What Fifth Third credit cards are and who offers them
Fifth Third Bank is a regional bank headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with branches across the Midwest and Southeast. They issue several credit cards under their own brand, not through a partner network. The cards range from basic options for people building credit to rewards cards for everyday spending and travel.
Fifth Third cards are issued directly by the bank, which means the bank handles your account, sets the terms, and manages customer service. You explore through Fifth Third's website or at a branch. The bank reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so how you use the card affects your credit score.
Fifth Third also offers business credit cards and secured cards (cards backed by a cash deposit). This guide focuses on their consumer personal credit cards, which are the most common type.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third issues several card types, from basic cards for building credit to rewards cards, and you explore directly through the bank rather than through a third-party processor.
- The specific interest rate, credit limit, and rewards structure you receive depend on your credit score and payment history at the time you explore.
- Fifth Third charges an annual fee on some cards but not others; check the specific card's terms before you explore.
- Fifth Third customers can manage their account online, by phone, or at a branch, and the bank reports all activity to the three major credit bureaus.
Types of Fifth Third credit cards currently offered
Fifth Third's card lineup changes over time, so the specific cards available when you explore may differ from what is listed here. The bank typically offers a basic card for people with limited or fair credit, a cash-back card for everyday purchases, and a travel rewards card. Some cards carry an annual fee; others do not.
Before you explore, visit Fifth Third's website or call their customer service line to see the current card options. The bank's website shows the rewards structure, annual fee (if any), and the range of interest rates for each card. The actual rate you receive depends on your credit score and income.
If you have a Fifth Third checking or savings account, you may see different card offers or terms than someone without an existing relationship with the bank. Ask about any account-holder benefits when you call.
How to understand the interest rate and credit limit you receive
When you explore for a Fifth Third card, the bank pulls your credit report and reviews your income and payment history. Based on that review, they decide whether to approve you and, if so, what interest rate and credit limit to offer. Two people with different credit scores may receive different rates on the same card.
Fifth Third publishes a range for each card — for example, "APR from 15% to 25%" — but you will not know your exact rate until after you explore. The bank uses your credit score, your history of late payments, how much debt you already carry, and your income to set your rate. A higher credit score generally means a lower rate.
Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Fifth Third sets this based on the same factors. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months, but the bank is not required to grant it.
Annual fees and other costs to watch for
Some Fifth Third cards have an annual fee; others do not. The fee varies by card type — a basic card may have no fee, while a rewards card might charge $95 or more per year. The bank's website lists the annual fee for each card before you explore.
Beyond the annual fee, Fifth Third charges interest on any balance you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at your card's APR.
Fifth Third also charges fees for specific actions: cash advances (usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn, plus interest starting when ready), late payments (a fixed dollar amount), and going over your credit limit (if the bank allows it). These fees appear in your cardholder agreement, which you receive when your card is approved.
How rewards work on Fifth Third cards
If you have a Fifth Third rewards card, you earn points or cash back on purchases. The structure depends on the specific card. Some cards offer a flat rate — for example, 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Others offer higher rates in specific categories (groceries, gas, restaurants) and a lower rate on everything else.
You accumulate rewards as you spend. Most Fifth Third cards let you redeem rewards as a statement credit (money off your bill), a deposit to a Fifth Third bank account, or a check. Some cards also allow you to transfer points to travel partners or use them for gift cards. The redemption options are listed in your cardholder agreement.
Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you typically have a window (often 30 to 90 days) to redeem any remaining rewards before they are forfeited. Check your agreement for the exact policy.
Managing your account and making payments
Once your Fifth Third card is approved, you can manage it online through the bank's website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online, you can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and read statements. You can also call Fifth Third's customer service number (listed on your card) to make a payment or ask questions about your account.
Payments are due by a specific date each month, shown on your statement. If you pay the full statement balance by that date, you owe no interest. If you pay less than the full balance, interest accrues on the remaining amount. Fifth Third allows you to set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Your payment history — whether you pay on time, how much you owe relative to your credit limit, and how long you have held the card — is reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This information affects your credit score, so paying on time and keeping your balance low helps build your credit over time.
How Fifth Third cards compare to cards from other issuers
Fifth Third is a regional bank, so their card offerings and customer service are available primarily to people in their service area (mainly the Midwest and Southeast). If you live outside that region, you may have limited access to branch support, though you can manage your account online and by phone from anywhere.
Fifth Third's rewards rates and annual fees are competitive with cards from other regional banks and some national issuers, but they may differ from cards offered by major national banks or online-only card companies. The best card for you depends on your credit score, how you spend money, and whether you value branch access.
If you are comparing Fifth Third to another card, look at the annual fee, the interest rate range, the rewards structure, and any introductory offers (like a 0% APR period on new purchases). Use a card comparison tool or visit each issuer's website to see the current terms side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Fifth Third bank account to get their credit card?
No, you do not need an existing account with Fifth Third to explore for their credit card. However, if you already have a checking or savings account with the bank, you may see different card offers or receive better terms. Call Fifth Third or visit their website to ask about account-holder benefits.
What credit score do I need to be approved for a Fifth Third card?
Fifth Third does not publish a minimum credit score, but most of their cards are designed for people with fair credit or better. If your score is below 600, you may have better luck with a secured card (backed by a cash deposit) or a basic card designed for building credit. Call the bank to ask which card might work for your situation.
Can I increase my credit limit after I get the card?
Yes. After you have used your Fifth Third card responsibly for several months — paying on time and keeping your balance low — you can request a higher credit limit. You can do this online, by phone, or at a branch. Fifth Third will review your account and decide whether to increase your limit.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, Fifth Third charges a late fee (the amount varies by card) and your interest rate may increase. A missed payment also appears on your credit report and damages your credit score. If you are unable to make a payment, contact Fifth Third as soon as possible to discuss your options.
How do I close my Fifth Third credit card?
You can close your card by calling Fifth Third's customer service number or visiting a branch. Before you close it, redeem any remaining rewards and pay off your balance. Closing a card can affect your credit score, so consider keeping it open if you have no annual fee and no balance.