Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, sports a name that might raise a few eyebrows, but there’s an intriguing backstory behind it. The name springs from a merger at the dawn of the 20th century between Third National Bank and Fifth National Bank. Upon combining, the bank embraced the unique title of Fifth Third Bank, proudly featuring the fraction 5/3 in its logo and promising to be "Fifth Third Better" than its competitors.
With a solid presence today, the bank spans almost a dozen states along the East Coast and Midwest. It offers a variety of financial services like mortgages, insurance, mutual funds, and credit cards.
Speaking of credit cards, here are some that Fifth Third Bank issues:
- Preferred Cash/Back Card
- Stand Up to Cancer Credit Card (applications closed)
- TRIO Preferred Credit Card (applications closed)
- Truly Simple Credit Card (applications closed)
Just a note here: to apply for any of these credit cards, you must reside in a state where Fifth Third Bank operates. Let’s break down some of their offerings.
1.67% Cash/Back Credit Card
Fifth Third Bank cleverly integrates its name even in its 1.67% Cash/Back card. (Fun fact: divide 5 by 3, and you get 1.67.) This card allows you to earn 1.67% cash back on all purchases without any caps or expiry dates on rewards. You can redeem these rewards as a statement credit or deposit them into a Fifth Third checking or savings account. As of now, this card also provides a 0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles on balance transfers and comes with cell phone insurance. It’s a pretty decent deal for a card with no annual or foreign transaction fees, though it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus.
Pay with GasBuddy+ Card
The Pay with GasBuddy+ card is distinct as a charge card rather than a credit card. This means you need to pay off your balance immediately as it doesn’t allow you to carry it over. If you let payments slide, GasBuddy can take serious measures like closing your account or changing your credit terms. However, keep your account in good shape, and you could save up to 33 cents per gallon. To get the best discounts, sign up for autopay and actively hunt for deals using the GasBuddy app. Plus, your rewards automatically get applied at your next fill-up.
Preferred Cash/Back Credit Card
In many respects, the Preferred Cash/Back card mirrors the 1.67% Cash/Back card, but there’s a vital difference—its reward rate. This card earns an impressive 2% on all purchases without limits, setting it apart in the competitive field of rewards. The snag is that it’s exclusive to Fifth Third’s Preferred banking clients, which requires a combined balance of at least $100,000 across deposit or investment accounts to qualify. Similar to the 1.67% version, it offers cell phone insurance, an introductory 0% APR, and doesn’t charge annual or foreign transaction fees.
Private Bank Credit Card
The Private Bank Credit Card also boasts a 2% reward rate. This card is tailored for clients of Fifth Third’s Private Bank, offering elite wealth management services. Without an annual fee, this card packs perks usually reserved for high-end travel cards. Cardholders enjoy benefits such as trip cancellation insurance, 24/7 access to a personal travel advisor, and an annual golf outing at a Tournament Players Club (TPC) course for four people.
Secured Card
For those aiming to build or repair their credit, Fifth Third offers the Secured Card. This option requires a minimum $300 security deposit, which you’ll need to store in a Fifth Third Momentum savings account. If you maintain your account in good standing or opt to switch to another card within their range, you’ll get your deposit back in full. However, be mindful of the $24 annual fee that comes with the Secured Card.
