U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account Review: A Checking Account Without Checks

The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account is a solid checking account alternative for people who don't need to write paper checks, but who want most of the other advantages to using a branch-based checking account. The account offers a low monthly fee, access to hundreds of branches, a large ATM network, and several other features, but it isn't a good fit for everyone.

Read our full review of this unique "checking" account to see if it's right for you.

Top perks

Checking account functionality: The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account provides most of the features of a standard checking account. Account holders can get a U.S. Bank Visa Debit card, access mobile banking, make deposits and withdrawals, and use bill pay -- just like with a standard checking account. There are definitely some convenience advantages to maintaining an account with a national financial institution, and this account allows you to take advantage.

Relatively low account fee: The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account has a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee, which is relatively low compared to the checking account fees charged by other branch-based bank accounts. This is also a downside, as it cannot be waived by meeting certain requirements, but as far as monthly fees go, it's on the low end.

No overdraft fees: Because there are no checks involved with the U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account, overdrafts are less likely to occur. However, they can occasionally happen with the linked debit card, but U.S. Bank doesn't charge any overdraft fees.

Free credit score: U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account customers get access to their credit score (VantageScore® 3.0) through its mobile banking app, and can use a score simulator to determine the potential effects of certain credit actions.

Low opening deposit: The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account only has a $25 minimum opening deposit requirement, which is lower than many branch-based competitors.

Branch and ATM networks: U.S. Bank has physical branches in more than 25 states, and also operates one of the largest ATM networks in the United States. As a U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account holder, you can use any of these branches or ATMs to deposit or withdraw money from your account, in addition to the bank's online and mobile banking platforms.

What could be improved

No fee waiver: While the account's $4.95 monthly maintenance fee is on the lower end for branch-based accounts, it cannot be waived. Most other banks allow customers to waive the maintenance fee by maintaining a certain minimum balance or by setting up a recurring direct deposit.

No checks: The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account is designed for customers who need most of the functionality of a traditional checking account, but don't need to write actual checks. If you need to write checks for whatever reason, this is probably not the best fit for you. However, the need to use physical checks is declining, so this is probably not a deal breaker for many people.

No interest: Checking accounts generally don't pay interest to the extent that the best savings accounts do, but there are many checking accounts that have APYs. The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account doesn't pay any interest to depositors, so if you're looking to generate income from your cash, you may want to look elsewhere.

Fees

Aside from having the ability to write checks, the deposit and withdrawal options for the U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account are similar to those offered by most branch-based checking accounts, and this is a key advantage over online-based banks.

Deposit options

One of the perks of using a branch-based bank like U.S. Bank is that there are multiple ways to put money into the account. You can use mobile check deposit through the bank's mobile platform, you can set up direct deposits from your employer, and you can make deposits in person at any of the hundreds of U.S. Bank branches located in more than 25 states. Most U.S. Bank ATMs also accept cash and check deposits.

Withdrawal options

While you cannot use checks to get your money out of the U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account, account holders can get a Visa debit card. This can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted, and U.S. bank has one of the largest ATM networks in the United States as well as branches in 25 states.

You can also get money out of the account through online bill pay, and U.S. Bank gives access to the Zelle platform to send money to friends and family.

The U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account could be a good fit for you if you want many of the conveniences of a branch-based checking account, but don't have any need to write paper checks. It has a lower monthly maintenance fee than most other branch-based debit accounts and gets you the full privileges of a U.S. Bank relationship.

If U.S. Bank isn't right for you, check out our other Best Checking Accounts for more options.

Keep reading about U.S. Bank

• U.S. Bank Review
• U.S. Bank CD Rates
• U.S. Bank Standard Savings Account
• U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking
• U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
• U.S. Bank Promotions

Our checking account methodology

At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate checking accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all checking accounts across four main criteria: brand and reputation, APY and rewards, fees and minimum requirements, and perks.

Our scores are weighted as:

• Brand and reputation: 30%
• APY and rewards: 30%
• Fees and minimums: 15%
• Other perks: 15%

Learn more about how The Motley Fool Ascent rates bank accounts.