Our Verdict
Choose Fifth Third Credit Cards if you desire limitless cashback rewards, low fees, and touch-free transactions. Opt for the 1.67% Cash/Back Card for straightforward cash back without foreign transaction fees.
If paying off debt and earning rewards appeals to you, go for the 1% Cash/Back Card with a 0% intro APR. The Preferred Cash/Back Card is ideal for you if you have a substantial Fifth Third balance. Build credit responsibly with the Secured Card.
However, if you seek sign-up bonuses, better rewards, or lower fees, explore other options. Prioritize customer reviews and compare cards to find the best fit for your needs and goals.
See below for more information:
Fifth Third Bank (5/3 Bank)
Corporate Headquarters
Fifth Third Center
38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
Phone number: +1 877-846-2958
www.53.com
Pros
- Allow you earn limitless cashback rewards on eligible purchases.
- Help you build credit with its Secured Card.
- Have no annual fees.
- Offer low-interest rates.
- Eliminate foreign transaction fees.
- Provide the convenience of contactless transactions.
Cons
- Lack sign-up bonuses.
- Require a Fifth Third banking relationship for certain cards.
- Impose a high balance transfer fee.
- Offer limited rewards categories.
- Come with restrictions for the Fifth Third Preferred Banking relationship.
Who Fifth Third Credit Cards Is Best For
The Fifth Third Credit Cards are suitable for you if you:
- Desire a simple and rewarding cash-back card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Seek to save on interest and pay off debt while earning cashback.
- Have a high balance with Fifth Third Bank and want to maximize your cash-back rewards.
- Have limited or no credit history and want to improve your credit score.
Who Fifth Third Credit Cards Isn’t Right For
The Fifth Third Credit Cards are not for you if you:
- Already have a credit card with better rewards, lower fees, or more perks.
- Do not plan to use your credit card regularly or responsibly.
What Fifth Third Credit Cards Offers

- Cash Back Rewards: Get incentives based on a percentage of eligible purchases. It refers to you receiving a portion of the money you spend back as a reward or credit.
- Low Intro Rate: As a new cardholder, you enjoy a low-interest rate for the initial period after you open your account.
- No Annual Fee: You do not need to pay any fee to keep your card active annually.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Lack of additional charges on purchases you make outside of your home country or in a foreign currency.
- Contactless Transactions: Make secure transactions when you simply tap or wave your credit card near a compatible payment terminal. It involves using near-field communication (NFC) technology for quick and convenient payments.
- Cell Phone Protection: Gain insurance coverage or reimbursement for certain damages or theft of your cell phone.
- Credit Building: Establish and improve your creditworthiness – use your credit cards or loans responsibly and make timely payments. With this, you use your credit card responsibly to enhance your credit history and score.
Fifth Third Credit Cards Details
67% Cash/Back Card
Earn a generous 1.67% cash back on all your purchases with no annual fees, no fees for international transactions, and enjoy the convenience of contactless payment. Get this card if you want a straightforward and rewarding cash-back option without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
1% Cash/Back Card
Earn a consistent 1% cash back on every purchase, without any annual fees or foreign transaction charges. Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers. This card is perfect for you if you want to reduce interest expenses, pay off debts, and still earn cash back.
Preferred Cash/Back Card
Exclusively available to Fifth Third Preferred Banking Clients, this card offers you an impressive 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases. Enjoy the benefits of no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and the ease of contactless transactions. Choose this card if you have a substantial balance with Fifth Third Bank and want to maximize your cash-back rewards.
Secured Card
Build your credit responsibly with our secured card. For a low $24 annual fee, this card offers touchless payments and reports your activity to all three major credit bureaus. If you have limited or no credit history and aim to improve your credit score, this card is an excellent option for you.
Where Fifth Third Credit Cards Stands Out

Fifth Third Credit Cards offer unique advantages compared to other credit cards, depending on your preferences and desired features. It:
Cashback Perks
The 1.67% Cash/Back Card and the Preferred Cash/Back Card provide a higher cashback rate than most other cards, ranging from 1% to 1.5%. The 1% Cash/Back Card offers a longer 0% intro APR period, allowing you to reduce interest expenses while you earn cash back.
Zero Annual Fees
Except for the Fifth Third Secured Card, there are no charges for annual fees on the other cards. This makes it easier to keep your card active and saves you money.
No Foreign Transaction Charges
With the 1.67% Cash/Back Card, 1% Cash/Back Card, and Preferred Cash/Back Card, you don’t face any charges for transactions made in foreign currencies or outside the U.S. This saves you money and hassle during international travel or online shopping. Other cards often impose foreign transaction fees of 3% or more.
Mobile Payment
Enjoy the convenience of contactless payment with all Fifth Third Credit Cards. Simply tap and pay at participating merchants without swiping or inserting your card, making transactions faster, easier, and more secure. Many other credit cards either lack this feature or charge a fee for it.
