Fifth Third Bank Business Checking Review 2024

Fifth Third Bank Business Checking Review 2024

Fifth Third (53) is a regional bank with 1,100 branches primarily located in the eastern US, with 267 in Ohio. If you’re seeking a traditional bank and reside within their service area, 53 Business Banking might be the ideal fit.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need about their business banking solutions to determine if they suit your needs. If they don’t, I’ll also point you toward some other options that could be just what you’re looking for.

>> Explore Fifth Third Bank’s Business Solutions >>

Fifth Third Bank at a Glance 

If you live within the branch footprint of Fifth Third Bank and prefer in-person banking, it could be a good choice for you. Plus, you get 24/7 account access via their highly-rated mobile app. They offer accounts with low minimum deposit requirements and a large network of fee-free ATMs. 

However, you might need to look elsewhere if you’re after competitive rates. Fifth Third Bank shines for businesses wanting a solid banking relationship, offering three scalable business checking accounts:

  • Fifth Third Business Checking Account: This account includes 100 free monthly transactions, a $5,000 free cash deposit limit, and no monthly service fee.
  • Fifth Third Business Premium Checking Account: Offers 500 fee-free monthly transactions, a $10,000 cash deposit allowance, and discounted treasury management products.
  • Fifth Third Business Elite Checking Account: Provides 1,000 monthly free transactions, a $25,000 free cash deposit limit, free fraud protection, Automated Clearing House (ACH) initiation, and Fifth Third Direct Prior Day Reporting services.

The higher-tier accounts’ monthly service fees can be waived by combining balances with other business bank accounts, using a credit card for monthly spending, or having business loans. You can enjoy a relationship interest rate when you link a Business Premium or Business Elite checking account with a Business Relationship Savings account.

>> Get Started With Fifth Third Bank Now! >>

Fifth Third Business Checking Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Variety of business checking options
  • No minimum balance or monthly fee for basic business checking
  • Access to over 40,000 free ATMs nationwide
  • Numerous branches within Fifth Third’s business area
  • Comprehensive business services like credit cards, merchant services, and lines of credit

Cons

  • In-person account opening is necessary
  • Basic account limits to 100 monthly transactions
  • Premium accounts require a minimum opening balance
  • Premium accounts are subject to monthly service charges
  • Foreign transaction fees could be expensive for international business dealings

Features

  • Business debit card
  • Digital banking
  • Overdraft solutions
  • Merchant services
  • Analyzed checking accounts, public funds accounts, and Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA)/Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) 
  • Business savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and credit cards
  • Small Business Administration (SBA), real estate, and term loans and lines of credit
  • More than 40,000 fee-free ATMs at Fifth Third Bank, Allpoint, and selected 7-Eleven networks

>> Check Pricing for Fifth Third Bank >>

Fifth Third Bank Rates & Products

Fifth Third Bank provides three checking accounts, four savings accounts, a money market account (MMA), and certificates of deposit (CDs). However, the APYs for these accounts aren’t clearly disclosed, making it difficult to determine if they’re suitable for your needs in your specific area.

  • Checking accounts: 0.01% APY
  • Savings accounts: 0.01% APY
  • MMA: 0.01% APY
  • CDs: Up to 5.15% APY

Other Services Fifth Third Bank Offers 

  • Personal Loans & Lines of Credit: Secure up to $50,000 for personal expenses.
  • Auto Loans: Finance new or used cars or refinance with a potential 0.25% rate discount for Fifth Third checking account holders.
  • Home Equity Loans: Tap into your home’s equity with rates ranging from 8.50% to 16.40%.
  • Mortgages: Choose from fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, jumbo, FHA loans, and more.
  • Credit Cards: Access cash back and secured card options.
  • Life Insurance: Obtain term, universal, variable, or whole life policies, as well as long-term care and disability income insurance.
  • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): Start a Roth or traditional IRA with a minimum of $500.
  • Estate Planning: Establish wills or trust-based estate plans for asset protection.
  • Online Banking: Access basic online services, including bill payments, paperless statements, account alerts, and support.

Is Fifth Third Bank Secure?

Fifth Third Bank has experienced data breaches in the past. In 2010, a third-party vendor’s data leak required the company to issue new cards to some customers. More recently, a group of Fifth Third employees were involved in a fraud ring that compromised the data of approximately 100 customers.

