U.S. Bank periodically offers big new account bonus promotions and this one is no exception – they just released a sizzling hot one with relatively simple requirements but at the moment, there is no active checking account bonus. They are set to bring it back soon (early in January) so keep an eye out on this page.
U.S. Bank National Association is FDIC insured (FDIC# 6548) with over 2,200 locations in 27 states. Their bank charter class is National Bank. As a bank, they’ve been in business since the 1800s and consistently earn high rankings for customer satisfaction. They have been named #1 in customer satisfaction in California four years in a row! That’s pretty impressive.
This offer is nationwide with a high cash bonus but it does require a direct deposit.
Not only is the bank account bonus good but they also have a great credit card bonus too!
Table of Contents
Before You Apply…
One quick note before you review the terms of the U.S. Bank offer, we’ve learned from a few readers that it’s important you unfreeze your credit reports for at least two weeks before you apply. This is for Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion but also for Innovis and SageStream too. If you don’t, they will deny you.
1. U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking – up to $450
U.S. Bank has a promotion on their U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account – it’s a great offer for new accounts and the requirements are straightforward.
Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through 4/17/2025. Member FDIC.
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
(Offer expires 4/17/2025)
How to get the monthly fee waived
The account has a $6.95 Monthly Maintenance Fee that you can get waived with one of the following:
- Are 24 and under, 65 and over or a member of the military (must self-disclose), OR
- Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000+, OR
- Keep average account balance of $1,500+, OR
- Hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, OR
- Qualify for one of the four U.S. Smart Rewards™ tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle)
2. U.S. Bank Business Checking – up to $900
If you run a business where you need to accept payments, U.S. Bank has a up to $900 bonus offer when you open a Silver, Gold, or Platinum Business Checking Account online with the U.S. Bank promo code Q1AFL25 and:
- To get $500, open a opening a new U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking or Business Essentials (not available in all markets) and make a deposit of at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain a daily balance of at least $5,000 until the 60th day after account opening.
- To get $900, open new U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account and make a deposit of at least $25,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain a daily balance of at least $25,000 until the 60th day after account opening.
Available in the United States.
Member FDIC.
(Offer expires 3/31/2025)
How Does This Offer Compare?
This is a pretty solid offer if you’re looking for a basic checking account. The direct deposit requirements are a little high at $2,000 in total but the $300 bonus is on par with some of the ones you’ll see on our list of bank bonuses.
If you have your heart set on U.S. Bank, this is a good offer.
Otherwise, if you’re still shopping around, here are some other competitive offers:
U.S. Bank – up to $450
Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through April 17, 2025. Member FDIC.
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Barclays – $200
Barclays Bank will give you a $200 if you open a new savings account and deposit $25,000 within 30 days of opening the account and maintain at least $25,000 in that account for 120 days. The savings account also pays a competitive interest rate of up to 4.50% APY while you wait.
BMO Checking – $350
BMO is offering a $350 bonus* when you open a BMO Checking account and have $4,000 in direct deposits within 90 days of opening. It is a very straightforward offer that is available nationwide.
*Conditions apply
Bank of America – $300 Bonus Offer
Bank of America offers a $300 Bonus Offer cash bonus if you open a new account and Set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer. It has a monthly fee that is easy to have waived.
Chase Total Checking® – $300
Chase Bank will give you $300 when you open a Total Checking account and set up and receive direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days. There is a $12 monthly fee that is waivable with a monthly direct deposit of just $500, so no gotchas on this deal!
The U.S. Bank promotion is comparable but it’s not the absolute best out there. I think that you may find a better offer if you dig a little bit more.
Finally, before you go, make sure you review our guide on bank account bonuses so you know what to watch out for whenever you try to take advantage of one of these offers.
I used the link on this page to apply for the easy checking. I used an ACH deposit from my personal account. US Bank said they will not acknowledge any ACH that is not from a government agency or employer. I understand direct deposit can mean a lot things including various ACH deposits [depending on the bank]. Honestly, I would continue to use their services if they gave me a reason. Unfortunately they are doing the opposite and I will stay clear of them especially since they are the most ethical bank, right?
These types of promotions generally require a direct deposit from an employer or government entity (benefits) – it’s almost universal in that way because it’s seen as a way to make the account “stickier.”
If your direct deposit is Social Security, you cannot meet the 60-day criteria. It takes two payment cycles for Social Security to process a change in direct deposit. US Bank will not take this information into consideration and will not provide the incentive.
Thank you DK! This is important to know – I appreciate you warning us.
Are there any kind of bank bonus’s out there that don’t require direct deposit?
There are very few and many of them replace the DD with a massive dollar amount as a deposit requirement. For example, Citibank has an offer that will give you $700 but requires you to bring $50,000 in cash to your account.
The US Bank announcement is misleading: Doesn’t mention that you must complete recurring direct deposits that total $4,000 or more and be enrolled in e-statements within 60 days of account opening.
Yes you are correct, I’ve updated the post to reflect the clearer language. The $4,000 figure is in their terms and conditions and not higher up on the page, which can be misleading. Thank you!
There are other sites that share similar information but Wallethacks is the best – most organized, most reliably up-to-date, highest number of offers and links that really work (highest success rate), and most helpful explanations and insights. You can learn a lot and earn a lot – even if you don’t have much to start with.
Hello Jim, I think this offer is not nationwide. It is not available in Houston TX at least.