US Bank personal checking accounts review: Over 4,000 ATMs across the nation, but be mindful of ATM charges

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US Bank personal checking account features

US Bank has over robust national presence, with over 2,000 branches in 26 states and 4,000 ATMs throughout the US. It’s also featured in our national banks guide as the best national bank in the Midwest and West Coast. 

The bank has two checking accounts: US Bank Safe Debit account and US Bank Smartly™ Checking. See how the two accounts compare below.

The US Bank Safe Debit account might be a decent option if you prioritize avoiding overdraft fees and don’t need paper checks. However, there’s a $4.95 monthly service fee that can’t be waived.

You might prefer US Bank Smartly™ Checking if you want access to paper checks or would like a checking account that makes it possible to waive monthly service fees and overdraft fees.

US Bank Smartly™ Checking automatically waives the monthly service fee if you’re a member of the military, under the age of 24, or over the age of 65. You can also waive the monthly service fee if you meet certain requirements each month. US Bank Smartly™ Checking notably has several ways to avoid overdraft fees, including free overdraft protection that lets you link your checking account to a savings account. 

US Bank Smartly™ Checking offers a cash bonus of up to $400 for new US Bank customers. To get the cash bonus, you’ll have to open an account by February 7, 2023, with the promo code “2023JAN” and a minimum opening deposit of $25. Within the first 90 days, you’ll need to enroll in online or mobile banking and make two or more direct deposits. 

The total amount of your direct deposits will determine the value of your bonus. You’ll earn a $200 cash bonus if your direct deposits total $3,000 to $5,999.99. If your direct deposits total $6,000 or more, you’ll earn a bonus of $400. 

Is US Bank trustworthy?

The Better Business Bureau rates businesses on how they handle customer issues and whether they have transparent business practices. A good BBB rating doesn’t necessarily mean that your relationship with a business will be perfect. If you have friends or family that have used US Bank, chat with them about their perspectives. Online customer reviews are another option. 

The BBB gives US Bank a B+ rating due to government action against the bank. 

In 2022, US Bank paid $37.5 million in a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB accused the bank of obtaining customers’ credit reports and opening checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and lines of credit without their knowledge. 

In 2020, US Bank, Nationstar Mortgage, and PNC Bank paid $74 million in an agreement with the Department of Justice. According to the press release, the Department of Justice said the three mortgage services didn’t follow bankruptcy regulations and had service errors that impacted borrowers.

US Bank checking accounts vs. Chase checking accounts

Chase offers a greater variety of options, including checking accounts specifically suited for teens and college students. Meanwhile, US Bank only has two checking accounts options, but the fees can be waived if you meet certain age requirements.

If you compare Chase Total Checking® with US Bank Smartly™ Checking, minute differences between these accounts may help determine which one is a better option for you.

Chase Total Checking® has a $12 monthly service fee, while US Bank Smartly™ Checking has a $6.95 monthly service fee (with options to waive).

To waive the monthly service fee for Chase Total Checking®, you must receive $500 or more in direct deposits each month, have a daily account balance of $1,500 or more, or an average account balance of $5,000 or more between your checking accounts and any linked Chase accounts.

Meanwhile, US Bank Smartly™ Checking waives the monthly service fee if you meet certain group requirements, make combined direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more each month, maintain an average account balance of $1,500 or more each month, or own an eligible US Bank credit card.

US Bank checking accounts vs. Wells Fargo checking accounts

Wells Fargo has four types of checking accounts, including a checkless bank account similar to the US Bank Safe Debit account.

When looking at each bank’s standard checking account options — US Bank Smartly™ Checking and the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking — you’ll want to pay close attention to how you can avoid monthly service fees and overdraft fees. This could help with narrowing down the more appealing option.

The US Bank Smartly™ Checking has a lower monthly service fee than the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking. However, it’s slightly easier to waive monthly service fees on  Wells Fargo Everyday Checking than US Bank Smartly™ Checking.

To waive the fee at Wells Fargo, you need to maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, receive a total of $500 or more in direct deposits, or have a linked Wells Fargo Campus ATM card or Debit Card. If you’re between the age of 17 and 24 you’ll also be able to automatically waive monthly service fees on Wells Fargo Everyday Checking.

Frequently asked questions