Mobile Phone Protection
The 1% Cash/Back Card includes mobile phone protection, covering up to $600 per claim and $1,000 per year for cell phone damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card. This benefit offers peace of mind and helps you avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Credit Improvement
Utilize the Secured Card to build or improve your credit score responsibly. It reports to all three credit bureaus and has a low $24 annual fee. Unlike many other secured cards, it offers the opportunity to enhance your creditworthiness without hefty annual fees or limited credit reporting.
Where Fifth Third Credit Cards Falls Short
Sign-up Bonus
None of the Fifth Third Credit Cards provide a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, which is a valuable incentive in the form of cashback, points, or miles.
Fifth Third Banking Relationship
The 1.67% Cash/Back Card and the Preferred Cash/Back Card mandate a Fifth Third Banking relationship, which can be inconvenient or costly for some customers due to requirements like a $50 monthly maintenance fee for Fifth Third Preferred Banking.
Balance Transfer Fee
The 1% Cash/Back Card charges a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 4% of the transfer amount, depending on which one of them is higher. This fee can accumulate quickly, especially for large or multiple balance transfers.
How to Qualify for Fifth Third Credit Cards
To qualify for Fifth Third Credit Cards, you need to:
- Meet Age and Residency Requirements: Make sure you are at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the United States.
- Have a Good Credit Score and Sufficient Income: Ensure that you possess a credit score that falls in the good range (670 – 739) and have a satisfactory annual income to be eligible for the best rates and terms on the Fifth Third Credit Cards. The specific credit score and income criteria may vary depending on the type of card and your overall credit profile.
- Establish a Fifth Third Banking Relationship: Create a banking relationship with Fifth Third Bank, and open a checking account or other eligible account. This requirement is necessary for applying for the 1.67% Cash/Back Card or the Preferred Cash/Back Card.
Note that the Fifth Third Preferred Banking relationship incurs a $50 monthly maintenance fee, which you can waive if you maintain a combined balance of $100,000 or more across eligible accounts. Alternatively, the Fifth Third Momentum Banking relationship has no monthly maintenance fee, but it does not offer the same benefits as the Preferred Banking relationship.
How to Apply for Fifth Third Credit Cards
You can apply for the Fifth Third Credit Cards with the following steps:
- Choose your preferred application method: Apply online, over the phone, or in person at a branch.
- Provide necessary personal and financial information: Give details like your name, address, Social Security number, income, and expenses.
- Consent to a credit check and review the card’s terms and conditions: Agree to a credit check and carefully go through the terms and conditions of the card.
- Submit your application: Complete the application process and await an instant decision or a pending notification, usually within minutes.
- Receive your card: After approval, you get your card within 7 to 10 business days.
Alternatives to Fifth Third Credit Cards
TD Bank
It offers a range of credit cards with cash back, travel, and low-interest options. Popular cards include TD Double Up℠, TD Cash, and TD First Class℠ Visa Signature®. Each card comes with unique rewards rates, annual fees, and perks.
US Bank
- It provides various credit cards that are unique to your needs. Famous options include U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature®, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®, and U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum. These cards offer different interest rates, yearly charges, and bonuses.
Customer Reviews
On Trustpilot, Fifth Third Bank receives a rating of 1.3 / 5. The reviews are mostly negative, with customers complaining about poor customer service, fraud alerts, account closure issues, and high fees.
On BBB, Fifth Third Bank has an A+ rating. The rating is based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and responsiveness. However, the customer reviews are mostly negative, with an average of 1.09 / 5 stars. The common complaints are poor customer service, unauthorized fees, account errors, and difficulty resolving issues.
Pro Tips
- Research and Compare: Take the time to explore various credit cards available on the market. Consider factors such as rewards programs, fees, interest rates, introductory offers, and customer reviews to find the card that best suits your financial goals.
- Understand Your Needs: Assess your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to determine which features and benefits are most important to you. For example, if you frequently travel or dine out, a travel rewards card may be more suitable for you.
- Check Customer Reviews: Pay attention to customer reviews on reputable platforms to gain insights into the experiences of other cardholders. This can provide valuable information about customer service, card features, and potential drawbacks.
- Understand the Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the credit card, including fees, interest rates, grace periods, and rewards program details. Understanding these terms helps you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises down the line.
- Consider Your Credit History: If you have a low credit score or limited credit history, explore options specifically for building or rebuilding credit. Secured cards can be a good starting point for establishing a positive credit history.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about which credit card is right for you, consider consulting with a financial advisor who provides personalized guidance considering your unique financial situation and goals.
Recap
Fifth Third Credit Cards offer a range of options that cater to different needs, including cash-back rewards, low intro rates, no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, touchless payment, and credit-building opportunities. However, customer reviews highlight issues related to fraud alerts, poor customer service, unexpected account closures, challenges in paying off balances, and negative credit score impacts. Before making a decision, thoroughly research and compare credit cards, consider your needs, understand the terms and conditions, and take customer reviews into account. Remember to choose a credit card that aligns with your financial goals and suits your circumstances.
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