>> Join Fifth Third Bank for Better Banking >>

How to Open an Account at Fifth Third Bank

While personal banking accounts can be opened online, business checking accounts at Fifth Third Bank need to be opened either at a branch location or over the phone.

To do this, you can call to make an appointment or schedule one online. Just like with any bank, you’ll need to know which type of business checking account you want to open. Have basic information about your business (name, address, etc.) and social security numbers for everyone who will have access to the account.

Lastly, you’ll need to make an initial deposit into the account and sign the necessary paperwork. Don’t forget to bring at least two pieces of identification!

The Fifth Third Platform & Customer Support

The Fifth Third mobile app allows you to check your balance, pay bills, and send money. You can also make mobile check deposits and access 24 months of account history, plus peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions via Zelle.

You have several ways to contact Fifth Third Bank. Their 24/7 virtual assistant, Jeanie, can answer many questions. If you need to speak with a real person, you can call from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays.

>> Open Your Fifth Third Bank Account Today! >>

Fifth Third Bank Business Checking Reviews From Users

On Trustpilot, Fifth Third Bank holds a rating of 1.3 out of 5 from roughly 115 reviews. Some users appreciated the friendly and professional customer service at the branches.

However, several reviewers mentioned issues such as being charged overdraft fees without a grace period. Others noted long wait times on hold and dropped calls from offshore customer service agents. Additionally, some customers reported that resolving fraud disputes took an extended period.

Fifth Third Bank Business Checking Alternatives

Bluevine

Small business owners need a checking account that enhances, rather than hinders, their daily operations. Bluevine Business Checking accounts could be the answer for some. They come with no fees and unlimited transactions, which is standard for online business checking. However, Bluevine takes it a step further by offering one of the best interest rates available: 2.00% on balances up to $250,000.

 

It’s important to know that Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Their banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and participates in the Insured Cash Sweep program through the IntraFi network.

>> Get Started With Bluevine Now! >>

Lili

Lili, a financial technology company, offers business checking accounts ideal for digitally savvy business owners who rarely use traditional payment methods like checks. Partnering with Choice Financial Group, Lili insures deposits up to $250,000 through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

 

Initially launched in 2018 for freelancers, Lili has since broadened its online business checking accounts to cater to most business entity types. They have also increased deposit and transfer limits to support larger businesses.

>> Get Started With Lili Now! >>

Axos

Axos Bank, with its minimal fees, interest-bearing accounts, and extensive ATM network, is an excellent choice for those who prefer digital banking. Offering a broader range of accounts compared to many online banks, Axos can help you save on fees. 

 

While it may not offer the highest savings rates, the yields and rewards on its checking accounts are impressive. The Axos Bank Rewards Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. 

 

Additionally, it boasts a maximum APY that surpasses many savings account rates. Your earnings will depend on how you use the account and any other Axos Bank accounts you hold.

>> Get Started With Axos Bank Now! >>

Frequently asked questions

As of the first quarter of 2024, Fifth Third Bank is outperforming revenue estimates. Management has also reduced adjusted expenses by 1%, demonstrating efforts to increase efficiency.

Fifth Third Bank originated from the merger of Fifth National Bank and Third National Bank in 1908.

Fifth Third Bank is ideal for customers within its 12-state geographical footprint, mostly concentrated in the Midwest.

Fifth Third Bank most recently merged with MB Financial in 2020.

>> Open Your Fifth Third Bank Account Today! >>

Bottom Line – Fifth Third Bank Business Checking

Fifth Third Bank excels in relationship banking by offering additional interest if you link specific business checking and savings accounts. You can also get monthly service fee waivers by using the bank’s credit card, having business loans, or combining balances with other savings products. 

We recommend Fifth Third Bank to business owners who want to build a strong banking relationship, save on monthly service fees, and earn higher interest rates from their linked savings accounts.

>> Start Banking With Fifth Third Bank >>

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Written by

Aeron Rupar

Reviewd By

Judith

Judith

Judith Harvey is a seasoned finance editor with over two decades of experience in the financial journalism industry. Her analytical skills and keen insight into market trends quickly made her a sought-after expert in financial reporting.