U.S. Bank celebrates 160 years (2024)

The bank’s current operating charter was signed in Cincinnati in 1863

On July 13, 1863, The First National Bank of Cincinnati opened with the boom of Civil War cannons firing just across the Ohio River, and survived through the decades to eventually grow into U.S Bank.

Banking, and the United States, looked very different 160 years ago. Much of the west was still a frontier, and nearly half of the markets in the current footprint of U.S. Bank weren’t even states. Handwritten logbooks, telegraph ciphers and custom-printed currency were part of daily work.

While much as changed, U.S. Bank still operates by the words written in national bank charter No. 24, “The capital of a bank should be a reality, not a fiction ... Let no loans be made that are not secured beyond a reasonable contingency ... Pursue a straightforward, upright banking business.”

Today, more than 80 percent of banking transactions at U.S. Bank take place digitally, as opposed to within a branch, and U.S. Bank has diversified its business to include payments services, wealth management and investment services, in addition to consumer banking and corporate and commercial banking.

Last year, U.S. Bancorp completed the acquisition of MUFG Union Bank, giving U.S. Bank more than 1 million new consumer customers and about 190,000 additional small business customers on theWest Coastin addition to approximately$58 billionin loans and$90 billionin deposits.

Learn more about the history of U.S. Bank, including the celebration of the bank’s 150th anniversary in 2013 that included ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

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FAQs

What is the U.S. Bank mission statement? ›

U.S. Bank Mission Statement

We work to meet our customers' business and personal banking needs with competitive products and services, convenient access to their accounts, and proven stability backed by industry-leading financial metrics.

What did U.S. Bank used to be called? ›

The U.S. Bank name first appeared as United States National Bank of Portland, established in Portland, Oregon, in 1891. In 1902, it merged with Ainsworth National Bank of Portland, but kept the U.S. National Bank name. It changed its name to the United States National Bank of Oregon in 1964.

What is the oldest bank in the world? ›

The oldest bank still in existence is Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, headquartered in Siena, Italy, which has been operating continuously since 1472.

Who is U.S. Bank owned by? ›

Yes, U.S. Bancorp [NYSE: USB] is the publicly traded parent company of U.S. Bank. While we often use U.S. Bancorp in formal documents and corporate filings, U.S. Bank is what you'll see on branches, app stores, national television commercials and much more.

What is a fun fact about the U.S. Bank? ›

U.S. Bank Tower is a skyscraper in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is 310 meters (1018 feet) tall and has 73 floors. It was built in 1989 and is one of the tallest buildings in the United States. It is the tallest building in the United States that is west of the Mississippi River.

Does China own U.S. Bancorp? ›

Is U.S. Bank China-owned? While foreign investors, including those from China, may hold shares in U.S. Bank, the company is not owned by China or any foreign country. It is a U.S.-based financial institution operating under its parent company, U.S. Bancorp.

What is the richest bank in the world? ›

Biggest Banks in the World 2024
  • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Total Assets: $6.118 Trillion. ...
  • Wells Fargo. Total Assets: $1.886 Trillion. ...
  • HSBC. Total Assets: $2.989 Trillion. ...
  • Morgan Stanley. Total Assets: $1.199 Trillion. ...
  • China Construction Bank (CCB) Total Assets: $5.376 Trillion.
Jan 29, 2024

What is the oldest US bank still in existence? ›

Future Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton founds the Bank of New York, the oldest continuously operating bank in the United States—operating today as BNY Mellon.

Where did people keep money before banks? ›

Temples, often considered the earliest banks, served as repositories for valuable items and grain, and priests would lend these resources to local farmers and merchants. The temples were also responsible for keeping records of these transactions, giving birth to the concept of bookkeeping.

What bank is merging with U.S. Bank? ›

U.S. Bancorp made an $8 billion deal to acquire MUFG Union Bank in September 2021 and closed the transaction last December.

Who controls U.S. banks? ›

The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations as well as federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. The OCC is an independent bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

How good is the U.S. Bank? ›

The bottom line: U.S. Bank ranks as one of our top picks for the best banks. It's a good choice if you want a brick-and-mortar bank with 24/7 live support. It also has a variety of credit card and lending options, and you can earn significant welcome bonuses when you open checking and savings accounts.

What is the vision and mission of United bank? ›

The United Bank Mission

Maximize UB shareholders' value through satisfying clients' financial needs. Capitalize on UB unique products and services, Shariaa compliant, digital banking solutions, and operational excellence. We deeply believe in investing in human capital development.

What is the mission statement of a bank? ›

Here is a typical mission statement for a bank: “We will be the preferred provider of targeted financial service in our communities based on strong customer relationships. We will strengthen these relationships by providing the right solutions that combine our technology, experience, and financial strength.

What is bank of America's core values? ›

Every day, across the globe, our employees bring a commitment to our purpose and to driving responsible growth by living our values: deliver together, act responsibly, realize the power of our people and trust the team.

What does the mission statement talk about? ›

A mission statement summarizes why a business exists and helps a company respond to change and make decisions that align with its vision. This brief description helps customers, employees, and leadership understand the organization's top priorities. An effective mission statement will naturally change over time.

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