5/3 Bank's overdraft protection is not automatic — you have to request it, and the bank will review your account before deciding whether to offer it
Fifth Third Bank does not turn on overdraft protection by default. When you open a checking account, the bank will decline transactions that would push your balance negative, and you will pay no overdraft fee for that declined transaction. If you want the bank to cover overdrafts instead — paying the transaction and charging you a fee — you have to ask for it, and Fifth Third will assess your account history and creditworthiness before saying yes or no.
The protection itself comes in two forms at Fifth Third: a link to a savings account you already have with them, or a line of credit the bank extends to you. Both require a separate request, and both have different costs and limits. Neither one is may provide, even if you ask.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third does not enroll accounts in overdraft protection automatically; you must request it through online banking, a branch visit, or by phone.
- The bank offers overdraft protection through a savings account transfer (no fee) or a credit line (with interest charges), and you choose which one you want.
- Fifth Third will review your account standing and credit before approving overdraft protection, and approval is not may provide.
- If you decline overdraft protection, Fifth Third will decline transactions that would overdraw your account instead of charging you an overdraft fee.
- Overdraft fees at Fifth Third are charged per transaction if the bank does cover an overdraft, so the total cost depends on how many overdrafts occur in a single day.
How to request overdraft protection from Fifth Third
Log into your Fifth Third online banking account and navigate to the settings or account management section — the exact path varies depending on whether you use the website or the mobile app, but both have an overdraft or protection settings menu. You can also call Fifth Third's customer service line or visit a branch in person with your account number and ID.
When you request it, the bank will ask which type of protection you want: a transfer from a linked Fifth Third savings account (if you have one), or a credit line. If you choose the savings account route and you do not already have a savings account with Fifth Third, you will need to open one first. If you choose the credit line, Fifth Third will pull your credit report and review your checking account history — late payments, overdrafts, and account age all factor into the decision.
The bank does not always approve overdraft protection requests. If Fifth Third declines you, ask why — common reasons are insufficient account history (usually less than 30 days), recent overdrafts or late payments, or a credit score below the bank's threshold. You can reapply after your account has aged or after you have gone a few months without overdrafts.
Overdraft protection through a savings account transfer
If you link a Fifth Third savings account to your checking account for overdraft protection, the bank will automatically transfer money from savings to checking when a transaction would overdraw. There is no fee for the transfer itself. The bank charges a fee only if the transfer fails because your savings account does not have enough money — in that case, you are charged the same overdraft fee as if the bank had covered the overdraft directly.
This option works best if you keep a buffer in savings and do not mind the bank moving money without asking you first. The downside is that you have to maintain two accounts, and if you are not careful, you can drain your savings without realizing it.
Overdraft protection through a credit line
Fifth Third also offers overdraft protection as a small line of credit attached to your checking account. If you overdraw, the bank lends you the money at an interest rate, and you pay interest on the borrowed amount until you pay it back. You also pay a one-time fee per overdraft transaction, separate from the interest.
The credit line has a limit — Fifth Third sets this based on your credit score and account history, and it is usually between $500 and $5,000. Interest rates vary and are disclosed when the bank approves the line. This option costs more than a savings account transfer because of the interest, but it does not require you to keep money sitting in a separate account.
What happens if you do not request overdraft protection
Fifth Third will decline any transaction that would overdraw your account. The transaction straightforward will not go through, and you will not be charged an overdraft fee. This is the default behavior and requires no action on your part.
Declined transactions can be inconvenient — a debit card purchase might be rejected at checkout, or a bill payment might fail. But you avoid overdraft fees entirely. If you prefer the certainty of declined transactions over the risk of overdraft fees, you can leave overdraft protection off.
Fifth Third overdraft fees and daily limits
If Fifth Third covers an overdraft (whether through a savings transfer or credit line), the bank charges a fee per transaction. The fee amount depends on your account type and whether you are a Fifth Third customer in good standing. As of the most recent information, Fifth Third charges between $25 and $35 per overdraft transaction, though this varies by account tier and changes periodically.
Fifth Third also limits the number of overdraft fees you can be charged in a single day. Most checking accounts are capped at 3 to 5 overdraft fees per day, meaning if you overdraw multiple times in one day, you will not be charged a fee for every single transaction. Check your account agreement or call the bank to confirm the daily limit for your specific account.
How to turn off overdraft protection if you have it
If you previously requested overdraft protection and now want to disable it, log into your Fifth Third online banking account and navigate to the overdraft settings, or call customer service. The process is straightforward — the bank will confirm that you want to opt out, and transactions will be declined instead of covered going forward.
Turning off overdraft protection does not affect any overdraft fees you have already been charged. If you have a pending overdraft or a credit line balance from a previous overdraft, you still owe that money and will still pay interest on it if it was a credit line overdraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request overdraft protection online, or do I have to go to a branch?
Fifth Third allows you to request overdraft protection through online banking or the mobile app. You can also call customer service or visit a branch. The online method is fastest if your account is already set up and in good standing.
What if I have overdraft protection but my savings account runs out of money?
Fifth Third will attempt the transfer, and if your savings account does not have enough funds, the overdraft will not be covered. You will be charged an overdraft fee just as if the bank had covered it directly. The bank will then send you a notice about the failed transfer.
Does Fifth Third charge interest on overdrafts covered by a savings account transfer?
No. If overdraft protection is linked to a savings account, there is no interest charge — only a fee if the transfer fails. Interest applies only if you use the credit line option.
How long does it take Fifth Third to approve overdraft protection?
If you request it online or by phone, Fifth Third usually makes a decision within one business day. If you visit a branch, you may get an answer the same day. Approval depends on your account history and credit, so there is no may provide.
Can I have both a savings account transfer and a credit line for overdraft protection?
Fifth Third typically allows you to set a priority order — the savings account transfer happens first, and if that fails, the credit line kicks in. Ask the bank about this option when you request overdraft protection.