US Bank occasionally has some good offers on their products. This is one of those. While the quantity of direct deposits can be substantial, when looking at the 3-month window, assuming 2x-monthly paychecks, that $8,000 for the top bonus tier breaks out to ~$1,300 a paycheck (if setting up right away). That feels pretty achievable for most. Even if not, the lower tiers are pretty compelling independently. Worth the hassle.
The Offer (link to offer here expires 4/6/26)
Step 1: Open new account (new checking customers only, defined as received a bonus or had a consumer checking account in the past 12 months)
Step 2: Enroll in online banking or US Bank mobile app
Step 3: Set up Direct Deposits
Step 4: Wait for 90 days (DD window) and 60 days (bonus posting window)
Step 5: Close account (no early closure fee)
Relevant fine print
- There is a monthly $12 account maintenance fee; this is waived the first 2 months, after which it can be waived with a range of activity (listed below)
- $12 fee waiver options: 1) $1,500 of direct deposits/month, 2) $1,500 average account balance, 3) Have an open Smartly Credit Card, 4) Have an open Business checking account
- $25 opening deposit required
- Your checking bonus (“adjusted interest”) will be credited to your new checking account within 30 days following the completion of all the offer requirements. Account must be open and have a positive balance to receive the bonus. Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS form 1099-INT, and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Offer may not be combined with any other checking account bonus offers.
- Bonus is taxable, treated as interest income.
- Checking account is yield-bearing, but the rate is so low it’s not even worth mentioning.
My take
I signed up for this offer myself. I’m chunking this to trigger in my next paycheck this week, taking advantage of my 2025 year-end bonus to trigger the $8,000 threshold quickly. Bonus terms should be fulfilled within 30 days (although US Bank is…notoriously slow), so targeting to close the account fully by the end of March. Quick, easy, free $450. I’ve never had a US Bank checking account before previously, but their systems seem entirely fine from my first few experiences setting up. Pay no fees, collect $450.
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