How to avoid US bank monthly maintenance fee?

Asked by: Liam Mills  |  Last update: October 15, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (43 votes)

To avoid U.S. Bank's monthly maintenance fees, especially on the popular Bank Smartly Checking account, you typically need to meet one of several simple requirements, like setting up $1,500 or more in monthly direct deposits, maintaining a $1,500 average balance, owning an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, or belonging to specific groups (seniors, students, military). Linking accounts, earning Smart Rewards tiers, or having an eligible small business account can also waive fees.

How can I avoid a monthly maintenance fee?

You can avoid monthly bank fees by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a minimum balance, linking accounts, using your debit card enough, opting for online statements, or switching to an online bank or credit union that offers fee-free accounts, as many financial institutions provide waivers for meeting these common criteria.

How do I get rid of the monthly fee at bank of America?

You can avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee when you meet ONE of the following requirements during each statement cycle: Make at least one qualifying Direct Deposit of $250 or more to your account, OR • Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more in your account, OR • Be a member of the Preferred Rewards program.

How much does the US Bank charge a month?

$12.00 Monthly Maintenance Fee or $0 if you meet any of these requirements. Easily get your Monthly Maintenance Fee 1 waived with any one of these: Average account balance of $1,500 or greater.

How to get US Bank monthly maintenance fee waived?

Bank Smartly Savings account Monthly Maintenance Fee: The $5 monthly maintenance fee is waived when you are an owner of a Bank Smartly® Checking, Safe Debit account, Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card, or for accounts with a minor under the age of 18.

Avoiding Banks Monthly Maintenance Fees

32 related questions found

Why is the US Bank charging me a monthly maintenance fee?

Account maintenance fee

As the name suggests, it's a fee the bank charges to maintain your account. In other words, it's a fee to have the privilege of having an account at a certain bank. The average account maintenance fee is $13.47/month.

How do I stop the maintenance fee?

Maintain the minimum balance.

The most straightforward way to avoid monthly maintenance fees is by keeping a minimum balance in your account. Some financial institutions will waive your checking account maintenance fee as long as you maintain the minimum daily balance.

What is the best bank in America?

What are the top 10 banks in the United States?

  • Citibank.
  • Wells Fargo.
  • U.S. Bank.
  • Capital One.
  • Goldman Sachs.
  • PNC Bank.
  • Truist Bank.
  • TD Bank.

Can you get maintenance fees removed?

“Many checking accounts charge[ monthly maintenance fees], but you may be able to have them waived if you can meet certain requirements. Most commonly, you can skip the monthly fees if you set up direct deposits or maintain a certain account balance.”

Which bank has no maintenance fees?

Overview. The Cashback Debit account from Discover Bank not only doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee or an overdraft fee, but also gives you the ability to earn 1% cash back on eligible debit card purchases of up to $3,000 each month.

Why is my bank charging me a monthly maintenance fee?

Your bank charges a monthly service fee to cover its operational costs (like branches, staff, tech) and generate revenue, but you can often get it waived by meeting simple requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using online statements, or by switching to an online bank or credit union with no fees. 

Does the US bank require a minimum balance?

U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Further fees are waived if you meet at least one of these criteria each month. Have at least $1,500 in monthly direct deposits. Hold a minimum average account balance of $1,5001. Be an owner on an eligible small business checking account.

What are two ways you can avoid a monthly maintenance fee?

A service fee, also known as a monthly maintenance fee, is a basic charge for having an account. Many banks give account holders numerous ways to avoid this fee, such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit or keeping a certain balance across a number of accounts.

Which bank account has no maintenance fee?

HSBC Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) makes it convenient for you to avail of basic banking services without any fees or charges, and without maintaining any minimum balance in the account.

How do I ask my bank to waive a fee?

How to Ask For Bank Fee Waivers

  1. Contact your bank. Calling may be the most effective, because you'll talk directly to a human, but you could also try your bank's online chat or messaging service.
  2. Calmly explain the situation. ...
  3. Highlight your relationship with the bank. ...
  4. Be direct but respectful.

How to avoid TD bank maintenance fee?

To avoid TD Bank maintenance fees, you typically need to meet certain criteria like setting up direct deposits (e.g., $500+ for TD Complete Checking), maintaining a minimum daily balance in your checking or linked accounts (e.g., $500 for TD Complete), or linking accounts to hit a higher combined balance threshold (e.g., $5,000 for TD Complete). Age can also waive fees (e.g., 17-23 for TD Complete), and some accounts like TD Essential Banking have no fees for younger users. 

Are maintenance fees negotiable?

In reality, these fees are typically set by the HOA and apply equally to all homeowners in the community. They're based on the association's budget, and the actual amount charged by the HOA is generally not negotiable on an individual basis. But there might be some flexibility on certain occasions.

Does US bank account automatically close after no activity?

So, technically, if you let your account sit at zero balance with no deposits or withdrawals for four consecutive months, US Bank will automatically close it for you.

What is the annual fee for US Bank?

Low Intro APRFor a limited time, get a special 0% intro APR 1 on purchases and balance transfers 2 for 24 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 16.99% - 27.99%. $0 Annual FeeEnjoy great benefits with no annual fee.

Which bank does not charge monthly fees?

Many banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fees, especially online banks like Ally, SoFi, Axos, and Discover, often requiring direct deposit or minimum balances for traditional banks like Capital One 360, Chase Secure Banking, and PNC Simple Checking; credit unions like Alliant also provide fee-free options, focusing on digital convenience, ATM access, and sometimes interest or rewards.

How do I waive monthly bank fees?

Maintain a minimum balance. Some banks will waive monthly fees if you maintain a set balance in your account. Some banks require you don't go below a minimum daily balance, while others require an average monthly balance.