states. It offers several products and services to meet the banking needs of personal and business customers, including everything from checking and savings accounts to wealth management services. In addition to its large branch network, U.S. Bank also has a comprehensive digital banking platform. GOBankingRates named U.S. Bank as one of the Best National Banks of 2025.
U.S. Bank Checking Accounts
U.S. Bank‘s primary checking account is Bank Smartly Checking, which offers essential banking services, automated spending and savings tools plus access to Smart Rewards.Â
- Smart Rewards, U.S. Bank’s tiered relationship banking program, offers cash back, discounts on bank fees, bonus rates and overdraft forgiveness.Â
- While technically an interest-bearing account, Bank Smartly Checking balances under $25,000 earn just annual percentage yield, which amounts to one cent per $1,000.
- The monthly fee for Bank Smartly Checking is $6.95. However, U.S. Bank will waive it if you maintain an average account balance of $1,500, have a qualifying U.S. Bank consumer credit card or receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits per month. The fee is always waived for customers age 24 or younger, seniors age 65 or older and members of the military. Â
- U.S. Bank forgives overdrafts of up to $50, and it forgives overdrafts of more than $50 when you make a qualifying deposit by 11 p.m. ET on the day the overdraft occurs.
- If all you need is a basic cash management account, consider Safe Debit, U.S. Bank’s checkless checking account, instead. It has a $4.95 monthly fee that can’t be waived, but the account comes with a debit card and has no overdraft fees.
- All U.S. Bank checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit.
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Banking in Arizona
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Interest-Bearing Checking Account
U.S. Bank offers two checking account options: Bank Smartly Checking, which provides rewards and consumer-friendly overdraft policies but has a low APY and a waivable $6.95 monthly fee, and Safe Debit, which has no overdraft fees, but does not offer checks and has a $4.95 monthly fee.
Fees
Up to $6.95, which is waivable
APY
Min Opening
$25
Pros
- Two checking options to suit different needs
- Smart Rewards eligibility with Smartly Checking
- Consumer-friendly overdraft policies
Cons
- Low APY for Bank Smartly Checking, and no interest on Safe Debit
- Need a combined balance of $20,000 to earn Smart Rewards
- No debit rewards
Quick Take
U.S. Bank checking accounts provide a basic set of features, plus the ability to earn rewards with Bank Smartly Checking.
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U.S. Bank Savings Account
U.S. Bank offers a single Bank Smartly Savings Account that you can open with a $25 minimum deposit.
- Bank Smartly Savings has a $5 monthly service fee that can be waived when the account holder opens a Bank Smartly Checking Account, Safe Debit account or Bank Smartly card, or if the holder is under age 18.
- You can use your Bank Smartly Savings balance for $0 overdraft protection on eligible linked checking accounts.
- Your balance counts toward Smart Rewards eligibility.
- The regular rate is just on this account, but the relationship rates can be up to APY.
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Competitive APY of up to
The U.S. Bank Smartly Savings Account offers a low $25 minimum deposit, a waivable $5 monthly fee and decent interest rates, with potential for higher relationship rates and overdraft protection.
Fees
No monthly service fee
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$25
Pros
- Low $25 minimum opening deposit
- All balances earn interest
- Easy-to-waive monthly service fee
Cons
- Low standard APY
Quick Take
Bank Smartly Savings is a basic savings account that doesn’t earn much interest, but it can earn you relationship benefits and help you avoid overdraft fees.
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U.S. Bank CD Accounts
- U.S. Bank’s certificates of deposit offer four versions: Standard CDs, Step Up CDs, Trade Up CDs and high-yield CD Specials.Â
- Regular CDs come in terms of one month to five years and have a $500 minimum opening deposit.Â
- APYs range from to , with the higher balances earning the better rate, but it’s still just a fraction of what you can earn with a CD special.Â
- With the Step Up CD, the interest rate rises every seven months during the 28-month term. The minimum opening deposit is $1,000.
- The Trade Up CD lets you lock in a higher rate once during your initial term. It has a $1,000 minimum opening deposit, and the APY varies according to the balance and term.
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Banking in Arizona
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4 Different CD Types To Choose From
U.S. Bank offers a variety of CDs with competitive rates on CD Specials, but standard CDs have lower APYs, with minimum deposits ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on the type.
Fees
No monthly service fee
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$500
Pros
- Several CD varieties to choose from
- Highly competitive rates on CD Specials
Cons
- Low rates on standard CDs
Quick Take
U.S. Bank’s standard CDs offer higher APYs than its savings account, but opt for a CD special for the best rates.
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U.S. Bank Money Market Account
U.S. Bank’s money market account is called the Elite Money Market Account, which can earn a much higher yield than the savings account.
- The top rate for the Elite Money Market Account is APY, but you’ll need a $50,000 balance to earn it. Balances less than $25,000 earn just , and balances of $25,000 to under $50,000 earn .
- The only applies to new U.S. Bank money market clients and those who have had a U.S. Bank money market account for fewer than 30 days.Â
- While you can open an Elite Money Market Account with just $100, you’ll have to deposit at least $50,000 within 30 days after opening the account to earn the highest rate.
