U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account 2024 Review

U.S. Bank

As the fifth largest bank in the United States, you're likely to run into a U.S. Bank branch or ATM in your area.

And, on your search for a new checking account, you might consider the bank.

It's most basic option (and probably most popular) is the Easy Checking account because it has the lower monthly fee of all the U.S. Bank checking accounts.

Generally, it'll serve all your needs when it comes to a typical checking account.

Since checking accounts are typically the center of your financial life, you want to make sure you choose the right one.

In this review, find out the key features of the account and whether it is worth all the potential costs.

Easy to Open and Use the Account

People these days are always on the go.

Balancing work, home life, a social life, and additional education can make it hard to find time to deal with necessary tasks like managing your bank account.

U.S. Bank understands the struggle of finding time to deal with banking business and tries to make things easier.

To open an account:

You can do so in-person or online in just a few minutes. All you have to do is fill out the application and provide a minimum deposit of $25.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive all of the details and accessories, like a debit card and checks, in just a few days.

U.S. Bank ensures that the account is easy-to-use and user-friendly.

Easy online and mobile banking

You never have to visit a branch if you don’t want to.

You can log in to the bank’s website or app to manage your money from anywhere, at any time.

You can view your account’s transaction history, balance, and future scheduled transactions.

It’s also easy to make a transfer from one account to another using your phone or computer.

You can visit a branch if you’d rather make these transactions in-person, but you’re almost never forced.

Mobile check deposit

You can even make deposits without ever visiting a branch of U.S. Bank.

The U.S. Bank mobile app includes a mobile check deposit feature.

You simply take a picture of a check and the money will be deposited to your account. Withdrawals can be made easily at any U.S. Bank ATM.

Note: The daily limits for this feature vary from $500 to $2,500 per day, depending on the account relationship.

Recurring transfers

Another benefit of the account is the option to set up recurring transfers.

This is a great tool to use if you want to start building up savings.

The truth is:

Whether you’re building an emergency fund or saving towards a large purchase or vacation, making regular additions to your savings account is the best way to build your savings.

Set up automatic transfers out of your checking account and money will be moved to your savings account each month.

All you have to do is watch as your savings account’s balance grows.

Protect Your Money with 128-bit Encryption

With any bank account that is easily accessible online, you want to feel confident that your money is safe.

U.S. Bank understands that online safety is of utmost importance.

It doesn’t compromise on safety just to make the account easy to use.

Instead, the bank prioritizes security while continuing to offer essential convenience features.

When you log in to your online account, the data you receive and transmit will be encrypted with 128-bit encryption.

This is one of the most powerful levels of encryption available on the market today. Many experts consider it to be unbreakable using current technology.

Online Budgeting Features

Once you’ve logged in to U.S. Bank’s online portal, you’ll have access to a suite of money-management tools.

The website will help you track your income and expenses, as well as your bill due dates, so you can use these tools to build a budget and stick to it.

Knowing how much you spend on average makes it easy to budget around your common expenses.

Being able to track how you spend your money, in real-time, makes it easier to stick to that budget.

ATM Access

Though debit and credit card transactions have become more common in recent years, the phrase “cash is king” still rings true.

Many businesses only accept cash, and it’s a good idea to keep some cash on hand for emergencies.

If you ever find yourself in need of cash, one of the easiest ways to get it is to visit an ATM.

Luckily, U.S. Bank runs a large ATM network concentrated in the Midwest.

You shouldn’t have much trouble finding a U.S. Bank ATM if you’re in the Midwest. U.S. Bank ATMs will always be fee-free.

When you travel, you can look for ATMs on the MoneyPass network. Using these ATMs will let you avoid being charged a fee by U.S. Bank.

If you ever have to use an ATM that isn’t on the MoneyPass network, you’ll have to pay a fee of $2.50 for each transaction.

This is on top of the fee charged by the ATM’s owner. That means that you could wind up paying a lot of money in ATM fees if you’re outside of U.S. Bank’s service region.

Two Ways to Avoid the Monthly Fee

The U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account charges a $6.95 monthly fee, and a $2 paper statement fee each month.

Avoiding the paper statement fee is easy. Just sign up for eStatements and you’ll stop receiving statements in the mail.

You’ll also avoid the $2 fee.

Avoiding the $6.95 fee is slightly more difficult.

To avoid the fee, you’ll have to either:

1. Receive $1,000 in direct deposits per month, or
2. Have an average balance of $1,500 in each statement period

Make sure you can meet one of these requirements before you open the account.

Other Fees

The most common checking account fee is the monthly maintenance fee. If you can avoid the monthly fee, you’ll be in good shape.

Other fees are far less common but are still good to know about.

The fees that you may be charged if you have a U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account are:

U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account Fees

Convenience

The U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account offers the convenient features that you’d expect from most checking accounts.

