20 thoughts on “Cannot Apply for US Bank Checking Account Online with Frozen ARS/IDA Credit Reports, Must Apply In-Branch

  1. Ben

    Just went through the same process, but mine was slightly different (and easier and more profitable)…

    1st, I got a call yesterday from a USBank account specialist asking me if I still wanted to complete my application. She was nice enough to tell me it was the SageBrush (?), formerly IDA, that had the freeze (this took a little prodding….”so you’re telling me there is a freeze, but won’t tell me who I should contact to remove it…?”).

    Then she told me USBank needed a copy of my driver’s license and confirmation that the freeze was lifted. I took a cellphone picture of my license then emailed it back to the CSR. Then I called IDA and temporarily (I did 60 days, but it’s up to you) lifted the security freeze using the PIN # IDA assigned to me when I initiated the freeze. It took until midnight to go into effect, but there is no confirmation email/letter from IDA. I emailed the same CSR back today and I confirmed to her that I had lifted the freeze. She called me back and she re-applied for me over the phone (she verified that the $125 offer code was in place). She was also able to take initial funding payment with my Arrival+.

    The phone # I used is: 800-572-2659

    I repeatedly verified with her that it was only a soft pull. Pretty interesting insight into how USBank verification process works differently for credit cards and checking accounts.

    Reply
    1. Racerboy80 (Bill)

      Hi Ben,

      Did you get through to US Bank directly, or did you have to leave a message after they contacted you the first time?

      I missed the call and called them back, and it had me leave a message. Just wondering how long it took for them to call back.

      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Yeshu

    Grant, how long do you think the $50 US Bank GC will take to arrive? I opened an account as well and did the S.T.A.R.T program.

    Reply
    1. Grant

      The banker who opened the account said U.S. bank would send out the $50 VGC within 2-3 days funding the account within $1,000. I’ll let you know when I receive that GC.

      Reply
  3. Racerboy80 (Bill)

    When I talked with a CSR today, she stated that the transfers for the START have to be scheduled and maintained. I asked for clarification and she stated that you have to schedule transfers (various options available) that total $1000 over time.

    She further explained that you have to transfer $1000 in total above the balance your savings is at when you begin START. She claimed you cannot just fund the account with a $1000 to satisfy the requirements.

    Were you given different information Grant?

    Reply
    1. Grant

      Hmm, I was told a $1000 deposit was all that was needed. I’ve since moved the initial $1000 deposit to my checking and did a bill payment. If I get the VGC, I’ll let you know.

      Reply
    1. Grant

      If you apply in a US Bank branch, they do not do check ARS/IDA. They only check those credit bureaus if you apply online. If you want to apply online, you can temporarily unfreeze those reports.

      Reply
  4. Yeshu

    Grant, I just wanted to report that I got my checking account bonus a few days ago. Thanks to you (and Will from DoC) for reporting about this. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    1. Grant

      Thank you, I got my US Bank checking account bonus around 3 weeks after opening. I’m still waiting for my savings account bonus, but I just finished that requirement a few days ago.

      Reply
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