Fifth Third Bank Express Checking 2025 Review

Fifth Third Bank Express Checking is a simple way to manage money, with no minimum balance requirements or overdraft fees. This account doesn't offer check-writing services but you'll have access to online and mobile banking, as well as ATMs and branches. 

Fifth Third Bank Express Checking is a straightforward checking account that offers plenty of tools to help you stay on top of your finances. You can open an account online or at a Fifth Third Bank branch if you prefer. 

You might consider Express Checking if you:

• Don't need to write paper checks
• Want online access to your money with the option to visit a branch
• Prefer a streamlined checking account
• Want to avoid overdraft fees

Aside from checking accounts, Fifth Third Bank also offers savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). It may be worth checking out savings account rates and CD rates to see how Fifth Third Bank compares to other high yield savings options.

Compared to Other Checking Accounts

Bank5 Connect High Interest Checking

Bank5 Connect High Interest Checking offers a competitive rate when you meet a $100 minimum balance requirement. There are no monthly maintenance fees and you can earn cash back on purchases with your Bank5 Connect debit card. Your first order of checks is free and you'll have access to thousands of ATMs nationwide. 

Read our full editorial review of the Bank5 Connect High Interest Checking account

U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account

The U.S. Bank Safe Debit account is a checkless checking account; you'll get a debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals but no paper checks. There are no overdraft fees but you will pay a low monthly maintenance fee, which cannot be waived. This account offers online and mobile banking access, as well as in-person banking at U.S. Bank branches. 

Read our full editorial review of the U.S. Bank Safe Debit account

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Account

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking is designed for students and young adults but anyone can open this account. There are no paper checks and no overdraft fees, since those transactions are automatically blocked. You'll pay a monthly maintenance fee for this account unless you're able to waive it by meeting a minimum balance requirement. 

Read our full editorial review of the Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance account

Interest and Rewards

Rewards checking accounts pay you back just for having your account. You might interest on balances, cash back on debit card purchases, or a little of both. 

Fifth Third Bank Express Checking is not a rewards checking account. So you won't get those benefits. 

Is a rewards checking account worth it? It could be if you'd like some added benefits. 

Here's what to consider as you compare rewards checking accounts:

• What kind of rewards will you earn?
• How do you earn them?
• Is there a limit on rewards?
• How are rewards applied to your account?

You may need to meet a minimum balance requirement to earn rewards  or set up a qualifying direct deposit. Also, keep in mind that you may pay a fee for rewards checking. If so, consider whether the value of any rewards you earn is justified by the fee. 

Fees

Free checking is a great thing if you're looking to save money. Fifth Third Bank Express Checking isn't entirely free, though there are some fees you won't pay.

Here's how the fee schedule adds up.

Other Service Fees - Fifth Third Bank Express Checking

The fees aren't excessive but the monthly maintenance fee is worth noting. Unlike some checking accounts, you don't have any option to waive it. That could be a sticking point if you're looking for truly free checking. 

Branch and ATM Access

Fifth Third Bank operates more than 1,100 branches in 11 states, with over 2,400 ATM locations. You can also use more than 40,000 partner ATMs fee-free nationwide. 

You can open an account online or visit a Fifth Third Bank branch near you if one is available. Having the option to go to a branch, on top of being able to use online and mobile banking, is a plus if you ever need to deposit cash or get help with your account in person. 

If you're leaning towards an online-only checking account, consider whether lack of branch access could be a hurdle. Online checking accounts can offer lower fees and better benefits than traditional checking for people who don't forgoing branches. 

Account Access

Fifth Third Bank's online and mobile banking tools offer everything you need to stay on top of your money. You can log in to: 

• Schedule an ACH transfer to or from your accounts
• Move money between Fifth Third Bank accounts
• Open a new account
• Set up direct deposit or change your direct deposit instructions
• Use mobile check deposit to add money to your balance
• Stop a payment
• Pay bills
• View statements

You can get instant access to mobile check deposits, for a fee. That may be worth it if you don't want to wait out the standard funds availability time frame. 

There are limits on how much you can withdraw and spend each day. The limits are:

• $0 for ATM transactions
• $5,000 for debit card purchases

Fifth Third Bank partners with Zelle to offer money transfer services. Just log into the mobile app to view your Zelle transfer limits and send funds to friends and family. It's fast, free, and easy to use. 

FDIC Insurance

A good question to ask when opening an account at a new bank is whether it's  FDIC-insured. The FDIC insures deposit accounts at member banks to protect customers if the bank fails. 

The current FDIC coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor. The limit applies to each FDIC-member bank you have accounts with.  

Fifth Third Bank is an FDIC-member. So you're automatically covered when you open an account.

What You Need to Open

You can open a Fifth Third Bank Express Checking account online or at a branch near you. You'll need to share your:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Phone number

There's no minimum deposit requirement to get started. 

If you're opening your account online you'll need to link an external bank account to make your first deposit. To do that, you'll share your bank account number and routing number. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Express Checking with Fifth Third Bank? 

Express Checking is an everyday checking account with no overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements. You can open this account online or at a Fifth Third Bank branch. Account access includes online and mobile banking, a sizable ATM network, and plenty of Fifth Third Bank branches. 

What is the daily ATM withdrawal limit at Fifth Third Bank? 

Fifth Third Bank allows for unlimited ATM withdrawals. That's a significant difference from other banks that cap you at $300 to $500 per day in ATM withdrawal transactions. 

Is Fifth Third Bank a good bank?

Fifth Third Bank may be a good banking option for people who want to avoid overdraft fees and have multiple ways to access their money. When comparing banks, consider the types of accounts offered, the features and benefits of those accounts, and the fees you'll pay. Also, consider whether it makes sense to choose a traditional vs. online bank for your needs.