What Fifth Third Bank credit cards offer

Fifth Third Bank issues cards through its own branded program rather than partnering with a major network like Chase or Citi. The bank offers several card types aimed at different spending patterns: cash back cards for everyday purchases, rewards cards tied to travel and dining, and cards designed for people rebuilding credit. Most Fifth Third cards come with no annual fee, though some premium options charge one.

The cards are available to customers with a range of credit histories. Fifth Third also offers secured cards for people with limited or damaged credit, which require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. The bank reports activity to all three credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build your credit profile over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third issues cash back, rewards, and credit-building cards, with most carrying no annual fee.
  • The bank's cash back cards typically return 1% to 1.5% on most purchases, with bonus categories offering higher rates on specific spending.
  • Rewards cards often include travel protections like trip cancellation coverage and rental car insurance, though benefits vary by card tier.
  • Fifth Third's secured cards require a deposit equal to your credit limit and can help you move to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible use.
  • The bank's approval process considers credit history, income, and existing Fifth Third relationships, and decisions usually come within days.

Cash back cards and how the rewards work

Fifth Third's cash back cards return a percentage of what you spend, with rates that depend on the card and the category. A typical structure offers 1% cash back on all purchases, with bonus rates—often 1.5% to 2%—on specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. Some cards rotate bonus categories quarterly, while others lock in fixed categories year-round.

Cash back accumulates in your account and can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a linked bank account, or sometimes used to pay down your balance. There is usually no minimum redemption amount, so you can cash out even small balances. Fifth Third typically does not cap annual cash back earnings, though individual bonus categories may have spending caps that reset monthly or quarterly.

The bank does not charge foreign transaction fees on some of its cash back cards, which matters if you travel internationally or make purchases from overseas merchants. Check the specific card's terms, as this benefit varies.

Travel and dining rewards cards

Fifth Third's rewards cards often focus on travel and dining, earning points per dollar spent rather than a flat cash back rate. Points typically convert to travel bookings, statement credits, or transfers to partner programs, depending on the card. The conversion rate—how many points equal a dollar's value—varies by redemption method, so a point may be worth more when used for airfare than when converted to cash.

These cards frequently include travel protections such as trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and rental car damage coverage. Some include airport lounge access or priority boarding benefits, though these perks are more common on premium cards that charge an annual fee. Dining benefits might include statement credits at partner restaurants or bonus points on restaurant spending.

Fifth Third also offers cards with no foreign transaction fees and no blackout dates on travel redemptions, which can reduce the friction of using points for actual trips. Read the card's benefits guide to confirm which protections explore, as coverage limits and exclusions differ by card.

Credit-building and secured card options

Fifth Third's secured cards are designed for people with no credit history, recent negative marks, or credit scores below a certain threshold. You deposit money into a savings account held by the bank, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. For example, a $500 deposit gives you a $500 credit limit. The deposit stays in the account and earns interest, though the rate is typically low.

You use the secured card like any other card—making purchases, paying the bill each month—and the bank reports your activity to the credit bureaus. After a period of on-time payments (usually 12 to 24 months), you may be offered the chance to convert to an unsecured card, at which point your deposit is returned. Some cardholders graduate faster if they demonstrate consistent, responsible use.

Secured cards from Fifth Third usually carry no annual fee, making them a low-cost way to build or rebuild credit. The interest rate on purchases is higher than on unsecured cards, so carrying a balance is expensive. The goal is to use the card for small, regular purchases and pay the full balance each month.

Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs

Most Fifth Third credit cards have no annual fee, which means you pay nothing just to hold the card. Premium cards—those with higher rewards rates or more travel benefits—may charge $95 to $150 per year, though the bank sometimes waives the first-year fee for new cardholders.

Interest rates on purchases vary by card and by your creditworthiness. Cards for people with good or excellent credit typically carry rates in the 16% to 22% range, while cards for people rebuilding credit may charge 24% or higher. The bank will disclose the rate range in the card's terms before you open the account. If you carry a balance, the interest charges can quickly exceed any rewards you earn, so these cards work best when you pay off your statement balance each month.

Fifth Third may charge late fees (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones), returned payment fees, and balance transfer fees if you move debt from another card. Some cards offer an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers, which can reduce interest costs if you have a plan to pay down the balance during that window.

How to compare Fifth Third cards to other issuers

Fifth Third cards compete directly with cards from Chase, Capital One, Discover, and other banks. The main trade-off is usually between rewards rate and ease of approval. Fifth Third's cash back rates (typically 1% to 1.5% on most purchases) are competitive with mid-tier cards from other issuers, but not as high as premium cards that charge annual fees.

Fifth Third's strength is often in approval for people with fair credit or limited credit history. The bank's secured card program is straightforward and does not require a credit check, making it accessible to people who cannot open unsecured cards elsewhere. If you already bank with Fifth Third, the approval process may be faster and the terms more favorable.

When comparing cards, look at the specific categories where you spend the most money. A card that offers 2% cash back on groceries and gas is worth more to you if you spend $400 a month on groceries than a card offering 1.5% on everything. Use a rewards calculator to estimate annual earnings across cards you are considering, accounting for annual fees.

The process and approval process

You can explore for a Fifth Third credit card online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Fifth Third will pull your credit report from one or more of the three bureaus.

Decisions typically come within minutes to a few days. If you are approved, the bank will mail your card within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Fifth Third will send a notice explaining the reason and your right to dispute the credit report information used in the decision. If you are approved for a lower credit limit than you requested, you can ask for a reconsideration after a few months of on-time payments.

Having an existing Fifth Third checking or savings account can improve your chances of approval and may result in a higher credit limit. The bank also considers your income, existing debts, and payment history on other accounts. If your process is denied, waiting three to six months and reapplying after paying down other balances or increasing your income may improve your odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Fifth Third credit card if I don't have a Fifth Third bank account?

Yes. You do not need to be a Fifth Third customer to open a credit card. However, having a checking or savings account with the bank may improve your approval odds and credit limit. You can open a bank account and explore for a card at the same time if you wish.

What happens if I miss a payment on a Fifth Third credit card?

A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days, damaging your credit score. Fifth Third will charge a late fee and may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment, contact the bank when ready to bring your account current and discuss options like a payment plan.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a Fifth Third card?

Some Fifth Third cards offer balance transfer options, usually with a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Some cards include an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers, which can save you interest if you pay down the balance during that window. Check the specific card's terms to see if balance transfers are available.

How long does it take to move from a Fifth Third secured card to an unsecured card?

Most cardholders can graduate after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments. Some move faster if they demonstrate consistent responsible use. When you graduate, your deposit is returned to you. Contact Fifth Third after 12 months to ask about conversion options.

Do Fifth Third credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

Some Fifth Third cards waive foreign transaction fees, while others charge 1% to 3%. Check the specific card's benefits guide before traveling internationally. Cards without foreign transaction fees are useful if you travel frequently or make regular purchases from overseas merchants.