U.S. Bank review

The Smartly checking account that the debit card sits on has a monthly fee of $0, so the account itself adds nothing to your costs. The card runs on the visa network, so it works in the same ATMs and shops as other Visa cards. Support is available on phone and help centre.

U.S. Bank National Association is the legal entity behind the account, and the bank is headquartered in the US. It is supervised by the FDIC and listed under FDIC cert 6548. The balance sits in a bank current account rather than a prepaid balance, and support runs on phone and help centre.

No. The Bank Smartly Visa Signature carries an annual fee of $0 and pays cash back at 2% on every purchase, with no cap on the base rate. Extra cash back applies on eligible purchases when you also hold a Smartly Savings account and keep qualifying checking balances.

The card asks for good credit, so applicants with a thin credit file or past problems may be declined before the account opens. It is a credit card rather than a debit card, so it needs a credit limit and a monthly repayment, and the 0% sets the purchase rate.

Yes. A virtual card is available as a feature, which lets you add a card number for online shops without handing over your main card details. It pairs with the debit card in the business, student and kids range, aimed at business, student and kids accounts.

There is a balance transfer offer of 12 months on the Bank Smartly card, with a fee of 5% for each transfer. Balances you move in can still carry interest once the offer period ends, so the plan only helps if you clear the amount in time.

Redemption is flexible: you can take the cash by direct deposit, as a statement credit, as a rewards card, or as merchant gift cards. Card offers are also available through the U.S. Bank Mobile App and online banking, and contactless chip payment works on all U.S. Bank credit cards.

It suits people already banking with U.S. Bank who want everyday spending and cash back credit in one place, including business owners, students and families. Readers who want a fee free card with a different model can compare €0 and £0 alternatives.