US Bank checking accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit
You can open a US Bank checking account with zero dollars. There is no minimum deposit required to start the account, and there is no monthly maintenance fee once it is open. You will not pay to hold the account itself.
What you may pay for depends on how you use the account. If you overdraft—spend money you do not have—US Bank charges $36 per overdraft transaction. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you pay $3 per withdrawal. If you need a cashier's check or a replacement debit card rushed to you, those carry separate fees. But the account itself costs nothing to open and nothing to maintain.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank checking accounts require no opening deposit and charge no monthly fee, so you can open one with the money already in your pocket.
- Overdraft fees are $36 per transaction if you spend more than your balance, and this is the most common charge people encounter.
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $3 each, but US Bank has over 3,000 ATMs you can use for free.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at any US Bank branch with just an ID and Social Security number.
- Some account features like overdraft protection or linked savings accounts can help you avoid fees, but they are optional.
Fees that apply once your account is open
The $36 overdraft fee is the one most people pay. If your balance drops below zero—because a check clears, a debit card purchase goes through, or an automatic bill payment withdraws more than you have—US Bank charges $36 for each transaction that overdraws the account. You can be charged up to three overdraft fees per day, meaning a single day of overspending could cost you $108.
Out-of-network ATM fees are $3 per withdrawal. US Bank operates roughly 3,000 ATMs across the country, so if you use one of those, there is no charge. But if you withdraw from an ATM that is not part of the US Bank network, you pay $3. The ATM itself may also charge you a fee on top of that.
Other fees are less common but possible. A replacement debit card costs nothing if you request standard delivery, but $15 if you need it rushed. A cashier's check is $10. Stopping payment on a check is $35. Wire transfers vary: $15 for a domestic wire sent by you, $20 for an incoming wire.
How to avoid overdraft and ATM fees
Overdraft protection links your checking account to another account—usually a savings account or a line of credit—so that if you overdraft, money transfers automatically instead of the transaction being declined. This prevents the $36 fee. You set up overdraft protection when you open the account or anytime afterward through online banking or by calling US Bank.
For ATM fees, the simplest approach is to use US Bank's own ATM network. You can find locations and ATMs on the US Bank website or mobile app. If you travel frequently or live far from a branch, you might consider a bank with a larger ATM network or one that reimburses out-of-network fees, though US Bank does not offer that.
Keeping a small buffer in your account—even $50 or $100—also protects you from accidental overdrafts. Many people link a savings account to their checking account for this reason, which costs nothing to set up.
What you need to open an account
You need a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If you are opening the account online or by phone, you will also need to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions on other accounts.
You do not need an initial deposit. You do not need a minimum balance. You do not need to have direct deposit set up. You can open the account completely empty and fund it later, or not at all if you just want to hold it.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you or co-sign it. US Bank offers student checking accounts with the same fee structure as regular checking.
Where and how to open the account
You can open a US Bank checking account three ways: online at usbank.com, by phone at 1-800-872-2657, or in person at any US Bank branch. Online is fastest—it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day. By phone takes about 15 minutes. In person takes about 30 minutes but lets you ask questions face-to-face and deposit cash immediately if you want to.
When you open online, you will receive a temporary debit card number that works immediately for online purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person, you may receive a debit card on the spot or have one mailed to you.
You will choose a PIN for your debit card and set up online banking access so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone.
Account features that cost nothing extra
US Bank checking accounts include online bill pay at no charge. You can set up automatic payments to any company or person, and US Bank will mail a check or transfer the money electronically. This is useful for rent, utilities, insurance, and loan payments.
Mobile banking is free. You can deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and lock or unlock your debit card if it is lost or stolen.
Overdraft protection, as mentioned, is free to set up. Linking a savings account to your checking account is also free. US Bank does not charge to move money between your own accounts.
You can request a second debit card at no cost if you want to give one to a family member or keep one in a separate location. You can also set up alerts—notifications when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large transaction occurs, or when a check clears.
Comparing US Bank to other banks
US Bank's $36 overdraft fee is standard across most large banks. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America all charge $35 to $36 per overdraft. Some online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab charge $0 for overdrafts or do not allow them at all. If overdraft fees are a concern, those banks may be worth considering.
US Bank's $3 out-of-network ATM fee is also standard. Many regional banks and credit unions offer free checking with no ATM fees if you stay within their network, but they have fewer ATMs nationwide. Online banks often reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, which can save money if you travel or do not live near a branch.
US Bank has the advantage of physical branches in 26 states, which is useful if you need to deposit cash, speak to someone in person, or get a cashier's check quickly. Online banks have no branches but often have lower fees overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a US Bank checking account with no money?
Yes. There is no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fee, so you can open an account with zero dollars and fund it whenever you want. Many people open accounts this way to have them ready before direct deposit starts or before they move money in.
What happens if I overdraft my US Bank checking account?
US Bank charges $36 per overdraft transaction. You can be charged up to three times per day, so a day of multiple small purchases over your balance could cost $108. Overdraft protection, which you can set up for free, prevents this by transferring money from a linked account instead.
Are there any monthly fees for US Bank checking?
No. US Bank checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. You will not be charged just for holding the account. You only pay fees if you overdraft, use out-of-network ATMs, or request special services like rush delivery on a debit card.
How long does it take to open a US Bank checking account?
Online takes 5 to 10 minutes and you can use the account the same day with a temporary debit card number. By phone takes about 15 minutes. In person at a branch takes about 30 minutes. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days regardless of how you open the account.
Can I use US Bank ATMs for free?
Yes. US Bank has over 3,000 ATMs nationwide and withdrawals from any of them are free. If you use an ATM from another bank or network, US Bank charges $3 per withdrawal. You can find US Bank ATM locations on their website or mobile app.