Fifth Third Bank is a regional bank with branches across the Midwest and South
Fifth Third Bank is a full-service bank headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, that operates branches in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and other states. It is owned by Fifth Third Bancorp, a publicly traded company. The bank offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, business banking, and investment services to individuals and businesses.
The name comes from the bank's 1871 founding as a merger between two Cincinnati banks: the Third National Bank and the Fifth National Bank. Despite the historical name, Fifth Third operates as a single modern bank today, not as separate entities.
Fifth Third is a member of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), which means deposits up to $250,000 per account holder per bank are protected if the bank fails. This protection applies to checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts held in your name alone.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third Bank is a regional bank with branches in eight states, primarily in the Midwest and South, and is FDIC-insured.
- The bank offers consumer products including checking, savings, credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans, as well as business and investment services.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and account requirements vary by product type.
- If you have a dispute with Fifth Third over a transaction or account error, the bank has a formal complaint process and you can also file with the FDIC or your state banking regulator.
- Fifth Third's customer service is available by phone, online chat, mobile app, and in-branch, though wait times vary by channel and time of day.
Types of accounts and products Fifth Third offers
Fifth Third offers checking accounts with different fee structures and minimum balance requirements. Some accounts have no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit; others charge a monthly maintenance fee that may be waived under certain conditions. The bank publishes its fee schedule on its website, and fees vary by account type.
Savings accounts and money market accounts earn interest, though the rate changes based on Federal Reserve decisions and market conditions. Fifth Third also offers certificates of deposit (CDs), which lock your money for a set term (typically three months to five years) in exchange for a fixed interest rate.
The bank issues credit cards under its own brand, including cash-back cards and cards with travel rewards. Fifth Third also originates mortgages for home purchases and refinances, auto loans for vehicle purchases, and personal loans for other borrowing needs. Business customers can open business checking accounts, explore for business loans, and use merchant services.
How to open an account or contact Fifth Third
You can open a checking or savings account online through Fifth Third's website, by phone at 1-800-972-3030, or in person at any Fifth Third branch. Online account opening typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (amount varies by account type). The bank will verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that tracks checking and savings account history.
If you already have a Fifth Third account and need to reach customer service, you can call the number above, use the mobile app, visit a branch, or use online chat through the Fifth Third website. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and which channel you use; branches are typically less busy mid-morning on weekdays.
For specific questions about a product—such as current interest rates on savings accounts or mortgage terms—the bank's website has product pages with details, or you can speak to a banker in person or by phone.
What to do if you have a problem with your Fifth Third account
If you believe Fifth Third made an error on your account—such as posting a transaction twice, failing to credit a deposit, or charging an unauthorized fee—contact the bank when ready. Call 1-800-972-3030 or visit a branch and ask to speak with a manager about the error. Fifth Third will investigate and respond within a set timeframe, which varies by issue type (typically 10 business days for most account errors).
If you dispute a charge on a Fifth Third credit card, the bank has a formal dispute process. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your account online to file a dispute. The bank will investigate and notify you of the outcome, usually within 30 to 60 days.
If Fifth Third does not resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the FDIC (for deposit account issues) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (for any consumer banking issue). The FDIC accepts complaints online at fdic.gov or by mail; the CFPB accepts complaints at consumerfinance.gov. Filing with either agency does not cost you anything and does not require a lawyer.
Fees and how they work
Fifth Third charges fees for certain account activities and services. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet waiver conditions (such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit). Overdraft fees explore if you spend more than your account balance; Fifth Third charges a fee per overdraft transaction, though the exact amount varies by account type and is disclosed in your account agreement.
ATM fees do not explore when you use a Fifth Third ATM, but using an out-of-network ATM typically costs $2 to $3. Wire transfer fees explore if you send money outside the bank; domestic wire transfers usually cost $15 to $25, and international wires cost more. Returned check fees and stop payment fees also explore if you request these services.
Fifth Third publishes a full fee schedule for each account type on its website. Before opening an account, review the fee schedule to understand what you will pay and under what conditions fees are waived.
How Fifth Third protects your money and information
Fifth Third is FDIC-insured, which protects your deposits up to $250,000 per account holder per bank. This means if the bank fails, the FDIC will reimburse you for your deposits up to that limit. Joint accounts are insured separately, so a joint account with two owners is insured up to $250,000 per owner.
Fifth Third uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your online and mobile banking accounts. When you log in online or through the app, the bank encrypts your connection so your username and password are not visible to others. The bank also offers optional security features such as setting up alerts for large transactions or account changes.
If your Fifth Third debit card or credit card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or call 1-800-972-3030 when ready. The bank will cancel the card and issue a replacement. Under federal law, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50 if you report the card missing before any fraudulent charges are made, and $0 if you report it after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fifth Third have branches near me?
Fifth Third operates branches in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and several other states. Use the branch locator on Fifth Third's website to find the nearest location, or call 1-800-972-3030 to ask about branches in your area. If there is no branch nearby, you can still open and manage accounts online.
What is the minimum balance to open a Fifth Third checking account?
Minimum opening deposits vary by account type and range from $0 to $25 for most checking accounts. Some accounts require a higher minimum balance to avoid monthly fees. Check the specific account details on Fifth Third's website or ask a banker for current requirements, as they change periodically.
How long does it take to resolve an account error at Fifth Third?
Fifth Third typically investigates account errors within 10 business days and notifies you of the outcome. For credit card disputes, the bank has up to 60 days to investigate. If the error is confirmed, the bank will credit your account. If you disagree with the outcome, you can file a complaint with the FDIC or CFPB.
Can I access my Fifth Third account without going to a branch?
Yes. Fifth Third offers online banking, a mobile app, phone banking, and ATM access. You can check balances, transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by mobile app, and manage most account services without visiting a branch. Some services, such as explore for a mortgage or business loan, may require speaking with a banker by phone or in person.
What should I do if I see an unauthorized transaction on my Fifth Third account?
Contact Fifth Third when ready by calling 1-800-972-3030 or logging into your account online to report the transaction. The bank will investigate and may issue a temporary credit while the investigation is underway. Document the unauthorized transaction and keep records of all communications with the bank in case you need to file a complaint with the FDIC or CFPB.