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Banking » Compare Banks » Truist Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?

Truist Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?

Overall, we like Fifth Third a bit more than Truist bank, mainly due to the various checking options. Truist is better in credit cards.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

When you're picking a bank, things like the types of products they offer, account features, fees, and how they treat customers are important.

Truist Bank and Fifth Third Bank are two big players in banking, and in this article, we'll check out both to help you decide which one fits your financial needs better.

Checking Accounts

When it comes to checking accounts, Fifth Third is our winner as it offers a variety of bank account options, including free checking accounts.

Fifth Third has special accounts for disabilities, kids, military, and other special situations.

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

Truist bank offers personal checking accounts with many features and easily waived monthly fees. However, there is no wide selection of accounts as you have with Fifth Third:

Truist Bank Account
Monthly Fee
Average Day Balance To Waive
Truist One Checking account
$12
$500
Truist Confidence Account
$5
$500

Truist offers two checking account options: the basic one is the Truist Confidence Account, which includes features like mobile bill pay, no overdraft fees, and no check cashing fees, and the Truist One Checking account, a regular checking option.

The Truist One Checking provides benefits such as a loyalty bonus on Truist credit cards, a free first order of 10-pack checks, loyalty bonuses, and more perks.

Truist Bank Account
Main Features
Truist One Checking account
Loyalty Bonus on Truist credit cards, Free first order 10-pack checks
Truist Confidence Account
mobile bill pay, No overdraft fees, No check cashing fees

Here's an example of depositing a check inside the Truist app:

Truist Mobile Check Deposit
Truist Check Deposit (Screenshot from Truist Bank app)

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

Savings Accounts

Both Truist and Fifth Third Bank offer savings accounts, but they are not attractive as they offer low rates, far behind what customers can get with other banks.

Both Fifth Third and Truist have a money market account, but the rates are comparatively low.

Truist One Savings
Fifth Third Savings
Savings Rate
0.05%
0.01%
Minimum Deposit
$50
$0
Fees
$5 The monthly maintenance fee can be waived by maintain a minimum daily ledger balance of $300 OR schedule a recurring preauthorized internal transfer of $25 or more per statement cycle into the Truist One Savings account OR waived for a minor under the age of 18 OR waived with ANY related Truist checking product
$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.

Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)

When it comes to CDs, Fifth Third is our winner. Truist Bank and Fifth Third both have high CD rates, but they're only available for specific promotional terms. Fifth Third promotional CD rates are competitive.

Keep in mind that Truist Bank doesn't show CD rates on its website, and you can only open both Fifth Third and Truist CDs in person at a branch, not online.

Fifth Third Bank CDs
5 Month
5.20%
7 Month
4.40%
12 Month
4.20%
Minimum Deposit
$5,000

Credit Cards

When it comes to credit cards, Truist Bank is our winner due to a bit better credit card features and more options for customers.

Truist Bank offers a selection of credit cards, with options that cater to various needs but with fewer redemption options compared to the top credit card issuers.

The Truist Enjoy Cash is best for those who want to earn cashback, while travelers may prefer the Truist Enjoy Travel which offers a higher point rewards ratio on travel categories. The Truist Enjoy Beyond offers even more travel benefits.

For those who don't have good credit, the Truist Future card can help those who need 0% intro APR, and there is also a secured card, with a modest annual fee.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee

Truist Enjoy Cash Secured credit card

Truist Enjoy Cash credit card
1% – 3% 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, 2% on utilities and groceries (up to the $1,000 monthly spend cap) and 1% on all other eligible purchases OR 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases
0% Intro APR 12 months on purchases
$0

Truist Enjoy Travel credit card

Truist Enjoy Travel credit card
1x – 2x 2x miles per $1 spent on airfare, hotels, and car rentals, 1x on all other eligible purchases
20,000 miles 20,000 bonus miles when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days after account opening
$0

Truist Future credit card

Truist Future credit card
N/A
0% Intro APR 15 months on balance transfers and purchases
$0

Truist Enjoy Beyond credit card

Truist Enjoy Beyond credit card
1x – 3x 3x points per $1 spent on airfare, hotels, and car rentals, 2x on dining and 1x on all other eligible purchases
30,000 points 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days after account opening
$195

Truist Enjoy Cash Secured credit card

Truist Enjoy Cash Secured credit card
1% – 3% 3% cash back on gas, 2% on utilities and groceries (up to the $1,000 monthly spend cap) and 1% on all other eligible purchase
N/A
$19

Fifth Third Bank provides four credit cards tailored to different needs: one for earning cash back, another for balance transfers or financing big purchases with a low intro APR, and a secured card for building credit.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee

Fifth Third cash back card

Fifth Third 1.67% Cash Back
1.67% Unlimited 1.67% cash back with every purchase
N/A
$0

Fifth Third intro APR card

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

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

Fifth Third Secured Card
N/A
N/A
$24

Lending Options For Borrowers

When it comes to lending products, there is no clear winner as both banks offer more or less the same products.

