U.S. Bank Smartly Checking review

U.S. Bank Smartly Checking offers new clients up to $450 for completing required activities, with the offer valid through Dec. 30, 2026. The amount is tiered and the exact steps sit behind the See details link on the offer, so read them before opening. The account charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee, automatically waived for the first two months, which covers most of the qualification period. After that, U.S. Bank waives the fee if you keep a $1,500 minimum balance, receive monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more, or the owner is aged 13 to 24 or 65 and over. Bank Smartly Checking also comes with a complimentary Greenlight account for kids, which U.S. Bank lists as a $69 annual value, and Smart Rewards perks that grow with balances. The deadline is the main catch: the offer ends weeks before the Chase, Huntington and Truist offers.

Who it is for

new U.S. Bank clients who want a national branch network

Price

Up to $450 bonus; $12 monthly fee, waived for the first two months.

$12 Monthly Maintenance Fee 1 automatically waived for the first two months when you open a Bank Smartly Checking account.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• New client offer of up to $450 with required activities
• Offer valid through Dec. 30, 2026
• $12 monthly maintenance fee waived for the first two months
• Fee waived with a $1,500 minimum balance or $1,500+ in monthly direct deposits
• Complimentary Greenlight account for kids, listed at a $69 annual value

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Up to $450, the second-largest standard checking bonus here
• Strength: Fee is waived automatically for the first two months
• Strength: Several fee waivers, including owners aged 13 to 24 or 65 and over
• Weakness: Bonus tiers and steps are only shown in the offer details, not on the main page
• Weakness: Offer ends December 30, 2026, sooner than most others here
• Weakness: $12 monthly fee after two months unless you meet a waiver

Key facts

• Bonus: Up to $450
• Deadline: Dec. 30, 2026
• Monthly fee: $12 or $0
• Fee waiver: $1,500 balance or $1,500+ direct deposits

Where it ranks

U.S. Bank Smartly Checking is No. 5 in our Best Bank Bonuses verdict.