Top Credit Card FAQs

A credit card issuer provides you with a credit limit and a card that can be used for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. You’re required to pay at least the minimum balance each month. If you don’t pay the full balance on purchases by the due date, interest will accrue on the remaining amount, often at a relatively high annual percentage rate (APR). Typically, balance transfers are done at a 0% rate if balances are transferred at the Go-To-APR. Balance transfers begin accruing interest from the transaction date, so plan accordingly. Cash advances typically come with higher fees and start accruing interest immediately.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in your own name in the U.S. However, if you're under 21, you generally need to demonstrate independent income or have a co-signer. This requirement is part of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009¹, which aims to ensure that individuals can repay their credit card debt before they incur it.

Consider getting a credit card² once you have a steady income and are ready to manage monthly payments responsibly, as this helps build your credit history early.

You can start with the Fifth Third Secured Credit Card this requires a $300 deposit into a Fifth Third Momentum Savings Account. Once you have your card, use it responsibly by making monthly payments on time. This can help you build credit and eventually graduate to other cards with more benefits.

If you’re an existing Fifth Third customer, you can apply online, through the mobile app, at your local branch or by calling us. If you’re not an existing customer, you will need to visit a branch and speak with a banker.

As of 2025³, the average American holds approximately 4 credit cards. However, the ideal number varies based on individual financial goals and spending habits. Credit bureaus suggest that having five or more accounts, including a mix of both credit cards and loans, can be beneficial for building a strong credit history over time. Most importantly, the right number of credit cards is what you can manage responsibly without overspending or missing payments.

Fifth Third credit cards are accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

• Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and no annual fee. Ideal for everyday spending.
• Fifth Third 1.67% Cash/Back Card: Earn 1.67% cash back on all purchases, featuring no annual fee.
• Fifth Third Preferred Cash/Back Card: Exclusively for Fifth Third Preferred Banking clients, this card offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
• Fifth Third Secured Credit Card: Aimed at building or rebuilding credit, this card requires a refundable deposit and reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Most Fifth Third credit cards offer cash back rewards. You can choose to receive your rewards as a deposit into your Fifth Third checking or savings account or as statement credits—making it easy to put your rewards to work for you.

You can earn rewards by making eligible purchases with your Fifth Third credit card. The cash back you earn can be redeemed as deposits into your Fifth Third checking or savings account or applied as statement credits. To redeem your rewards:

1. Log in to Fifth Third online banking.
2. Click on View and Redeem Rewards to go to the rewards website.
3. Click on Cash Back and follow the instructions to redeem your rewards!

The currently offered Fifth Third credit card rewards do not expire. Fifth Third credit cards that are no longer offered such as the TRIO Credit Card, TRIO Preferred Credit Card, and the Stand up to Cancer Credit Card do have an expiration on their rewards.

This is the date your new monthly billing statement is created. If you need to know when your account has cycled, look at the dates on the monthly billing statement.

Yes, this can be updated by calling 800-972-3030 or visit one of our branches.

Yes, you can pay more than the statement balance.

Yes, you can make partial payments towards your Fifth Third credit card statement balance.

Instead of making a partial payment, give us a call at 877-366-5520 (option 3 for credit card) to explore available programs you may qualify for. We’re here to help Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET.

Online payments prior to 7pm EST will be processed that day and visible the next day.

Call us immediately at 800-972-3030 so we can confirm receipt of your payment or investigate why the payment was not posted to your account.

• You can pay off your credit card debt by making on-time monthly payments.
• If you’re looking to consolidate your credit card debt^*, you could look to open a credit card that has a balance transfer offer like the 1% Cash/Back Card.
• If you or someone you know cannot make their credit card payment, we have programs available. To learn more about our hardship programs, please call 877-366-5520.

Call 877-833-6197. Select the appropriate product (Checking, Savings or Card), follow the prompts and then select the Disputes option. Representatives are available to assist Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET.

If you or someone you know cannot make their credit card payment, we have programs available. To learn more about our hardship programs, please call 877-366-5520.

• Make sure your address is up to date.
• Visit 53.com or the mobile app to view your credit card statement or sign up for Statement Available alerts and payment reminders.

Customers do not need to notify their bank when traveling. However, you can still call 800-972-3030 and we will place a travel note on their credit card account.

Yes, Fifth Third credit cards are accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is one the most commonly accepted payments at merchants and for online purchases worldwide. Our credit cards are equipped with chip technology, which is widely used in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and nearly 130 other countries across the globe. Fees may apply.

Each Fifth Third Credit Card is different. Typically, the foreign transaction fees are 3%, however, some of our credit cards have no foreign transactions fees.