Yes, you can open a Fifth Third business checking account online, but you'll need to start the process on their website and finish it in person or by phone
Fifth Third allows you to begin a business checking account process through their website, but they do not complete the entire process online. You'll fill out your business information, personal details, and tax ID number on their site, then a Fifth Third representative will contact you to verify your identity and complete the account. This hybrid approach — part online, part phone or branch visit — is how most banks handle business accounts, since they need to confirm who you are before opening an account in your business's name.
The reason for this two-step process is regulatory. Banks must verify the identity of the person opening the account and confirm the business actually exists. Fifth Third cannot do this verification through a website alone, so they use phone calls or in-person meetings to finish what you started online.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your Fifth Third business checking process on their website, but you must complete it by phone or at a branch location.
- Fifth Third will ask for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number, business formation documents, and personal identification during the process.
- The entire process typically takes a few business days once you've completed the verification step.
- Fifth Third offers different business checking products with varying fees, so confirm which account type fits your business before you start.
What documents you'll need to have ready
Before you start the online process, gather your business documents. Fifth Third will ask for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the tax ID the IRS issues to your business. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you may use your Social Security Number instead. You'll also need a copy of your business formation documents, such as articles of incorporation for a corporation, articles of organization for an LLC, or a partnership agreement if you're in a partnership.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID for yourself as the account owner or authorized representative. A driver's license or passport works. If your business is brand new and you haven't received your EIN yet, you can still explore — Fifth Third will let you use your Social Security Number temporarily and update it once the EIN arrives.
The online process and what happens next
Go to Fifth Third's website and look for their business checking section. You'll enter your business name, type of business, address, and the names of owners or authorized signers. The form will ask how many employees you have and roughly how much you expect to deposit each month — this helps Fifth Third route your process to the right team. You'll also create login credentials for online banking at this stage.
After you submit the online form, a Fifth Third business banker will contact you within one to two business days. They'll verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting that you provide a copy of your ID. Some branches may ask you to come in person to complete the verification, especially if you're opening the account with multiple authorized signers. Once verification is complete, your account opens and you can set up online banking, request checks, and start using the account.
Account types and fees to know about
Fifth Third offers several business checking products, and the one you open depends on your business size and banking needs. Their basic business checking account has a monthly maintenance fee that Fifth Third may waive if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. They also offer accounts designed for small businesses with higher transaction volumes, which have different fee structures.
Before you complete your process, visit Fifth Third's website or call their business banking line to compare the accounts. Ask specifically about monthly fees, per-check charges, ACH transfer limits, and whether they waive fees for certain balance levels. This prevents you from opening an account and discovering later that the fees don't match your business's needs.
What to do if you already bank with Fifth Third personally
If you have a personal checking account at Fifth Third, the business account process is faster. Fifth Third already has your identity verified, so the banker may be able to complete your business account over the phone without requiring an in-person visit. You'll still need to provide your business documents and EIN, but the process typically takes one business day instead of two or three.
Log into your personal Fifth Third online banking account and look for a link to open a business account, or call the business banking number on the back of your debit card. Mentioning that you're an existing customer can speed up routing to the right department.
Setting up online banking and mobile access
Once your account is open, you'll have access to Fifth Third's online banking platform and mobile app. You can view your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit. Fifth Third also offers ACH transfers, which let you move money to and from other banks electronically — useful if you have a separate savings account or need to pay vendors.
Your login credentials were created during the online process, so you can log in as soon as the banker confirms your account is active. If you set up multiple authorized signers on the account, each person will need their own login. Fifth Third's business banking platform includes features like transaction history, spending reports, and the ability to set up recurring payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Fifth Third business checking account?
The online portion takes about 10 minutes. After you submit, a banker contacts you within one to two business days to verify your identity. Once verified, your account opens the same day or the next business day. The entire process usually takes two to three business days from start to finish.
Can I open a business account if I'm a sole proprietor with no EIN?
Yes. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead of an EIN. Fifth Third will accept this during the process. If you later obtain an EIN, you can update your account information by calling your business banker.
Do I have to go to a Fifth Third branch in person?
Not necessarily. If you're an existing Fifth Third customer, the banker may complete verification over the phone. If you're new to Fifth Third, some branches allow phone verification, while others require an in-person visit. The banker will let you know which option applies when they contact you.
What if I need to add another person as an authorized signer?
You can name additional signers during the initial process, or add them later by contacting your business banker. Each signer will need to provide identification and go through verification. Fifth Third will send you paperwork to sign authorizing the additional signer.
Can I use a business checking account for personal expenses?
Technically you can, but it's not recommended. Mixing personal and business money makes taxes harder and can create legal problems if your business is sued. A separate business account keeps your finances clear and makes accounting simpler.