Choosing the best bank account can be tricky, especially when you're considering big brick-and-mortar banks like Regions Bank and U.S. Bank.
Let's compare their bank accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and options for borrowers.
Checking Accounts
Regions Bank is our top pick for checking accounts, especially if you like going to a bank branch now and then. They offer a variety of options that suit individual customers.
What's more, Regions Bank has special account choices made just for seniors and students, as well as online-only checking.
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Account Types And Fees
Regions Bank offers several checking account options, including the LifeGreen Checking and LifeGreen eAccess Account. Here are the accounts, their monthly fee and how you can waive it:
Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
---|---|---|
LifeGreen Checking | $8 | $1,500 |
LifeGreen Preferred Checking | $18 | $5,000 |
Regions Now Checking | $5 | Can't be waived |
LifeGreen eAccess Account | $8 | At least 10 Regions debit/credit card purchases |
62+ LifeGreen Checking | $8 | $1,500 |
LifeGreen® Checking for Students | $0 | Under age 25 |
U.S. Bank also offers two main checking accounts for customers: the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking and the U.S. bank safe debit. Both have monthly maintenance fees, but the Safe Debit account fees can't be waived, unlike the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking:
U.S. Bank Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
---|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | $6.95 | $1,500 |
Safe Debit
| $4.95 | Cannot be waived |
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Features
The Safe Debit account is a checkless alternative with overdraft protection, no overdraft fees, and bonus features like free credit score access, alerts, and budget tools.
U.S. Bank's Smartly Checking is a budget-friendly option, featuring interest earnings, a $50 overdraft grace, and easy management with low balance alerts, mobile check deposit, and automated budgeting tools.
Both accounts provide mobile and online banking access, catering to diverse financial needs with a focus on affordability, convenience, and additional perks.
U.S. Bank Account | Main Features |
---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | Smart Rewards, transfer money, set alerts, $50 overdrawn available |
Safe Debit
| Directly deposit paychecks, pay bills for free, no overdraft fees |
Regions Bank has different checking accounts to fit your needs. The main one is the LifeGreen Checking account, which is like your basic account. It lets you do online and mobile banking, set up alerts for your transactions, and you can also get optional overdraft protection for more financial security.
If you want advanced features, there's the LifeGreen Preferred Checking account. This one earns you interest and comes with extra perks. You won't get charged Regions ATM fees for two transactions at non-Regions ATMs each statement period.
Account | Main Features |
---|---|
LifeGreen Checking | Alerts and notifications, mobile check deposit, Zelle, Visa debit card |
LifeGreen Preferred Checking | Interest-earning, free two ATM transactions at non-Regions ATMs |
Regions Now Checking | No overdraft fees, unlimited check writing, online bill pay |
LifeGreen eAccess Account | Alerts and notifications, mobile check deposit, Zelle, Visa debit card |
62+ LifeGreen Checking | Overdraft Protection, Alerts and notifications, mobile check deposit |
LifeGreen Checking for Students | Alerts and notifications, mobile check deposit, Zelle, Visa debit card |
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers From Our Partners
Savings Accounts
Regions Bank and U.S. Bank provide less favorable rates for their savings accounts. Regions Bank also offers a money market account (unlike U.S. Bank), but the rates are poor as well.
If you want a high-yield savings account, you may want to look at other banks.
U.S Bank Savings Account | Regions Bank Savings | |
---|---|---|
Savings Rate | up to 4.25% | 0.01% |
Minimum Deposit | $25 | $50 |
Fees | $4
can be waived by $300+ daily ledger balance or $1,000 average monthly balance
| $5
Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $30
|
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When comparing CD accounts and rates, there is no clear winner, but U.S. Bank offers a bit better options.
Both Regions and U.S. Bank offer high rates only on promotional, specific terms. U.S. Bank offers more promotional terms compared to Regions Bank.
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U.S. Bank CD Rates
CD Type | CD Term | APY |
---|---|---|
Standard CD
| 6 Months | 0.05% |
Standard CD
| 12 Months | 0.05% |
Standard CD
| 24 Months | 0.05%
|
Standard CD
| 36 Months | 0.10%
|
CD Special | 7 Months | 4.00% |
CD Special | 11 Months | 3.80% |
CD Special | 13 Months | 4.80% |
CD Special | 19 Months | 4.95%
|
Step Up CD
| 28 Months | 0.35% |
Trade Up CD | 30 Months | 0.10% |
Trade Up CD | 60 Months | 0.40% |
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Regions Bank CD Rates
Regions CD Rates | |
---|---|
8 Month | 4.50% |
14 Month | 4.00% |
26 Month | 4.50% |
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Savings Accounts From Our Partners
Quontic High Yield Savings
- 4.50% APY on savings
- Interest is compounded daily
- No Monthly Service Fees
CIT Savings Connect
- Up to 5.00% APY on savings
- No monthly service fees.
