What is a Check Card? Your U.S. Bank Visa
® Check Card lets you make purchases quickly and conveniently, anywhere Visa is accepted. The purchases you make with your check card are deducted from your checking account, just as if you’d written a check. You can also use your check card at ATMs and for transactions at
U.S. Bank branchesWhy Does My Card Have a Visa® Logo?The logo on your check card lets you use it at millions of locations around the world that accept Visa debit cards. This includes movie theaters, restaurants, gas stations, purchases on the Internet and ATMs. But your purchases are always deducted directly from your checking account.
How do I Activate My Card?Before you can use your U.S. Bank Visa Check Card, you’ll need to activate it.
Your new check card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) will arrive separately in the mail. Once you receive both, you can activate your check card by doing any one of the following:
After you've activated your card, simply sign your name on the back and start using it.
Should I Choose “Credit” or “Debit?” When you swipe your check card to make a purchase, you may be presented with two options: "credit" or "debit."
If you push the
"credit" button, you’ll need to sign a receipt, but you won’t be asked to enter your PIN. Only non-PIN transactions earn rewards
2 and are protected by the U.S. Bank Zero Liability Policy.
3 If you push the
"debit" button, you will be required to enter your PIN and you will
not earn rewards.
Regardless of which option you choose, your purchase will be deducted from your
U.S. Bank Checking account.
How Can I Track My Purchases?There are several ways to track your check card purchases. You can enter your transactions in your checkbook register. Your purchases will also appear on your monthly checking account statement. Or, you can keep track of your check card purchases with
U.S. Bank Internet Banking. Not enrolled yet?
Enroll today!
Does My Card Have Purchase and Withdrawal Limits?Yes, your check card is subject to daily purchase and cash/ATM withdrawal limits. To find out what your daily purchase limit is,
log in to U.S. Bank Internet Banking, or call your local
U.S. Bank 24-Hour Banking phone number.
Can I Use My Card to Pay My Bills?Yes! You can use your U.S. Bank Check Card to pay just about any bill online or over the phone. In most cases, the payment is credited to the account immediately. You can also schedule ongoing payments, if you prefer. You can even earn rewards for paying your bills with our check card reward programs.
What are Non-PIN Purchases?Any transaction that does not require you to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a considered a “non-PIN” purchase. Non-PIN transactions that qualify for
rewards2include:
- Presenting your card to a merchant and signing the receipt.
- Swiping your card at a keypad, pressing "credit" and signing the receipt.
- Using your card to make a purchase on the Internet, by phone or at the gas pump.
- Making automatic bill payments with your check card, such as your phone bill or Internet service provider.
Remember that these non-PIN transactions are processed by Visa but are still deducted directly from your
U.S. Bank Checking account.
Are Check Cards Safe?Yes, your check card is safe. If your check card is ever lost or stolen, no one will be able to use it at an ATM unless they know your PIN (that's why you should keep your PIN secret and
never write it down).
Your card is also backed by the
U.S. Bank Zero Liability Policy2, which means that you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized non-PIN purchases made with your check card. If there is a fraudulent purchase, immediately
contact U.S. Bank 24-Hour Banking and have your card “turned off.” After we verify your claim, your account will be reimbursed for lost funds by the end of the next business day.
In addition, we can often detect unusual transactions that may indicate fraudulent use. If that happens, we’ll contact you immediately.
View additional tips on fraud protection.
Can Someone Use a Receipt to Access My Account?No. Purchase receipts should only display the last four digits of your check card number. So, even if someone finds one of your receipts, they won't have enough information to access your account.
Are Internet and Phone Purchases Safe?Yes. When you use your check card for one of these purchases, it is considered a non-PIN purchase, and is therefore protected by the U.S. Bank Zero Liability Policy
2. Your account is protected the same way it is when you pay in person. So if someone steals your check card number, you won't have to pay for any unauthorized purchases.
How Can I Monitor My Account?Enjoy greater convenience, control and peace of mind with our
Account Alerts. Sign up to be notified — via email or text message — when you’re about to exceed your account limits, when you’ve made a deposit or withdrawal, and more.
Why Choose a Check Card from U.S. Bank? With U.S. Bank, you get the strength of our national presence - and the friendliness of a local bank. We offer a wide range of financial products, including many exclusive free services. With more than 5,300 bilingual ATMs, we offer convenient access nationwide and great service. With more than 3,000 branches across the U.S., we also offer the personal service you expect from a community bank. Plus, you can reach us 24 hours a day at
usbank.com and at 800-US BANKS (800-872-2657).
