Picking the right bank account can be confusing, especially when looking at big banks like U.S. Bank and Fifth Third Bank.
Both have lots of stuff to offer, but which is best for you? Let's take a close look at both so you can figure out which might be the better choice.
Checking Accounts
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Account Types And Fees
Fifth Third has different checking accounts for different needs, like ones for students, kids, military families, and people with disabilities.
They've got a free checking account, and also fancier ones with more perks but higher monthly fees. Also, customers can avoid those fees in various ways.
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 |
U.S. Bank Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
|---|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | $6.95 | $1,500 |
Safe Debit
| $4.95 | Cannot be waived |
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Features
U.S. Bank Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | Smart Rewards, transfer money, set alerts, $50 overdrawn available |
Safe Debit
| Directly deposit paychecks, pay bills for free, no overdraft fees |
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
Like many brick-and-mortar banks, Fifth Third and U.S. bank savings accounts offer relatively low rates.
Fifth Third Bank also has a money market account – but the rates are low as well.
U.S Bank Savings Account | Fifth Third Savings | |
|---|---|---|
Savings Rate | up to 3.50% | 0.01% |
Minimum Deposit | $25 | $0 |
Fees | $4
can be waived by $300+ daily ledger balance or $1,000 average monthly balance
| $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.
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Setting up savings goals for specific objectives is a feature that aligns with responsible financial planning. Users can establish multiple savings goals, track progress, and make adjustments as needed:
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When it comes to CDs, U.S. Bank is our winner, but there are no significant differences between the banks.
Both banks offer high rates only on promotional, special terms – but U.S. Bank offers more terms with high CD rates than Fifth Third Bank.
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U.S. Bank CD Rates
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Fifth Third CD Rates
Fifth Third Bank CDs | |
|---|---|
3 Month | 4.26% |
7 Month | 4.20% |
13 Month | 3.75% |
24 Month | 3.00% |
60 Month | 2.26% |
Minimum Deposit | $5,000 |
Credit Cards
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | 1.5% – 6%
6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category, 1.5% back on all other qualifying purchases. Also, 5.5% back on reservations for hotels and prepaid car rentals when you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center.
| $250
$250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
| $95 ($0 on first year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | 1% – 5%
5% cash back on purchases in two categories of your choice (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent). 5% back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations through the Rewards Center. 2% cash back on one choice everyday category. 1% back on all other purchases
| $200
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening
| $0 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 1X – 4X
4x points at restaurants, take-outs & deliveries, 2x points at supermarkets, gas stations & streaming servicesm and 1 point for 1 dollar on all other purchases
| 20,000 points
20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
| $0 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | 1X – 5X
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
| 60,000 points
60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 180 days from account opening.
| $95 (waived first year) |
| U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | 1X – 5X
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
| 50,000 points
50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days.
| $400 |
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
When it comes to borrowing money, both banks offer decent options but do not include all types of loans.
Both U.S. Bank and Fifth Third Bank focus more on mortgages for homebuyers, mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, personal loans, and car financing for both new and used vehicles.
None of them offer student loan or other special loans.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
Overall, our winner is U.S. Bank as it offers better “full package banking” than Fifth Bank. It offers decent checking options, competitive rates on promotional CDs, and better credit card options than Fifth Bank.
Our Methodology for Comparing Banks
In our thorough banking comparison, The Smart Investor team carefully reviewed and compared banks across five key categories:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 U.S. Bank With Other Banks
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