Advantage Plus Banking is a checking account offered by U.S. Bank

Advantage Plus Banking is a standard checking account from U.S. Bank, one of the largest banks in the United States. It functions like any other checking account—you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills. The account comes with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit.

U.S. Bank markets Advantage Plus as an entry-level checking option. It is not a specialty account, a savings account, or a money market account. It is a place to keep and spend money, with the basic tools most people use for everyday banking.

Key Takeaways

  • Advantage Plus Banking is a standard checking account from U.S. Bank that includes a debit card, check writing, and online banking.
  • The account has a monthly maintenance fee, though U.S. Bank waives it if you meet certain conditions like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.
  • You can open Advantage Plus in person at a U.S. Bank branch, online, or by phone, and you will need a government ID and Social Security number.
  • The account does not earn interest on your balance, so money you keep in it does not grow over time.
  • If you want to compare checking accounts, look at monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM access, and whether the bank has branches near you.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Advantage Plus Banking charges a monthly maintenance fee. The exact amount varies by region and changes over time, so contact U.S. Bank directly or check their website for the current fee in your area. Most U.S. Bank checking accounts charge between $6 and $15 per month.

U.S. Bank waives the monthly fee if you meet at least one of these conditions: set up direct deposit of your paycheck, maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500, depending on your region), or keep a linked savings account open with a certain balance. Ask your local branch which waiver options apply to your account, because the rules differ by location.

If you do not meet any waiver condition, the fee will be charged every month. Over a year, this adds up—a $10 monthly fee costs $120 annually. Before opening Advantage Plus, confirm what the fee is in your area and whether you can meet a waiver requirement.

What comes with the account

Advantage Plus includes a debit card you can use to withdraw cash at ATMs and pay for purchases at stores. U.S. Bank has thousands of ATMs across the country, and you can also use ATMs in the Allpoint network at no charge. If you use an out-of-network ATM, U.S. Bank typically charges a fee.

You get online banking and a mobile app to check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills. You can also set up direct deposit so your employer deposits your paycheck straight into the account. Paper checks come with the account—you can order them through U.S. Bank, though there may be a cost for additional checkbooks.

The account does not earn interest. Money you keep in Advantage Plus does not grow. If you want your money to earn interest, you would need a savings account or money market account, which are separate products.

How to open an Advantage Plus account

You can open Advantage Plus in three ways: visit a U.S. Bank branch in person, go online through U.S. Bank's website, or call their customer service line. Each method takes roughly the same amount of time—online is usually fastest if you have all your documents ready.

You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. U.S. Bank will also ask for your address and phone number. If you open online, you may need to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once approved, your account opens immediately if you open online or by phone. If you open in person, the account is usually active the same day. You can start using your debit card within a few business days, and checks may take one to two weeks to arrive.

Advantage Plus compared to other checking accounts

Advantage Plus is a traditional checking account with a monthly fee. Other banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee, lower fees, or fee waivers that are easier to meet. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime often have no monthly maintenance fee at all.

The trade-off is that U.S. Bank has physical branches you can visit, while online banks do not. If you need to deposit cash, speak to someone in person, or handle banking face-to-face, U.S. Bank's branch network is an advantage. If you rarely visit a branch and want to avoid fees, an online bank may be a better fit.

When comparing checking accounts, look at these factors: monthly fee and how to waive it, minimum balance requirements, ATM access and fees, overdraft fees, and whether the bank has branches or ATMs near you. Make a list of what matters most to you, then compare accounts based on those priorities.

Overdraft fees and what happens when your balance goes negative

If you spend more money than you have in your Advantage Plus account, U.S. Bank will charge an overdraft fee. The fee amount varies but is typically $25 to $35 per overdraft. If you overdraw multiple times in one day, you may be charged multiple fees.

U.S. Bank offers overdraft protection, which means you can link your checking account to a savings account or credit line. If you overdraw, the bank automatically transfers money from the linked account to cover the shortfall. This prevents overdraft fees, but you may pay a transfer fee or interest on the credit line instead.

You can also turn off overdraft protection so the bank declines transactions that would overdraw your account. This stops you from going negative, but it also means your card may be declined at checkout. Ask U.S. Bank about your overdraft options when you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Advantage Plus debit card outside the United States?

Yes, you can use your debit card internationally at ATMs and stores that accept Visa (U.S. Bank uses Visa for debit cards). U.S. Bank charges a foreign transaction fee, usually 1% of the amount withdrawn or spent. Notify U.S. Bank before you travel so they do not block your card for suspicious activity.

What happens if I close my Advantage Plus account?

Contact U.S. Bank and request account closure. Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, and make sure all pending checks and automatic payments have cleared. U.S. Bank will close the account, and you will receive written confirmation. If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, the bank will deduct those before closing.

Can I have more than one Advantage Plus account?

U.S. Bank allows you to open multiple checking accounts, but each account has its own monthly fee. There is no benefit to having two Advantage Plus accounts instead of one, unless you want to separate money for different purposes. You would pay double the monthly fee.

Does Advantage Plus come with check writing?

Yes, checks come with the account. You can order additional checkbooks through U.S. Bank's website or at a branch. There may be a fee for extra checkbooks, typically $10 to $15 per box. You can also pay bills online without writing checks, which is faster and leaves no paper trail.

What is the minimum opening deposit for Advantage Plus?

U.S. Bank does not require a minimum opening deposit for Advantage Plus. You can open the account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some regions may have a minimum balance requirement to waive the monthly fee, so confirm the rules in your area before opening.