What Fifth Third Bank credit cards offer
Fifth Third Bank issues several credit cards through its retail banking division, each with different rewards structures, annual fees, and interest rates. The cards are available to people with a range of credit histories — from those rebuilding credit to those with established credit profiles. Like any credit card, the terms depend on your credit score at the time you request one, and the bank will pull your credit report to make that decision.
Fifth Third cards are issued by the bank itself, not by a third-party processor, which means customer service and account management happen directly through Fifth Third's website and mobile app. The bank operates physical branches in the Midwest and South, so you can also visit a branch to ask questions about a card before requesting one.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third offers multiple card products with different rewards rates, annual fees, and credit score requirements — the specific card you can get depends on your credit history.
- The bank will pull your credit report when you request a card, which causes a small temporary dip in your credit score.
- You can compare Fifth Third's current card offers on the bank's website, where terms like APR, annual fee, and rewards rates are listed for each product.
- Fifth Third cards report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help build your credit history over time.
Types of Fifth Third credit cards and their features
Fifth Third's card lineup changes periodically, so the specific products available when you look may differ from what was available last year. The bank typically offers cards in a few categories: cash-back cards that return a percentage of purchases, rewards cards that earn points toward travel or merchandise, and cards designed for people with limited or damaged credit histories.
Each card has its own annual fee structure — some charge no annual fee, while others charge a yearly amount in exchange for higher rewards rates or premium benefits. The rewards rate also varies by card and sometimes by purchase category. For example, one card might earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, while another might earn 3% on groceries and gas but 1% on everything else.
To see which cards Fifth Third currently offers and their specific terms, visit the bank's website and navigate to the credit cards section. The bank displays the APR range, annual fee, and rewards structure for each product so you can compare before requesting one.
How credit score affects which card you can get
Fifth Third, like all card issuers, uses your credit score to decide whether to issue you a card and what interest rate to offer. A higher credit score typically means access to cards with better rewards rates and lower APRs. A lower credit score may limit you to cards with higher APRs, higher annual fees, or lower rewards rates — or the bank may decline your request altogether.
You can check your own credit score for free through services like AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site for your free annual credit reports) or through your bank or credit card issuer if they offer free score monitoring. Knowing your approximate score before you request a card gives you a realistic sense of which Fifth Third products you are likely to be offered.
The credit inquiry and what happens to your credit score
When you request a Fifth Third credit card, the bank performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry is visible to other lenders and causes a small, temporary drop in your credit score — typically 5 to 10 points. The impact fades over a few months, and the inquiry itself disappears from your report after two years.
Multiple credit card requests within a short time (a few weeks) may count as a single inquiry for scoring purposes, so if you are comparing cards from different issuers, spacing out your requests by a few weeks can reduce the total impact. However, one hard inquiry is a normal part of the credit process and should not prevent you from requesting a card you genuinely want.
Interest rates, fees, and how to avoid paying them
Every Fifth Third credit card comes with an APR (annual percentage rate) that applies to any balance you carry from month to month. The APR you are offered depends on your credit score and the specific card. The bank also discloses the annual fee, if any, and any other fees like late payment fees or balance transfer fees.
To avoid paying interest, charge only what you can pay off in full each month and pay your full statement balance by the due date. To avoid annual fees, choose a card with no annual fee if that option is available to you, or make sure the rewards you earn exceed the fee amount. Fifth Third's website shows all fees upfront in the card's terms, so read those before requesting.
How Fifth Third credit cards affect your credit history
Fifth Third reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means on-time payments help build your credit history, and late payments or high balances hurt it. Your payment history makes up about 35% of your credit score, so a Fifth Third card used responsibly can help you build credit over time.
The card also affects your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit that you are using. If you have a $1,000 credit limit and carry a $500 balance, your utilization is 50%. Keeping utilization below 30% helps your credit score. Paying down your balance each month keeps utilization low and shows lenders you are managing credit responsibly.
Comparing Fifth Third cards to other options
Fifth Third cards compete with cards from other banks, credit unions, and online-only card issuers. Some competitors may offer higher rewards rates, lower annual fees, or more flexible terms. The best card for you depends on how you spend money, whether you can pay your balance in full each month, and what credit score you have.
If you bank with Fifth Third already, requesting a card through the same bank can make account management simpler — you see your checking, savings, and credit card all in one app. If you do not bank with Fifth Third, you may find comparable or better terms elsewhere. Use the comparison tools on this site or on the bank's website to see how Fifth Third's current offers stack up against cards from other issuers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Fifth Third customer to request a credit card?
No. Fifth Third issues credit cards to people who do not have a checking or savings account with the bank. However, having an existing relationship with Fifth Third may make the request process slightly faster or give you access to different card offers. Check the bank's website to see which cards are available to non-customers.
What happens if Fifth Third denies my request?
If the bank declines your request, you can call their customer service line to ask why. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can request again after a few months if you have improved your credit score or reduced recent inquiries. Some people have better success with a card designed for people rebuilding credit.
Can I increase my credit limit after I get a Fifth Third card?
Yes. After you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase through the Fifth Third app or website, or by calling customer service. The bank may grant an increase without a hard inquiry, or it may perform another inquiry depending on how much you request and how long you have had the card.
What is the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?
A hard inquiry happens when you request credit and affects your credit score. A soft inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit for marketing purposes or when you check your own score, and it does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries from credit card requests, loans, and other credit applications show up on your credit report.
How long does it take to get approved for a Fifth Third credit card?
Most decisions happen when ready or within a few minutes of your request. If the bank needs more information, it may take a few business days. Once approved, the physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you may be able to use the card number when ready for online purchases through the Fifth Third app.