US Bank offers a student checking account called Student Checking, designed for customers under 25
US Bank's Student Checking account is available to customers age 17 to 24 and includes no monthly maintenance fee while you remain a student. The account comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to US Bank's ATM network. There is no minimum balance requirement to open or maintain the account.
The account converts to a standard checking product once you turn 25 or graduate, whichever comes first. At that point, standard account fees and terms apply. You will receive notice before the conversion happens, typically 30 to 60 days in advance.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank Student Checking has no monthly maintenance fee for customers ages 17 to 24 and no minimum balance requirement.
- The account includes a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and fee-free access to US Bank ATMs nationwide.
- Your account automatically converts to a standard checking product when you turn 25 or graduate, and standard fees will then apply.
- You must verify your student status when you open the account, usually through your school's name and expected graduation date.
What fees apply to Student Checking
There is no monthly maintenance fee while the account is active as a student account. However, US Bank does charge fees for certain transactions and services: overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your balance, non-network ATM withdrawals carry a fee, and wire transfers cost money depending on the type.
Overdraft protection is optional. If you do not enroll, transactions that would overdraw your account may be declined at the point of sale. If you do enroll in overdraft protection, US Bank will cover the transaction but charge an overdraft fee. The current overdraft fee varies; contact US Bank directly or check your account agreement for the exact amount.
Incoming transfers, bill pay, and debit card purchases do not carry per-transaction fees. Mobile check deposit is also free.
How to open a Student Checking account
You can open a Student Checking account online, by phone, or in person at a US Bank branch. Online is usually the fastest route. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. US Bank will ask you to verify your student status by providing your school name and expected graduation date.
The account typically opens within one business day if you apply online. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account for online and mobile transactions immediately, even before the physical card arrives.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but policies vary by branch. Call ahead to confirm what your local branch accepts.
What happens when you graduate or turn 25
Your Student Checking account will automatically convert to a standard US Bank checking product. The conversion happens on your 25th birthday or your graduation date, whichever comes first. US Bank will send you written notice 30 to 60 days before the conversion.
After conversion, your account will be subject to standard checking account fees and terms. The monthly maintenance fee for standard US Bank checking accounts varies by account type; some have no fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, while others charge a monthly fee regardless. Check with US Bank about which standard account you will be moved to and what the terms are.
You can avoid automatic conversion by closing the account before the conversion date, or you can contact US Bank to discuss which standard account might work best for your situation.
How Student Checking compares to other US Bank accounts
US Bank offers several checking products beyond Student Checking. Everyday Checking has a monthly maintenance fee (currently $6.95 per month, though this varies) but waives the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Premium Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and offers additional benefits like higher interest rates on savings and fee waivers.
Student Checking is the only US Bank checking product with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, which makes it the lowest-cost option for students. If you are not a student or are over 24, Everyday Checking or Premium Checking are the main alternatives, depending on your balance and banking habits.
US Bank also offers savings accounts and money market accounts, which earn interest but have different fee structures and withdrawal limits. These are separate products and do not replace checking.
How to verify your student status
When you open a Student Checking account, US Bank asks you to provide your school name and expected graduation date. You do not typically need to submit a student ID or enrollment verification at the time of opening. US Bank uses this information to confirm you are a current student.
If US Bank cannot verify your information through its systems, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your student ID, a tuition bill, or an enrollment letter from your school. Keep these documents handy when you apply, just in case.
After you graduate or leave school, you are responsible for notifying US Bank or allowing the automatic conversion to occur. If you remain enrolled beyond age 24, contact US Bank to discuss your options, as the account will still convert at age 25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Student Checking after I graduate if I am still under 25?
No. Your account converts to a standard checking product on your graduation date, regardless of your age. US Bank will notify you before the conversion and explain which standard account you are moving to.
What if I do not have a US Bank branch near me?
You can open and manage Student Checking entirely online and by phone. You can deposit checks using mobile check deposit and withdraw cash at any US Bank ATM nationwide. If you need in-person services, you can visit any US Bank branch, even if it is not your home branch.
Does Student Checking earn interest?
No. US Bank Student Checking is a non-interest-bearing account. If you want to earn interest on your money, you would need to open a separate savings or money market account with US Bank.
Can I have overdraft protection on Student Checking?
Yes. You can enroll in overdraft protection, which allows US Bank to cover transactions that would otherwise overdraw your account. You will be charged an overdraft fee each time this happens. You can also decline overdraft protection, in which case transactions will be declined if you do not have sufficient funds.
What if I close my Student Checking account before I graduate?
You can close the account at any time by contacting US Bank in person, by phone, or online. Make sure you have withdrawn all your money and paid any outstanding checks or transfers before closing. There is no early closure fee for Student Checking.