U.S. Bank Review: Accessible Customer Service and Checking Account Options

4.1

GBR RATING

GOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

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.

U.S. Bank Checking Accounts

U.S. Bank offers several checking options, led by Bank Smartly® Checking, plus student and basic checking alternatives.

• Bank Smartly® Checking: Everyday checking with budgeting tools and access to Smart Rewards, which offers cash back, fee discounts, and overdraft forgiveness
• Interest: Technically earns interest, but balances under $25,000 earn a very low APY
• Monthly fee: $12, waived with a $1,500 balance, $1,000 in monthly direct deposits, a qualifying credit card, or for customers 24 and under, 65+, or in the military
• Overdrafts: Up to $50 forgiven; larger overdrafts may be waived with a same-day qualifying deposit

If you want a simpler option, Safe Debit is a checkless account with a $4.95 monthly fee and no overdraft fees.

All U.S. Bank checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit.

U.S. Bank Student Account

• $25 minimum opening deposit
• No monthly maintenance fee
• No U.S. Bank ATM fees
• Eligible for campus banking programs

4.0

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank Checking Accounts

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Best For

National Banks

Branch Locations

Mobile App

Students

Low Fees

Interest-Bearing Checking Account

U.S. Bank offers a small lineup of checking accounts designed for different lifestyles — from a rewards-focused option with overdraft flexibility, to a simple no-overdraft account, plus a student-friendly choice that keeps costs low while you’re getting started.

Fees

Up to $12.00, which is waivable

APY

Min Opening

$25

Pros

• Three 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’s easy to open with just a $25 minimum deposit.

• The account has a $5 monthly service fee, which can be waived if you also have a Bank Smartly Checking account, Safe Debit account, or Bank Smartly card, or if the account holder is under 18
• Your savings balance can be used for $0 overdraft protection when linked to eligible U.S. Bank checking accounts
• Funds in the account count toward Smart Rewards, helping you unlock additional banking perks
• While the standard interest rate is modest, relationship rates can be higher depending on your overall banking relationship

U.S. Bank Savings Account

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Best For

National Banks

Branch Locations

Mobile App

Students

Low Fees

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 offers several types of certificates of deposit, giving savers different ways to earn interest depending on how hands-on they want to be.

• Standard CDs: Available in terms from one month to five years with a $500 minimum opening deposit. Rates vary by balance and term, but they tend to be much lower than U.S. Bank’s CD specials.
• Step Up CDs: Designed for rising-rate environments, this 28-month CD increases its interest rate every seven months. It requires a $1,000 minimum opening deposit.
• Trade Up CDs: Allows you to move to a higher rate once during the CD’s term if rates go up. The minimum opening deposit is $1,000, and the APY depends on the term and balance.
• CD Specials: High-yield promotional CDs that typically offer the bank’s best rates for a limited time.

3.2

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank CD Accounts

Start Banking

Best For

National Banks

Branch Locations

Mobile App

Students

Low Fees

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 offers the Elite Money Market Account, which is designed for customers who keep higher balances and want more earning potential than a standard savings account.

• The account offers higher earning potential, but only if you maintain a relatively large balance
• It’s primarily geared toward new money market customers or those opening an account for the first time
• You can open the account with a low initial deposit, but you’ll need to fund it more heavily shortly after opening to unlock the best benefits
• There’s a monthly service fee, which can be waived by pairing the account with a qualifying U.S. Bank checking account or meeting balance requirements

Overall, this account makes the most sense for customers with larger cash balances who are already banking with U.S. Bank and can meet the relationship requirements.

3.6

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank Money Market Account

Start Banking

Best For

National Banks

Branch Locations

Mobile App

Students

Low Fees

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
• $100 minimum opening deposit
• Check-writing privileges

Cons

• Need $25,000 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

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.  
• 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.

Checking

Savings

CDs

Money Market

SELECTED BANK

4.0

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank Checking Accounts

Start Banking

MOST COMPARABLE

4.6

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Chase Checking Accounts

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

4.3

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account

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Fees

Fees

Fees

Up to $12.00, 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

U.S. Bank Savings Account

Start Banking

MOST COMPARABLE

Chase Savings Accounts

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

Wells Fargo Savings Account

Read Review

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

3.2

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank CD Accounts

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MOST COMPARABLE

3.2

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Chase CD Accounts

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

3.5

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Wells Fargo CD Account

Read Review

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

3.6

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

U.S. Bank Money Market Account

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MOST COMPARABLE

Liberty Bank Money Market Account

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MOST COMPARABLE

4.3

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Synchrony Bank Money Market Account

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Fees

Fees

Fees

$10, waivable

No monthly service fee

APY

APY

APY

Up to

to

Min Opening

Min Opening

Min Opening

$0

$100

$25

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. 

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. 30, 2025. 

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 Dec. 30, 2025, 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. 30, 2025.

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