U.S. Bank is once again offering a bonus for opening a new Smartly Checking account, and this time you can score up to $450 + $100! To snag the full bonus, you'll need to set up direct deposits totaling $8,000 or more within 90 days of opening the account. Lesser amounts of direct deposit will yield smaller bonuses. The offer is available nationwide (excluding NY & FL and any other state without a branch unless you have an existing relationship) and runs until January 28, 2026.

This matters to you because it's essentially free money! While $8,000 in direct deposits sounds like a lot, if you can swing it, it's a pretty sweet deal. Plus, there's no early account termination fee, which gives you flexibility. Just remember to factor in the $6.95 monthly fee, but that's easily waived if you meet certain requirements like having $1,500 in direct deposits, maintaining a $1,500 average balance, or holding an eligible U.S. Bank credit card.

Keep in mind that this bonus is considered interest, so you'll have to pay taxes on it. Also, you're not eligible if you've had a U.S. Bank consumer checking account in the past 12 months or received a U.S. Bank checking bonus recently. So, check your records and get in on this if you're eligible! It's a decent offer, especially if you're looking to "churn" bank bonuses – that is, repeatedly open and close accounts for the bonus money.