Got a Targeted $300 Bonus Email from U.S. Bank? Here's What You Need to Know

Hey there. If you're an existing U.S. Bank Smartly Savings customer, you might want to check your inbox. Some folks are getting a pretty sweet, targeted email offering a $300 bonus just for parking some cash. It's not a public offer, so if you got it, it's meant just for you. Let's break down what it actually entails and whether it's worth jumping on.

Is This Offer Knocking on Your Digital Door?

This isn't something you can just sign up for on the bank's website. It's a targeted promotion sent via email, likely with a subject line hinting at an exclusive $300 bonus. The offer is strictly for people who already have a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account. If you didn't get the email, you're probably not eligible, and trying to use a code found online reportedly won't work.

The core requirement is straightforward: bring in at least $25,000 from outside U.S. Bank. This means the money can't already be sitting in another U.S. Bank checking, savings, or investment account—even if it's yours. It needs to come from an external institution like Chase, Ally, or your credit union. You have to complete this transfer between mid-February and March 13th of 2026.

The 90-Day Lock-Up: Planning Your Moves

Here's the real commitment. You can't just deposit the money and then pull it out a week later. The key date is March 13, 2026. Whatever your account balance is at the end of that day—which must include your new $25k+ deposit—becomes your target minimum balance. You must keep your balance at or above that number every single day until the close of business on June 11, 2026. That's a full 90-day lock.

It's crucial to note how they check this. Your 'end of day balance' on March 13th is the official number you must maintain. You can find this by logging into online banking after that date or asking a banker. If your account has any monthly fees, they will chip away at your balance, so you might need to add a little extra to cover them and stay above the minimum.

• Mark June 11, 2026, on your calendar. That's when the maintenance period ends.
• The $300 bonus itself will show up in your account sometime in the 30 days following June 11th, so by mid-July 2026 at the latest.
• Your account must stay open and in good standing to get the bonus.

Crunching the Numbers: Is 1.2% for 90 Days Good?

On a $25,000 deposit, a $300 bonus is a 1.2% return. Since you only have to keep the money tied up for about three months, that's an annualized return of roughly 4.8%. That's on top of whatever interest rate your specific Smartly Savings account is earning, which, as a reminder, can vary. Some accounts might be around 2.75% APY, others could be different.

So, you're looking at a total potential return in the 4-5% range for that quarter, which is competitive for a virtually risk-free bank bonus. Compare this to what you'd earn parking that cash in a high-yield savings account or a short-term CD during the same period to see if it makes sense for your situation.

Practical Pitfalls to Avoid

The biggest trap is accidentally dipping below your March 13th balance during the 90-day period. Set a reminder to check your balance periodically, especially if you have other transactions or autopays linked to the account. Treat this account as a vault for those three months.

Also, be mindful of the 'new money' rule. If you're shuffling funds between your U.S. Bank checking and this savings account, it won't count. The transfer must originate from another bank entirely.

Finally, remember this income is taxable. The bank will send you a 1099-INT form for the $300, and you'll need to report it as interest income when you file your taxes.

Bottom Line

• This is a targeted offer for existing customers only—check your email.
• The 90-day balance maintenance rule is strict; don't touch the money.
• The bonus offers a ~4.8% annualized return on top of your base interest.
• Plan for the tax bill on the $300 come next tax season.

Common Questions