Both banks offer various options for home buyers through different types of mortgage programs, home equity loans , lines of credit, and options for those who need personal loans or auto loans. Truist also offers special loans such as boat loans and RV loans.

None of these banks will have a solution for customers who need student loans, including refinancing.

Fifth Third app apply to PERSONAL LOAN
Users can apply to personal loan on app (Screenshot from Fifth Third app)

Which Bank Is Our Winner?

Overall, we like Fifth Third a bit more than Truist bank, mainly due to the various checking options and promotional CDs. Truist is better when it comes to credit cards.

But it's really important to think about different things, especially the ones that matter most to you. This might include looking at banking services, help with overdrafts, how often you use ATMs, how close the bank is to where you live, and other things that are different for each person.

Our Methodology for Comparing Banks

In our thorough banking comparison, The Smart Investor team carefully reviewed and compared banks across five key categories:

  1. Checking Accounts (30%): We examined features 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 available to customers.

  2. Savings Accounts and CDs (20%): Our focus was on important factors such as the Annual Percentage Yield (APY), minimum deposit requirements, account flexibility, FDIC insurance coverage, special savings offers, variety of CDs, automatic renewal options, and early withdrawal penalties.

  3. Credit Cards (15%): We analyzed rewards programs, annual fees, introductory bonuses, travel benefits, APR, and balance transfer options offered by each bank's credit cards to provide a comprehensive comparison of available features.

  4. Lending Options (15%): We assessed the variety of loan options provided, including personal loans, student loans, mortgages, secured loans, HELOCs, and Home Equity Loans, offering insights into the banks' lending capabilities.

  5. Customer Experience and Bank Reputation (20%): Our evaluation included an analysis of online banking and mobile app usability and ratings, accessibility of customer support, online reviews, JD Power research, Trustpilot ratings, and overall financial stability, providing a holistic view of customer experience and reputation.

Compare Truist Versus Other Banks

While Truist is a full-service bank where you can find almost any financial product, Chase is our winner. Here's why – and what else to know: Chase vs. Truist Bank

There is no clear winner as to whether Truist Bank or Bank of America is a better choice, but we prefer the latter. Here's why.

Truist Bank vs. Bank Of America

Wells Fargo offers better savings rates than Truist Bank, more selection for checking accounts and better credit cards. Here's our comparison: Truist Bank vs. Wells Fargo Bank

 

Citibank is our winner due to its checking account options, various credit cards, and better savings account rates than Truist Bank.

Truist Bank vs. Citibank

Each bank excels in different categories, but our winner is M&T Bank over Truist. There are some reasons for that, here's our comparison: Truist Bank vs. M&T Bank

Our winner is PNC Bank as it offers more options for checking and higher savings rates than Truist bank. Here's our comparison: Truist Bank vs. PNC Bank

Both Truist and TD Bank are active in a variety of states, such as Florida, Georgia, North And South Carolina, and more. Here's our winner: Truist Bank vs. TD Bank

There is no clear-cut answer to which bank is better, but Regions Bank is better than Truist if we have to choose one. Here's why: Truist Bank vs. Regions Bank

Our preferred choice is American Express, which provides a comprehensive banking package that outshines Truist Bank. Here's how they compare: Truist Bank vs. American Express Bank

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Promotion:
$300 New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.. Expired on 1/22/2025
Chase Overdraft Assist
With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, you won’t be charged an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day

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Fees:
No monthly fees No monthly fees and no overdraft fees. Plus get reimbursed for ATM fees with an active account 
Rewards:
Up to 2% cash back Up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses for active accounts with monthly $1,000 direct deposit, and up to 1% cash back for other purchases 
Promotion:
$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account
Up to 3.30% APY
to get the maximum rate (up to $50,000) you'll need monthly direct deposits of $1,500 (0.40% APY), 10 transaction on your debit card (+0.30% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Managed Portfolio (+1.00% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account(+1.00% APY) and make full monthly payment on loans (mortgage, personal and auto) with Axos account (+0.60% APY).