- Zelle, Samsung & Apple Pay
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Credit Cards
When it comes to credit cards, U.S. Bank is our winner. While not as famous as some other credit cards, U.S. Bank has a lineup that suits a variety of consumers.
They've got two good choices without any yearly fees – the Cash+ card for cashback and the Altitude Go card for earning points. If you're into fancier cards, there's the new U.S. Bank Shopper Cash rewards for a high cashback rate and the Altitude Connect card, perfect for travelers.
And if you're a jetsetter, there's the fancy Reserve Visa Infinite with deluxe perks. U.S. Bank's credit card options cover everything, from folks who love cashback to those who fly a lot.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | 1.5% – 6%
6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category, 1.5% back on all other qualifying purchases. Also, 5.5% back on reservations for hotels and prepaid car rentals when you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center.
| $250
$250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
| $95 ($0 on first year) |
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U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | 1% – 5%
5% cash back on purchases in two categories of your choice (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent). 5% back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations through the Rewards Center. 2% cash back on one choice everyday category. 1% back on all other purchases
| $200
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
| $0 | |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 1X – 4X
4x points at restaurants, take-outs & deliveries, 2x points at supermarkets, gas stations & streaming servicesm and 1 point for 1 dollar on all other purchases
| 20,000 points
20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
| $0 | |
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | 1X – 5X
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
| 60,000 points
60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 180 days from account opening
| $95 (waived first year) | |
U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | 1X – 5X
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
| 50,000 points
50,000 points worth $750 on travel after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
| $400 |
Regions Bank has two cashback rewards cards.
The Regions Prestige Visa Signature card gives you more cash back on everyday stuff like groceries, gas, and dining. Plus, if you sign up for the Regions Rewards Multiplier Program, you can get an extra 1% cashback.
They also have a card with a long 0% intro APR, and a secured card meant for boosting your credit.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | Regions Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card
| 1.5%
1.5% cash rewards on every purchase | $200
$200 bonus Cash Rewards when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, or earn a $100 bonus when you spend $500 in the first 90 days | $0 |
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Regions Prestige Visa Signature Credit Card | 1% – 4%
4%/3% on dining & entertainment purchases, including fast food, 3%/2% on gas and grocery store purchases and 2%/1% on all other purchases. When you register for Rewards Multiplier, you can earn up to an extra 1% on every credit card purchase | $200
$200 bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days after account opening. If you spend at least $500 but not quite $1,000, you will earn a $100 bonus | $0 | |
Regions Life Visa Credit Card | N/A | N/A | $0 | |
Regions Explore Secured Visa Credit Card | N/A | N/A | $29 |
Mortgage And Loans
Regions Bank wins as they offer more options for borrowers.
Both U.S. Bank and Regions Bank focus more on mortgages for homebuyers, mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, personal loans, and car financing for both new and used vehicles.
However, Regions Bank offers student loan solutions (not available through U.S. Bank), including refinancing. That makes them a preferred choice for borrowers.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
Overall, there is no clear winner in this battle, but if we were to choose one – Regions bank wins. While Regions offers better checking options and options for borrowers, U.S. Bank offers better credit card options.
But it's really important to think about different things, especially the ones that matter most to you. This might include looking at banking services, help with overdrafts, how often you use ATMs, how close the bank is to where you live, and other things that are different for each person.
Compare U.S. Bank With Other Banks
US Bank offers an even more impressive range of banking services. Savings and checking account options, investments, personal loans, mortgage products, and wealth management are all available.
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Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs US Bank: Which is Best For You?
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Our Methodology: Breaking Down Bank Comparisons
In our thorough banking comparison, The Smart Investor team carefully reviewed and compared banks across five key categories:
Checking Accounts (30%): We examined features like direct deposit, debit card availability, monthly fees, ATM and branch access, check deposit, bill pay options, and account alerts. We also considered any special offers available to customers.
Savings Accounts and CDs (20%): Our focus was on important factors such as the Annual Percentage Yield (APY), minimum deposit requirements, account flexibility, FDIC insurance coverage, special savings offers, variety of CDs, automatic renewal options, and early withdrawal penalties.
Credit Cards (15%): We analyzed rewards programs, annual fees, introductory bonuses, travel benefits, APR, and balance transfer options offered by each bank's credit cards to provide a comprehensive comparison of available features.
Lending Options (15%): We assessed the variety of loan options provided, including personal loans, student loans, mortgages, secured loans, HELOCs, and Home Equity Loans, offering insights into the banks' lending capabilities.
Customer Experience and Bank Reputation (20%): Our evaluation included an analysis of online banking and mobile app usability and ratings, accessibility of customer support, online reviews, JD Power research, Trustpilot ratings, and overall financial stability, providing a holistic view of customer experience and reputation.