Credit Compound

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank Bank Smartly Checking

One checking account with rewards tiers that grow with your balances

7.0
Our Rating
APY
Token interest (0.01% on positive balances)
Monthly Fee
$12, waived with $1,500 direct deposits, $1,500 balance, a Smartly credit card, or Gold tier+
Minimum to Open
$25
ATM Access
Free at 40,000+ U.S. Bank and MoneyPass ATMs; first two out-of-network fees waived per statement

Insurance: FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor (U.S. Bank, N.A.)

Live Bonus

This account currently pays a $450 opening bonus: Tiered $250 to $450 by total direct deposit amount. See the full requirements.

Plan Options

Smart Rewards Bronze ($0-$5k)

$12 unless waived by direct deposit, balance, or Smartly card

  • ▸Automatic enrollment in Smart Rewards on opening
  • ▸First two statement periods fee-free
  • ▸First two non-U.S. Bank ATM fees waived per statement

Smart Rewards Silver ($5k-$25k)

$12 unless waived

  • ▸Free standard checks and money orders
  • ▸Overdraft protection transfer fees waived

Smart Rewards Gold ($25k-$50k)

$0, fee waived automatically at this tier

  • ▸Monthly maintenance fee waived outright
  • ▸Rate boosts on linked Elite Money Market balances

Smart Rewards Platinum ($50k-$100k)

$0

  • ▸Everything in Gold plus deeper ATM fee waivers
  • ▸Better relationship pricing on loans and CDs

Smart Rewards Platinum Plus ($100k+)

$0

  • ▸Top relationship rates and service fee waivers
  • ▸Pairs with the Smartly Visa for its strongest earn rates

Features

  • ▸Smart Rewards tiers (Bronze through Platinum Plus) keyed to combined qualifying balances including investments
  • ▸Fee waived for first two statement periods automatically
  • ▸Pairs with the U.S. Bank Smartly Visa, whose top cash-back rate is tied to these same balances
  • ▸About 2,200 branches across 26 states, strongest in the Midwest and West
  • ▸Overdraft fee forgiven when overdrawn $50 or less; 24-hour grace period to cure larger overdrafts
  • ▸Regular $400-450 opening bonuses

Pros

  • +Smart Rewards tiers create real value when paired with the Smartly Visa ecosystem
  • +Multiple easy waiver paths including just holding the credit card
  • +Strong overdraft grace policy
  • +Consistent, generous checking bonuses

Cons

  • −Token interest at every tier
  • −No branches in much of the East Coast and South
  • −Tier benefits below Gold are thin
  • −U.S. Bank has repeatedly tweaked Smartly waiver and tier rules, so terms move

Our Take

Bank Smartly Checking is the entry ticket to U.S. Bank's Smartly ecosystem, and that's the right way to think about it. On its own it's a standard $12-waivable account with good overdraft grace and reliable bonuses. Combined with the Smartly Visa and $50k+ in linked balances, it becomes part of one of the strongest flat-rate cash-back setups in the market. Mind the rule changes, since U.S. Bank has not been shy about moving the goalposts.

Best for: Smartly Visa holders and Midwest/West customers building a relationship

Open at U.S. Bank →

Last verified 2026-06-11

Rate this card

Be the first to rate it

Commentson U.S. Bank Bank Smartly Checking

Comments are stored in your browser during our community preview. Accounts, moderation and cross-device sync arrive with Credit Compound Community.