Promotion:
Up to $2,500 You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities: • Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. • Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. – Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements
Wealth Products & Advice
Get access to wealth products, insights and advice from an HSBC Financial Professional through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc

fifth-third-bank-logo

Promotion:
$250 $250 cash bonus if you make direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 90 days of account opening.
No Minimum Deposit
Free checking account, no minimum balance, check writing, two days early paycheck
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

PNC bank logo

Promotion:
Up to $400 Open a new, select Virtual Wallet product and receive $500/$2,000/$5,000 or more in qualifying monthly direct deposits within 60 days to earn a $100/$200/$400 bonus.
Subject to state availability
PNC Virtual Wallet ® is available in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NM, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, and WV. Virtual Wallet ® is offered in the state of MO with the exception of the Greater Kansas City area. Product availability may vary based on where you open your account and the Zip code of your primary address.

Chase_logo

Promotion:
$300 New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.. Expired on 1/22/2025
Chase Overdraft Assist
With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, you won’t be charged an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day

UpgradeLogo

Fees:
No monthly fees No monthly fees and no overdraft fees. Plus get reimbursed for ATM fees with an active account 
Rewards:
Up to 2% cash back Up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses for active accounts with monthly $1,000 direct deposit, and up to 1% cash back for other purchases 
Promotion:
$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account
Up to 3.30% APY
to get the maximum rate (up to $50,000) you'll need monthly direct deposits of $1,500 (0.40% APY), 10 transaction on your debit card (+0.30% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Managed Portfolio (+1.00% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account(+1.00% APY) and make full monthly payment on loans (mortgage, personal and auto) with Axos account (+0.60% APY).

Promotion:
Up to $2,500 You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities: • Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. • Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. – Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements
Wealth Products & Advice
Get access to wealth products, insights and advice from an HSBC Financial Professional through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc

fifth-third-bank-logo

Promotion:
$250 $250 cash bonus if you make direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 90 days of account opening.
No Minimum Deposit
Free checking account, no minimum balance, check writing, two days early paycheck
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Compare Fifth Third Versus Other Banks

We believe Chase is the preferred option in this battle. But, there are significant differences to know. Here's our comparison: Chase vs. Fifth Third Bank

While Bank of America and Fifth Third Bank offer a range of banking services, Fifth Third is our winner in this competition. Here's why: Bank of America vs. Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Bank may be better than Wells Fargo when it comes to checking accounts, but is it enough? See our complete comparison, and our winner: Wells Fargo Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank

Huntington and Fifth Third Bank provide various banking services, and figuring out which is best can be tricky. Here's our comparison: Fifth Third Bank vs. Huntington Bank

PNC Bank and Fifth Third Bank are two big players when it comes to brick-and-mortar banking. Let's compare them and see which is our winner: PNC Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank

Our winner is U.S. Bank as it offers better package banking than Fifth Bank, but there are cases when Fifth Bank wins. Here's our comparison: U.S. Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Top Offers From Our Partners

PNC bank logo

Promotion:
Up to $400 Open a new, select Virtual Wallet product and receive $500/$2,000/$5,000 or more in qualifying monthly direct deposits within 60 days to earn a $100/$200/$400 bonus.
Subject to state availability
PNC Virtual Wallet ® is available in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NM, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, and WV. Virtual Wallet ® is offered in the state of MO with the exception of the Greater Kansas City area. Product availability may vary based on where you open your account and the Zip code of your primary address.

Chase_logo

Promotion:
$300 New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.. Expired on 1/22/2025
Chase Overdraft Assist
With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, you won’t be charged an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day

fifth-third-bank-logo

Promotion:
$250 $250 cash bonus if you make direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 90 days of account opening.
No Minimum Deposit
Free checking account, no minimum balance, check writing, two days early paycheck

UpgradeLogo

Fees:
No monthly fees No monthly fees and no overdraft fees. Plus get reimbursed for ATM fees with an active account 
Rewards:
Up to 2% cash back Up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses for active accounts with monthly $1,000 direct deposit, and up to 1% cash back for other purchases 

Promotion:
$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account
Up to 3.30% APY
to get the maximum rate (up to $50,000) you’ll need monthly direct deposits of $1,500 (0.40% APY), 10 transaction on your debit card (+0.30% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Managed Portfolio (+1.00% APY), average daily balance of $2,500 on Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account(+1.00% APY) and make full monthly payment on loans (mortgage, personal and auto) with Axos account (+0.60% APY).

penfed personal loan

APY on Daily Balances
0.15% APY on daily balances of less than $20,000 or 0.35% APY on daily balances of $20,000 up to $50,000
Get paid up to 2 days early
Set up direct deposits and get your paycheck up to 2 days early

Promotion:
Up to $2,500 You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities: • Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. • Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months. – Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements
Wealth Products & Advice
Get access to wealth products, insights and advice from an HSBC Financial Professional through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.