US Bank charges monthly maintenance fees on most checking accounts, but you can waive them by meeting specific requirements
US Bank's checking accounts come with a monthly fee on the standard account—currently $12.95 per month—but the fee disappears if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use their debit card regularly. Different account types have different fee structures and different ways to waive them. The key is understanding which account you have and which waiver path works for your situation.
US Bank does not charge per-transaction fees for standard checking activities like deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. The monthly maintenance fee is the main cost to watch. Some specialty accounts have no monthly fee at all, while others have higher fees but come with additional benefits.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank's standard checking account charges $12.95 per month, but you can waive it by keeping $1,500 in the account, setting up direct deposit, or making 10 debit card transactions per month.
- The US Bank Smartly Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement.
- Premium accounts like US Bank Platinum Checking charge higher monthly fees ($25 and up) but include benefits like higher interest rates and fee reductions on other services.
- Overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and wire transfer fees explore separately from the monthly maintenance fee and vary by transaction type.
- You can review your account type and current fees in the US Bank mobile app or by calling customer service at 1-800-872-2657.
How to waive the monthly maintenance fee on standard checking
US Bank offers three main paths to eliminate the $12.95 monthly fee on its standard checking account. You only need to meet one of them during each statement period. The most common route is maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500—this is money that must stay in the account, not borrowed or transferred in temporarily. If your balance dips below $1,500 even once during the month, the fee applies that period.
Direct deposit is the second waiver method. If you have your paycheck, Social Security, or other regular income deposited directly into the account, the monthly fee is waived automatically. This does not require a minimum balance. The third option is making at least 10 debit card transactions per month—this includes purchases, ATM withdrawals, and PIN-based transactions. Online transfers and checks do not count toward this threshold.
Many people combine these methods without realizing it. If you have direct deposit set up, you do not need to worry about the balance or debit card transactions. If you do not have direct deposit but maintain the $1,500 balance, the fee is still waived even if you rarely use your debit card.
Account types and their fee structures
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance | Fee Waiver Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Checking | $12.95 | None required | $1,500 balance, direct deposit, or 10 debit transactions |
| Smartly Checking | None | None | No fee to waive |
| Platinum Checking | $25 | $25,000 | Maintain balance or may have access to through relationship status |
| Gold Checking | $15 | $10,000 | Maintain balance or meet relationship criteria |
The Smartly Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance, making it the lowest-cost option if you do not need the extra features that come with premium accounts. However, it may have limitations on features like check writing or linked savings accounts depending on your region.
Premium accounts like Platinum and Gold Checking charge higher monthly fees but include perks such as higher interest rates on balances, reduced fees on wire transfers, and priority customer service. These accounts are designed for people who maintain larger balances or conduct more complex banking activity. The monthly fee is waived if you keep the required minimum balance in the account.
Fees that explore separately from monthly maintenance
Even if you waive the monthly maintenance fee, other charges can still appear on your statement. Overdraft fees explore when your balance goes negative—US Bank charges $36 per overdraft, and you can be charged multiple times per day if several transactions post while your account is overdrawn. Overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or line of credit, can prevent overdraft fees but may charge a transfer fee instead.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 per transaction when you use an ATM that is not part of the US Bank network or a partner network. Wire transfers initiated by you cost $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires. Cashier's checks cost $10 each. Stop payment requests on checks cost $35. These fees are separate from the monthly maintenance fee and explore regardless of which checking account you hold.
Returned check fees (also called NSF or non-sufficient funds fees) are $36 each when a check you write bounces due to insufficient funds. This is different from an overdraft fee—it applies specifically to checks. If you frequently write checks, overdraft protection is worth considering even if it costs a small transfer fee.
How to find your current account type and fees
The fastest way to confirm your account type and current fees is to log into the US Bank mobile app or online banking portal. Look for the account details or account summary section, which lists your account name (Standard, Smartly, Platinum, etc.) and any active fee waivers. Your most recent statement also shows the monthly maintenance fee if one was charged that period.
If you are unsure whether a fee was waived or charged, call US Bank customer service at 1-800-872-2657. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you which waiver method is currently active on your account and explain why a fee was or was not charged in a specific month. They can also discuss switching to a different account type if your current one does not match your banking habits.
If you notice a fee you believe was charged in error—for example, you had direct deposit set up but were still charged the monthly fee—contact customer service within 30 days. US Bank can review the transaction history and reverse the fee if the waiver should have applied.
When to switch to a different account type
If you consistently cannot meet any of the three waiver requirements for standard checking, the Smartly Checking account eliminates the problem entirely. There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance, so you pay nothing for the account itself. The trade-off is that some features may be limited depending on your region, so confirm what is included before switching.
If you maintain a large balance (over $10,000) and conduct frequent banking activity, a premium account like Gold or Platinum Checking might actually save you money. The higher monthly fee is offset by lower fees on wire transfers, higher interest rates, and other benefits. Calculate your typical monthly costs under each account type to compare.
Switching accounts is free and takes a few minutes through the mobile app or by calling customer service. You keep the same account number and routing number, so direct deposits and automatic payments do not need to be updated. If you have checks printed with your old account type, they will still work—the account number does not change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not meet any of the fee waiver requirements?
The $12.95 monthly maintenance fee will be charged to your account. It posts automatically on your statement date. You can avoid this by switching to Smartly Checking, which has no monthly fee, or by adjusting your banking habits to meet one of the three waiver requirements (balance, direct deposit, or debit card transactions).
Does US Bank charge fees for online transfers between my own accounts?
No. Transfers between your own US Bank accounts are free. Transfers to accounts at other banks may be free or may carry a fee depending on the transfer method—ACH transfers are typically free, while wire transfers cost $15 domestic or $45 international.
Can I get the monthly fee refunded if I just opened the account?
If you were charged a monthly fee during your first month and did not realize a waiver was available, contact customer service. They may reverse the fee as a courtesy for new customers, though this is not may provide. Asking within the first 30 days gives you the best chance.
Do I need to keep the $1,500 minimum balance in checking, or can I move it to savings?
The $1,500 must remain in the checking account itself. If you transfer it to savings or another account, the balance requirement is no longer met and the fee will be charged. The balance is checked daily, so even a temporary dip below $1,500 can trigger the fee for that statement period.
What counts as a debit card transaction for the fee waiver?
PIN-based debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals using your US Bank debit card, and signature-based debit card transactions all count. Online bill payments, checks, and ACH transfers do not count. You need 10 transactions per statement period to waive the fee using this method.