What you need to open an account at US Bank
US Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. You can bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card as your photo ID. For address proof, a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You'll also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but many checking accounts require $25 to $100 to open.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring all documents in person to a US Bank branch; you cannot open an account online without already being a customer. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, proof of address, and an opening deposit to start a US Bank account.
- New customers must visit a branch in person; online account opening is not available for first-time applicants.
- Bring documents dated within the last 60 days for address verification, and expect the process to take 15 to 20 minutes.
- US Bank offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different minimum deposit requirements and monthly fees.
- If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, mention it to the banker — some accounts are designed for customers rebuilding their banking history.
Where to open your account in person
Find your nearest US Bank branch by visiting usbank.com and using their branch locator tool, or by calling 1-800-872-2657. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though calling ahead to confirm the branch is open and has staff available is a good idea. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
If you live far from a branch, you have limited options. US Bank does not offer online account opening for new customers, and they do not have a mail-in application process. Your only path is to visit a branch in person or ask a family member or trusted friend who already banks with US Bank to help you open an account, though this is not standard practice and the bank may decline.
Documents to bring and how to prepare them
Gather your photo ID, Social Security card (or ITIN documentation), and one piece of address proof before you go to the branch. Make copies of everything — the banker will ask to see originals, but having copies protects you if documents are lost. Write down your Social Security number separately so you don't have to carry your card itself.
If your address proof is a utility bill or lease, make sure your full name and current address are clearly visible. If the document is older than 60 days, bring a second piece of proof — a recent bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter with your name and address will work. If you've moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your new address, along with the ID.
Types of accounts US Bank offers
US Bank's most common account for everyday banking is the US Bank Standard Checking, which requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $6 monthly maintenance fee (waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit). US Bank Smartly Checking requires $100 to open, has no monthly fee, and includes features like early direct deposit and cash back at ATMs.
US Bank Savings accounts earn interest and require $25 to open, with a $5 monthly fee (waived at $500 minimum balance). US Bank Money Market accounts combine checking and savings features, require $2,500 to open, and pay higher interest rates. If you've had overdraft issues or closed accounts in the past, ask the banker about US Bank Secure Checking, which is designed for customers rebuilding their banking history and has no overdraft fees.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, the banker will give you a temporary debit card that works immediately for online purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive login credentials for US Bank's online banking and mobile app, which you can use to check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills the same day you open the account.
Your first checks arrive within 1 to 2 weeks if you ordered them during account opening. If you didn't, you can order them through the online banking portal or by calling the number on the back of your debit card. Set up direct deposit through your employer or benefit provider using your account number and routing number (28103237 for all US Bank accounts); direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to activate.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Most US Bank checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee between $6 and $15, but you can waive it by maintaining a minimum balance (usually $500) or setting up direct deposit. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month — check your account terms when you open it.
Overdraft fees are $36 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. You can turn off overdraft protection through online banking to prevent overdrafts entirely, though this means transactions will be declined instead. Avoid ATM fees by using US Bank's ATM network or MoneyPass partner ATMs; using an out-of-network ATM costs $2.50 to $3.00 per withdrawal.
If you're denied or have banking history issues
US Bank checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, unpaid fees, and fraud. If you've had problems at another bank, you may be denied. Ask the banker why you were denied — they must tell you, and you have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com.
If you're denied at US Bank but have a clean record otherwise, try a credit union or a second-chance banking program instead. If you were denied because of an old closed account with unpaid fees, contact that bank and pay the balance — once it's resolved, ask them to report the correction to ChexSystems, which can take 30 days to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a US Bank account online?
No. US Bank requires new customers to open accounts in person at a branch. Existing customers can open additional accounts online through their banking portal, but first-time applicants must visit a branch with their ID and documents.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and address proof. The process is the same as for customers with a Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
You receive a temporary debit card immediately when you open your account that works right away for online purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card faster, ask the banker about rush delivery options.
What's the difference between checking and savings accounts?
Checking accounts are for frequent transactions — paying bills, getting cash, making purchases — and come with a debit card and checks. Savings accounts earn interest but limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Most people open both: a checking account for daily spending and a savings account to set money aside.
Can I open an account if I've been denied before?
It depends on why you were denied. If it was for unpaid fees or fraud at another bank, contact that bank and resolve the issue, then ask them to report the correction to ChexSystems. Once updated, try US Bank again. If you're still denied, ask the banker for the specific reason and consider a credit union or second-chance banking program instead.