- The Elite Money Market Account has a $10 monthly fee U.S. Bank will waive for customers who open a Bank Smartly Checking account and either enroll in the Smart Rewards Primary tier or higher or maintain at least a $10,000 daily balance.
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National Banks
Branch Locations
Mobile App
Banking in Arizona
Banking in California
High APY Yield Up to
U.S. Bank’s Elite Money Market Account requires only a $100 minimum deposit to open, offers check-writing privileges and has options to waive the $10 monthly fee for customers.
Fees
$10, waivable
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$100
Pros
- Qualifying new accounts earn up to APY.
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- Check-writing privileges
Cons
- Need $50,000 to earn best rate
- Low APY rate for balances under $25,000
- Need a high balance to waive monthly fee
Quick Take
The Elite Money Market Account has a high maximum APY, but bank customers with less than $25,000 in savings are better off with Bank Smartly Savings.
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Banking Experience
GOBankingRates has named U.S. Bank one of its Top National Banks of 2025. With thousands of branches and ATMs, U.S. Bank is both convenient and accessible. It also offers around-the-clock customer service. However, you’ll find better rates elsewhere.
- Fees: U.S. Bank keeps fees to a minimum. Most monthly service fees can be waived, and U.S. Bank provides good options for avoiding overdraft fees.
- Rates: Standard rates are below average on all accounts. Some give you the opportunity to earn competitive rates, but you’ll need high balances to qualify. Â
- Mobile banking: In addition to advanced facial and fingerprint authentication on its mobile apps, U.S. Bank offers voice banking via Alexa, Siri and Google Home. The bank’s iOS and Android apps are popular, receiving a 4.8 rating on the App Store and 4.7 stars on Google Play. U.S. Bank also offers online and mobile banking options that let you make mobile deposits, send money through Zelle, pay bills and transfer money.
- Customer service: One of U.S. Bank’s strengths is its customer service. You can reach the bank 24/7 at 800-USBANKS (872-2657). To schedule a phone or in-person appointment with a banker, call 800-685-5035.
How Does U.S. Bank Compare?
Each bank has its pros. Could U.S. Bank be your best choice? Take a look at the comparisons.
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
Up to $6.95, which is waivable
$0 or $12, with options to waive
$5 to $35 waivable monthly fee
APY
APY
APY
N/A
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$25
$0
$25
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly service fee
$5 monthly, waivable
Up to $12 monthly service fee – can be waived
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to for Platinum Savings accounts
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$25
$0
$25
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly service fee
No monthly service fee
Early withdrawal penalty may apply
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$500
$1,000
$2,500 to $5,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$10, waivable
No monthly service fee
$25 per wire transfer; free for Diamond status — 3 per cycle
APY
APY
APY
Up to
to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$100
$25
$0
U.S. Bank vs. Chase
Chase has more ATMs and branches than U.S. Bank, with over 4,700 locations. U.S. Bank has slightly higher CD yields and offers many of the same services as Chase.
U.S. Bank vs. Bank of America
Bank of America, Member FDIC, has a much wider service area than U.S. Bank, with thousands of ATMs and financial centers. U.S. Bank gets the edge with 24/7 customer service by phone, which Bank of America does not offer.
U.S. Bank vs. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has a higher fee on its standard checking account, but it’s easier to waive. U.S. Bank has lower minimums for some accounts, such as its line of CDs.Â
Final Take
U.S. Bank’s well-rounded selection of consumer accounts makes it one of GOBankingRates’ Best National Bank of 2025. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for simple features with low or no fees, but those with high balances will appreciate premium rates and other Smart Rewards.
U.S. Bank FAQ
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about U.S. Bank.- Is U.S. Bank a good bank to use?
- Yes. It’s America’s fifth-largest bank, and it’s also one of GOBankingRates’ picks for Best National Bank of 2025.
- Does U.S. Bank have Zelle?
- Yes. You can access Zelle through online or mobile banking.
- What types of accounts does U.S. Bank offer?
- U.S. Bank offers consumer checking and savings accounts, including a money market account and CDs. It also serves business, corporate and commercial customers and provides institutional banking and wealth management services.
- Is U.S. Bank FDIC-insured?
- Yes. Bank deposit accounts are FDIC-insured.
More on U.S. Bank
- U.S. Bank Promotions
- U.S. Bank Interest Rates
- U.S. Bank Fees
- U.S. Bank ATM Withdrawal and Deposit Limits
- How To Open a U.S. Bank Checking Account
Compare Other Banks
- Chase Bank Review
- Wells Fargo Bank Review
- Bank of America Review
- Fifth Third Bank Review
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Vance Cariaga, Caitlyn Moorhead and John Csiszar contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 9, 2024.Â
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
To discover the Best National Banks of 2025, GOBankingRates analyzed the top national institutions, (excluding online banks and neobanks) that have branches in at least 25 states and have over $400 billion in total assets, or both. GOBankingRates considered the following factors (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) checking product minimum deposit; (3) monthly checking fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); (4) savings product minimum deposit; (5) savings product APY; (6) Bauer rating (out of 5 stars); (7) products/services offered (auto loans, mortgage loans, credit cards, investment services and insurance); and (8) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1), (2) and (4) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (5) was weighed 2.5 times; and factor (7) was weighed 1.5 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 1, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 9, 2024.
