What Fifth Third Bank Credit Cards Offer
Fifth Third Bank issues several credit cards with different rewards structures, annual fees, and credit requirements. The bank's main consumer cards include cash-back options, travel rewards, and cards designed for people rebuilding credit. Each card has its own earning rate, welcome offer, and benefits package.
Fifth Third is a regional bank headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with branches across the Midwest and South. You can open a credit card account online, by phone, or in a branch. The bank also offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and other financial products, which can sometimes lower your overall fees if you bundle services.
Before you open any Fifth Third credit card, you should know your credit score range and review the specific card's terms—particularly the annual percentage rate (APR), any annual fee, and what rewards or benefits you'll actually use. A card that earns 2% cash back on everything is only valuable if you plan to carry a balance or spend enough to offset any annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third offers multiple credit cards with different rewards structures, so comparing the specific card's APR, annual fee, and earning rates matters more than the bank's reputation alone.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and the process typically takes a few minutes if you have your Social Security number and income information ready.
- Fifth Third may offer lower fees or higher savings rates if you open a checking account or maintain a minimum balance, so ask about bundled pricing when you explore.
- Your credit score determines which cards you can open and what APR you'll receive, so checking your score before you start saves time and reduces the number of hard inquiries on your credit report.
How to Open a Fifth Third Credit Card Account
Start by visiting Fifth Third's website and selecting the specific card you want. The bank displays each card's APR range, annual fee, and rewards structure upfront. Click the "explore Now" or similar button to begin the online process.
You'll need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment status, and annual income. Fifth Third will also ask about your existing Fifth Third accounts if you have any. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes online.
Fifth Third will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. You'll receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, the bank will mail your physical card or offer to set up a temporary digital card number for online purchases right away.
If you prefer to explore in person, visit a Fifth Third branch with a photo ID and proof of income (a recent pay stub or tax return). A banker can walk you through the process and answer questions about which card fits your spending habits.
Understanding APR, Fees, and Rewards on Fifth Third Cards
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the interest rate Fifth Third charges if you carry a balance month to month. Fifth Third's APR varies by card and by your creditworthiness—someone with a 750 credit score will receive a lower APR than someone with a 650 score. The bank discloses the APR range (for example, 16.99% to 24.99%) before you submit your process, so you know what to expect.
Some Fifth Third cards charge an annual fee; others do not. A card with a $95 annual fee only makes sense if you earn enough rewards or benefits to offset that cost. For example, if a card earns 2% cash back and charges $95 per year, you need to spend at least $4,750 annually just to break even.
Rewards vary by card. Cash-back cards typically earn 1% to 2% on all purchases, or higher percentages on specific categories like groceries or gas. Travel rewards cards earn points per dollar spent, which you redeem for flights, hotels, or statement credits. Some Fifth Third cards offer introductory bonus categories—for instance, 5% cash back on groceries for the first six months, then 1% after.
Read the rewards terms carefully. Many cards cap the bonus category earnings (for example, 5% cash back only on the first $1,500 in grocery purchases per quarter), so unlimited rewards are rare. Fifth Third also specifies whether rewards expire, how you redeem them, and whether you can transfer points to other programs.
When Your Card Arrives and How to set up It
Fifth Third typically mails your physical card within 7 to 10 business days of approval. The card arrives with a PIN mailer sent separately for security. You do not need to wait for the physical card to use your account—Fifth Third usually provides a temporary digital card number when ready after approval, which you can use for online and mobile purchases.
To set up your physical card, call the number on the back of the card or log into your Fifth Third online account and follow the set up prompts. You'll confirm your identity and set or confirm your PIN. Once activated, your card is ready to use at any merchant that accepts Visa or Mastercard (depending on which Fifth Third card you opened).
If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact Fifth Third's customer service. The bank can reissue the card or provide your temporary digital card number again if you need to make purchases while you wait.
Managing Your Fifth Third Credit Card Account Online and by Phone
Fifth Third offers online account management through its website and mobile app. Log in with your username and password to view your balance, recent transactions, available credit, and current APR. You can also set up automatic payments, update your address, and review your rewards balance.
To make a payment, log into your account and select "Make a Payment." You can pay from a Fifth Third checking account (when ready), a bank account at another institution (1 to 3 business days), or by mailing a check. Fifth Third charges no fee for online payments. The minimum payment is typically 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you'll carry a balance and pay interest.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Fifth Third's phone lines are open during business hours and on weekends. You can also visit a Fifth Third branch in person to make a payment or ask questions about your account.
Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date. Fifth Third sends your statement 21 to 25 days before your payment is due, giving you time to review charges and arrange payment. Missing a payment triggers late fees (typically $25 to $40) and may raise your APR to a penalty rate.
What to Do If You Have Questions or Problems
Fifth Third provides customer service by phone, email, and through its website's find message system. The phone number is on the back of your card. For billing disputes, fraud claims, or lost cards, call when ready—Fifth Third can freeze your account within minutes and issue a replacement card.
If you notice an unauthorized charge, report it to Fifth Third as soon as possible. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report the fraud within 60 days of your statement date, and Fifth Third often waives the $50 entirely. The bank will investigate and remove the charge if it's fraudulent.
If you want to close your account, call customer service or visit a branch. Fifth Third will ask why you're leaving and may offer to lower your APR or waive your annual fee to keep you. You're not obligated to accept. After you close the account, pay any remaining balance in full.
How Fifth Third Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score
Opening a Fifth Third credit card triggers a hard inquiry, which lowers your credit score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. This dip usually recovers within a few months. The new account also lowers your average account age, which can lower your score slightly, but this effect also fades over time.
Using your Fifth Third card responsibly—keeping your balance low, paying on time, and not opening too many new accounts at once—builds your credit score over time. Payment history (35% of your score) and credit utilization (30% of your score) matter most. If you pay your full balance every month and keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit, you'll see your score improve within 6 to 12 months.
Carrying a high balance or missing payments will damage your score. A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years, and a high balance (above 70% of your credit limit) signals risk to lenders. If you're working to rebuild credit, a Fifth Third card designed for that purpose may report to all three credit bureaus and help you establish a positive payment history faster than a secured card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Fifth Third credit card if I have no credit history?
Fifth Third offers cards for people with limited or no credit history, though you may not may have access to for the bank's premium rewards cards. A secured card—where you deposit cash as collateral—is often the easiest route. Fifth Third may also consider your income, employment history, and existing Fifth Third accounts when deciding whether to approve you.
What's the difference between Fifth Third's cash-back and travel rewards cards?
Cash-back cards give you a percentage of your spending back as cash or a statement credit, which you can use however you want. Travel rewards cards earn points per dollar, which you redeem specifically for flights, hotels, or travel-related purchases. Cash-back is simpler if you don't travel frequently; travel rewards offer more value if you fly or stay in hotels regularly.
Do I have to use a Fifth Third checking account to get a credit card?
No. You can open a Fifth Third credit card without any other Fifth Third account. However, the bank may offer lower fees, higher savings rates, or bonus rewards if you also open a checking account, so ask about bundled pricing when you explore.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Fifth Third credit card?
Fifth Third charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. Your APR may increase to a penalty rate. If you miss a payment, contact Fifth Third when ready to make it as soon as possible and ask whether the bank will waive the late fee.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my Fifth Third card?
Some Fifth Third cards offer balance transfer options, though not all do. If your card includes this feature, you can transfer a balance from another card and pay a balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred). Check your card's terms or call Fifth Third to confirm whether balance transfers are available on your specific card.