Bank Of America and Fifth Third Bank offer a range of banking services, and sometimes, it's challenging to understand which is best for your needs.
In this article, we will compare their savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products.
Savings Accounts
There's no decisive winner in the savings account category, as both banks provide comparable rates, which unfortunately fall below those offered by other savings accounts.
It's worth noting that Fifth Third Bank offers a money market option not available at Bank of America. However, the rates on these products are also relatively low.
Fifth Third Savings | Bank Of America Savings | |
|---|---|---|
Savings Rate | 0.01% | 0.01% – 0.04% |
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
Fees | $5
The monthly service charge for Fifth Third savings accounts is waived if you meet any of the following criteria: having a Fifth Third checking account, having all savings account owners listed on the Fifth Third checking account, maintaining an average monthly balance of $500 or more, having an account owner under 18 years old, or being enrolled in Fifth Third Military Banking.
| $8 per month
Can be waived by maintaining a balance of $500+, becoming a Preferred Rewards member or linking to your B of A Advantage Banking account. Fees are also waived for enrolled students aged under 24
|
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Checking Accounts
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Account Types And Fees
Fifth Third offers various checking accounts for many purposes, such as accounts for students and kids, military families, and individuals with disabilities.
There is a free checking account but also premium accounts with higher monthly fees and more benefits. The monthly fees can be waived in many ways such as carrying over $100,00 in your total balance.
Fifth Third Bank Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
|---|---|---|
Fifth Third Momentum® Checking | $0 | N/A |
Fifth Third Preferred Checking | $25 | $100,000 |
Fifth Third Student Checking Account | $0 | N/A |
Fifth Third Express Banking | $0 | N/A |
Fifth Third ABLE Checking | $2 | $250 |
Fifth Third Military Checking | $0 | N/A |
BofA Checking Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
|---|---|---|
Safe Balance | $4.95 | $500 |
Advantage Plus | $12 | $1,500 |
Advantage Relationship
| $25 | $20,000 |
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Features
Bank of America offers some great features for both individuals and businesses.
For personal accounts, you can get paper checks, overdraft protection, and they assure you won't lose money if your card gets stolen. They also provide online banking, allowing you to check your account whenever it suits you.
BofA Checking Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
Safe Balance | Digital banking, no overdraft fees, $0 liability guarantee |
Advantage Plus | Paper checks, overdraft protection, $0 liability guarantee |
Advantage Relationship
| Earns interest, no fees on select banking service ,overdraft protection |
Business Advantage Fundamentals
| QuickBooks® integration, Cash Flow Monitor, Erica, Mobile Check Deposit, Zelle® for business |
Business Advantage Relationship
| No fees for incoming wires, stop payments, electronic deposits & more |
Fifth Third Bank's checking accounts offer a range of benefits designed to cater to various financial needs. The basic accounts provide customers with unlimited check writing, round-the-clock access to mobile and online banking, Early Pay options for quicker access to paycheck and more.
For those opting for premium checking, the advantages extend to better loan rates and the added security of Fifth Third Identity Alert.
Fifth Third Bank Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
Fifth Third Momentum Checking | Unlimited check writing, 24/7 mobile and online banking, Early Pay |
Fifth Third Preferred Checking | Better loan rates, Fifth Third Identity Alert |
Fifth Third Student Checking | Debit card, unlimited check writing, online bill pay |
Fifth Third Express Banking | Check cashing and deposits, tools to build credit, Debit Card. |
Fifth Third ABLE Checking | Debit card, unlimited check writing, no overdraft or non-sufficient funds fees |
Fifth Third Military Checking | Special VA home loan rates, 10 free non-Fifth Third ATM transactions per month |
Whether transferring within Fifth Third or to external accounts, the process is user-friendly, and the app provides timely notifications to confirm successful transactions:
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When it comes to CDs, there is no clear winner, as both banks offer competitive CD rates on specific terms. That being said, each bank offers more CD terms, including short and long-term CDs, but the rates are poor.