Online account management and a good mobile app make it easy to work with the account without visiting a branch.

The bank’s wide network of ATMs is also a point in its favor.

You also get access to free online bill pay services.

That can save you time since you won’t have to write out checks every month to pay your bills. Just tell U.S. Bank who you need to pay and how much you owe, and the bank will handle writing the checks for you.

Remember that mobile check deposit is free for all customers.

Other U.S. Bank Checking Options

If you're interested in becoming a U.S. Bank banking customer, but aren't sold on this checking account, check out other additional checking account options also offered by this bank:

U.S. Bank Silver Checking 

As U.S. Bank's most popular checking account option, the Silver Checking account is a basic checking account that offers just about everything a consumer may need, plus combinable saving account options and modern digital services.

The Silver Checking account gives you full access to online and mobile banking, plus beneficial saving services that aim to help you get the most out of your money.

Although this account bears a $6.95 ($8.95 with paper statements) monthly fee, there are two (2) ways to get this fee waived. You must have a Package Money Market Savings Account, and either:

1. Combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more, or
2. Have a combined average account balance of $1,500 or higher

Here are some of the accounts main fees and highlights:

U.S. Bank Silver Checking Account

U.S. Bank Premium Checking

U.S. Bank's Premium Checking option is one of U.S. Bank's more premier checking account, that is earns interest and comes with exclusive discounts. 

Along with the other checking account options U.S. Bank offers, this checking account includes U.S. Bank's simple, online banking and mobile deposits. In addition to those perks, this account offers:

• No U.S. Bank fee charged for Non-U.S. Bank ATM Transactions
• No fees for copies of checks and paper statements
• Receive half off the annual fee of a safe deposit box 
• Free U.S. Bank logo checks on initial check order or 50% discount on all other personal designs, plus 50% discount on any re-orders

Are you 65 or older looking for a bank account? Although this account comes with a $10.95 monthly maintenance fee, it'll automatically be waived as long as the main account holder is 65 and up. You could also get that fee waived if you:

• Maintain an average account balance of $5,000 or more

We've researched some of the other fees and features of this account:

U.S. Bank Premium Checking Account

U.S. Bank Platinum Checking

The U.S. Bank Platinum Checking account is U.S. Bank's highest-tier checking account that offers the ultimate rates, perks, and discounts. If you're already a U.S. Bank customer with a loan or mortgage and are looking for a checking account that's loaded with freebies and savings, this is the account for you.

In addition, if someone in your family is looking to open a basic checking account, all Platinum Checking Package customers can open additional Silver Checking Packages with no monthly maintenance fee. 

Take a look at some of the benefits that come with this account:

• No U.S. Bank fee charged for Non-U.S. Bank ATM Transactions
• No fee for standard deposits to your Platinum Checking account
• No fees for overdraft protection transfers made from your U.S. Bank Reserve Line of Credit, U.S. Bank Credit Card, U.S. Bank Premier Line, U.S. Bank Home Equity Line of Credit, and other U.S. Bank Lines of Credit
• Pay no annual fee on a Home Equity Line of Credit 
• Earn a new account bonus for select FlexPerks credit cards
• Receive 25 free trades when you open a new self-directed brokerage or IRA account through U.S. Bancorp Investments affiliate

While this account is loaded with perks, be aware that there is a $24.95 monthly maintenance fee attached to it. You can get that fee waived if:

1. Have $25,000 in combined personal deposits, credit balances with U.S. Bank and/or investments through U.S. Bancorp Investments, or
2. Have a personal trust relationship with U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Here's a snapshot of the account's main fees and features:

U.S. Bank Platinum Checking Account

How It Compares

Nearly every bank in the United States offers at least one type of checking account. Many offer multiple tiers.

It’s no surprise that they do because the checking account is the most popular type of bank account in the United States.

What that means is that you have lots of options to choose from when you’re opening a new checking account. Make sure you take the time to shop around and find a good deal.

When you’re looking for a checking account, don’t just look at national or regional bank chains.

In other words:

Consider smaller local banks that can offer more personalized service. Also, consider online banks.

Online checking accounts tend to charge low or no fees. Many even pay interest.

When you’re comparing checking accounts, make sure to look at the following factors:

• Minimum deposit requirements
• Fee waiver requirements
• Interest rates
• ATM Access

The Final Verdict

The U.S. Bank Easy Checking Account offers few features and carries a high monthly fee.

Even if you can avoid the fee every month, just the risk of paying that fee if your situation changes make it worth looking for other accounts.

You should look into an online bank that offers full banking services.

Online check accounts offer all of the convenience features you need and almost never charge a fee.

You can also benefit from other online accounts with their great rates and low fees.