Fifth Third Bank is a regional bank with branches across the Midwest and South

Fifth Third Bank is a full-service bank owned by Fifth Third Bancorp, a publicly traded company. It operates branches in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. The bank offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, business banking, and wealth management services to individuals and businesses.

The name comes from the bank's 1871 founding in Cincinnati—it was formed from the merger of two banks, one of which had "Third National Bank" in its name and the other "Fifth National Bank." The combined entity kept both numbers in its name.

Fifth Third operates as both a traditional brick-and-mortar bank with physical locations and an online banking platform. You can visit a branch to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or speak with a banker in person, or you can manage your account entirely through their website or mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third Bank is a regional bank with branches in nine states, primarily in the Midwest and South, and offers standard banking products like checking, savings, loans, and credit cards.
  • You can bank with Fifth Third through physical branches, online banking, or their mobile app, depending on which services you need.
  • Fifth Third is FDIC-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected if the bank fails.
  • The bank charges monthly maintenance fees on some accounts, but these fees can often be waived if you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
  • Fifth Third's customer service is available by phone, through branches, and online, though wait times and service quality vary by channel.

How Fifth Third's checking and savings accounts work

Fifth Third offers several checking account options, each with different features and fee structures. Their basic checking account typically charges a monthly maintenance fee, but the fee is waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit, usually between $25 and $100.

Savings accounts at Fifth Third earn interest, though the rate varies based on the account type and current market conditions. Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are also available if you want to lock money away for a set period in exchange for a higher interest rate. You can check current rates on their website, but rates change frequently and vary by account type.

Fifth Third's online banking platform lets you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. Mobile check deposit is available through their app, which is faster than visiting a branch for routine deposits.

Fifth Third's loan and credit products

Fifth Third offers mortgages for home purchases and refinancing, auto loans for new and used vehicles, personal loans, and home equity lines of credit. You can apply for these products online, over the phone, or in person at a branch. The bank will pull your credit report and verify your income before approving a loan.

Fifth Third credit cards come in several varieties—cash back cards, rewards cards, and cards designed for people rebuilding credit. Like most credit cards, they charge interest if you carry a balance, and they may charge annual fees depending on the card type. You can apply online and typically receive a decision within minutes.

The interest rates and terms Fifth Third offers depend on your credit score, income, and the specific product. Rates are not negotiable, but you can compare Fifth Third's offers to other banks before deciding.

FDIC insurance and account protection

Fifth Third Bank is FDIC-insured, which means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation protects your deposits if the bank fails. The standard coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per account type. This means if you have a checking account with $250,000 and a savings account with $250,000 at Fifth Third, both are fully protected.

Joint accounts are covered separately—each owner's share up to $250,000 is insured. If you have multiple accounts in your name alone at Fifth Third, the total coverage across all those accounts is $250,000, not $250,000 per account.

FDIC insurance does not protect you from fraud, theft, or unauthorized transactions on your account. For that protection, you rely on Fifth Third's fraud monitoring and your own account security practices, like using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication.

Fees and how to avoid them

Fifth Third charges monthly maintenance fees on most checking and savings accounts, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per month. These fees are waived if you meet one or more conditions: maintaining a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions per month.

Fifth Third also charges fees for specific actions: overdraft fees (typically $35 per overdraft), out-of-network ATM fees (usually $2 to $3), wire transfer fees ($15 to $25), and stop payment fees ($25 to $35). Some of these fees can be avoided by using Fifth Third's ATM network, which is extensive in their service areas, or by maintaining sufficient balance to prevent overdrafts.

If you incur a fee you believe was unfair, you can contact Fifth Third's customer service and ask them to review it. Banks sometimes reverse one or two fees as a courtesy, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or if the fee resulted from a system error.

How to contact Fifth Third and access customer service

Fifth Third offers customer service through multiple channels: phone, online chat, email, and in-person at branches. The phone number for customer service is on your debit card and on Fifth Third's website. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the bank is.

For account questions, transfers, or bill pay issues, online chat and phone support are usually fastest. For complex issues like loan applications or disputes, visiting a branch in person may be more effective because a banker can access your full account history and explain options face-to-face.

Fifth Third's website and mobile app also have built-in help sections and FAQs that answer common questions without requiring you to contact a person. Many routine tasks—checking your balance, transferring money, paying bills, depositing checks—can be completed entirely through the app.

Fifth Third's service area and branch locations

Fifth Third has physical branches in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. If you live in one of these states, you can visit a branch to open an account, deposit cash, or speak with a banker. If you live outside these states, you can still open an account online and use Fifth Third's digital banking services, but you will not have access to physical branches.

Fifth Third's ATM network includes their own ATMs plus access to a larger network of shared ATMs through partnerships. You can find ATM locations on their website or mobile app. Using an out-of-network ATM typically costs $2 to $3 per transaction, so using Fifth Third's ATMs when possible saves money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Fifth Third account if I don't live in their service area?

Yes, you can open most Fifth Third accounts online even if you live outside their branch service area. However, you will not have access to physical branches for deposits or in-person services. You can still use online banking, mobile check deposit, and ATMs in their network.

What happens if I overdraft my Fifth Third account?

Fifth Third charges an overdraft fee (typically $35) each time your account goes negative. The bank may also decline the transaction to prevent the overdraft. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit line, which automatically covers overdrafts instead of charging a fee.

How long does it take to transfer money between Fifth Third accounts?

Transfers between your own Fifth Third accounts are usually instant or complete within one business day. Transfers to other banks take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster but cost more and cannot be reversed once sent.

Does Fifth Third offer business banking?

Yes, Fifth Third offers business checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and merchant services for small businesses and larger companies. Business accounts have different fee structures and features than personal accounts. You can learn about business products on their website or by visiting a branch.

What should I do if I notice unauthorized charges on my Fifth Third account?

Contact Fifth Third immediately by phone or through your online banking portal. Report the unauthorized transaction and ask the bank to investigate. Fifth Third will typically freeze your account, issue a new debit card, and reverse fraudulent charges while they investigate. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report fraud within 60 days.