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Bank Of America CD Rates
CD Term | APY |
|---|---|
3 Months | 3.75% |
6 Months | 0.03% |
7 Months (Featured) | 3.80% |
12 Months | 0.03% |
13 Months (Featured) | 2.75% |
24 Months | 0.03% |
25 Months (Featured) | 2.00% |
36 Months | 0.03% |
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Fifth Third CD Rates
Credit Cards
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
| 1.5%
unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| $200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
| $0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | 1-3%
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
| $200
$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
| $0 |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | 1.5X
1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
| 25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
| $0 |
| BankAmericard | N/A | 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days | $0 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite | 1.5x – 2x
2 points for every dollar you spend on travel or dining purchases, with 1.5 points per dollar on all your other purchases | 75,000 points
75,000 bonus points if you spend $5,000 or more within 90 days of opening your account
| $550 |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards | 1.5X – 2X
Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases. Unlimited 1.5X points on all other purchases | 60,000 points
60,000 online bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
| $95 |
Fifth Third bank offers four credit cards, for three types of customers: those who are looking to cash back, those who want to transfer their balance or finance a big purchase with low intro APR, or those who need to build credit with a secured card.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| Fifth Third 1.67% Cash Back
| 1.67%
Unlimited 1.67% cash back with every purchase | N/A | $0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Third Low Intro Rate | 1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase | 0% Intro APR: 21 months on purchases and balance transfers | $0 |
| Fifth Third Preferred Cash Back (Exclusively for Fifth Third Preferred Banking Clients) | 2%
unlimited 2% cash back with every purchase | N/A | $0 |
| Fifth Third Secured Card | N/A | N/A | $24 |
Mortgage And Loans
Fifth Third Bank is our winner when it comes to lending options, as it offers more options for borrowers than Bank of America.
Fifth Third Bank's Home Loan Center offers a range of mortgage solutions, ensuring personalized assistance in the home buying process. In addition, Fifth Third provides auto financing for those looking to purchase a vehicle, as well as personal Loans and lines of credit.
Bank of America lending options include offers mortgages, mortgage refinancing, and home equity loans. Additionally, they offer auto purchase loans and auto refinancing options.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
There is no clear winner in this competition. If you're looking for a checking account and credit cards are less important for you, Fifth Bank may want the right place for your needs. However, if you want top-notch credit card options, then Bank Of America may be a good fit.
Yet, choosing between them requires considering your needs—like banking services, overdraft support, ATM convenience, and location proximity. Different factors matter to different people, so take your time to evaluate what's essential for you before making a decision.
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Comparing Bank Of America and Fifth Third Bank: Our Methodology
In our detailed banking comparison, The Smart Investor team thoroughly looked in five main areas in both banks and compare them side by side:
Checking Accounts (30%): We checked things like direct deposit, debit card availability, monthly fees, ATM and branch access, check deposit, bill pay options, and account alerts. We also considered any special offers for customers.
Savings Accounts including CDs (20%): We focused on important stuff like how much interest you can earn (APY), the smallest amount you need to open an account, how flexible the accounts are, and if they're insured by FDIC. We also looked at special savings offers, different types of CDs, and any fees for taking money out early.
Credit Cards (15%): We looked at what rewards you get, how much the card costs each year, any bonuses you get for signing up, perks for traveling, how much interest you pay on balances, and if you can transfer balances from other cards.
Lending Options (15%): We checked out the different kinds of loans they offer, like personal loans, student loans, mortgages, and loans where you use your home as collateral.
Customer Experience And Bank Reputation (20%): We looked into how easy it is to use their online and mobile banking, how helpful their customer support is, what people say about them online, any awards they've won, and how stable they are financially. This gave us a good idea of what it's like to be a customer and how much people trust them.
Compare BofA With Alternative Banks
Since its inception as a credit card provider, Discover has come a long way.Of course, credit cards are available, but you can also get home loans, personal loans, and a variety of checking and savings products such as retirement accounts, CDs, and money market accounts.
Bank of America offers a far more comprehensive range of banking services. There are numerous credit card options, as well as various savings and checking accounts.
Bank of America also provides mortgages, auto loans, and investments. This makes switching from a traditional bank much easier because you won't have to compromise on your banking products.
Read Full Comparison: Discover vs Bank of America: Compare Bank
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One feature that sets them apart from their competitors is that they let their customers decide how much they want to pay for their services. The fee that the customer believes is fair or appropriate for the level of service they receive is set by the customer.
Wells Fargo's product offering is even more extensive. This bank offers checking accounts, a variety of savings accounts, mortgages, loans, and investment options such as IRAs, 401ks, and wealth management services. This makes switching from another bank even easier because you'll have access to all of your favorite banking products.
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Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs Wells Fargo: Which Bank Is Better?
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Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs Chase: Where to Save Your Money?
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Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs Citi: Which Bank Suits You Best?
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