Fifth Third Bank / 53.com
Reviews and Complaints

Your marketing department has a TV ad playing that should be removed. It displays a male buying a cup of coffee, taking a drink of it and then spitting it into the face of the sales girl. This is very distasteful, not a bit funny and quite frankly, shows how little regard Fifth Third has for the Covid Pandemic, the vaccine and mask wearing mandates going on. Whoever approved this commercial should be reprimanded for allowing such a stupid ad to play and cast such a bad light on Fifth Third. Surly, no one is so ignorant of the situation in today's world that they would believe this commercial to somehow be humorous and capable of gaining new business for Fifth Third. I have heard many folks rail against it and the continued airing of this ad may end up causing Fifth Third to lose customers.

I have been a Fifth Third Bank customer for decades. Never had any problems.
On Friday 7/17/21 I was on Whirlpool's Facebook page trying to resolve an ongoing appliance issue when I received a phone call from Whirlpool 'customer service people' offering exchange or refund. I was surprised an 'American made' company was using a rude, impatient Indian help desk.
They had most of my information; I only realized they weren't legit when they said the check was on its way but didn't make arrangements to pick up the machine.
I immediately called Fifth Third. $500 went missing from my savings account as we spoke. (I'm a senior. I lost my job during Covid and never received unemployment, so even hundreds of dollars is an unbearable loss at this time.)
I asked if they could put a hold on my account - no response - but was advised to go to my local branch first thing Monday - which I did: My local Fifth Third is at 11550 Majestic Palms Blvd, Fort Myers, FL. (I was freaked that fraud did not have 24/7 hour diligence.)
On Monday 7/19/21 the fine people at the branch calmed me down. I was assisted by Mr. Medina. I was told the money had NOT been issued to the fraudsters, it was still in my savings account. They would have to initiate a dispute (?) to prevent the money from being sent. ?
Just to be sure - as I stood there - Mr. Medina worked with HQ to add another layer of security by creating a new savings account. I stood there as they talked and corporate agreed the refunded money would go into the new account.
On Tuesday, 7/27 I talked to Tim at 5/3's general number and told him the money had not shown up in savings. He said it should be resolved by Friday.
On Friday I contacted Fifth Third and learned THEY HAD ISSUED THE MONEY TO THE HACKER!
I filed a dispute, Case #C21072717100 - WHICH WAS QUICKLY DENIED "because the money went to Zelle." They didn't want to deal with it.
I was too angry to cry. I contacted them again for proof of theft (so I could try to write it off on my taxes) and - to my surprise - they sent me to [protected]@security.53.com. 'Investigations' was supposed to resolve the issue. (So if I hadn't persisted they would have been ok with letting me suffer the loss? )
Damon (?) of the investigation department seemed very confident there would be no problem getting my money back. I sent a page full of detailed information (including the phone numbers the perps used and even a name of the intended recipient) and was assured all would be well.
I have not heard back.
I wrote them twice - crickets.
I could have sworn I saw something about fraud protection on their last commercial. Don't believe it.

Fifth Third has endless IT problems that cause the customer time to handle and nothing is ever really "fixed, " by the time they go back to online access.

Though I received the IRS stimulus checks last year, directly deposited and nothing has changed in my profile, plus every other person I know who receives direct deposit has received theirs, somehow mine is missing.

The IRS says to check with your bank in this case and it's been five months, so I tried to do that. Fifth Third gave me a complete runaround, rewriting their same explan that the IRS does the deposit while saying the IRS cannot get into the accounts directly. ? The online customer service person then cut off access to my account via my computer! So my computer cannot access my account!

Some little customer service person, who can only answer a question with some pat paragraph from a little book she has is able to cut off my access to my account!

If it were more convenient, I would change accounts, but I am more often than not, outside the country. So, this is something I need to be able to get to online.

The person had the fake customer service name of Heavyn - which sounds made up or maybe their parent thought that was a real spelling. However, that person should be easy to find, once my complaint is made in writing.

Years ago, they refused to repay me an amount that was stolen, though I did everything they said to do to get the money back. It was well over the amount of this stimulus check. But they refuse to be held accountable to their customers.

Do not use their services. Stay away. Find someone you know who is happy with their bank and go there. Some customer service jerk cut me off from my account and will now waste much more of my time trying to get another one of them on the phone to correct that.

In fact, Fifth Third gave up on customer service. I see they have 2 stars and that info is not new, so they could care less. They are shady - imo. Just the way they treat people, with the exception of one time, I can say is not what gives a person confidence. But, as I say, I am stuck for now.

At 2:15 pm August 1st I went to deposit money into the Milford, Ohio 5/3 bank and the atm closed on my hand and asked if I needed more time. I hit yes and then it finish deposit. It said that no bills were processed. it took my money and did not put it into my account. I tried opening it back up to see if my money was there but it's gone. It's 100% on the camera's and I feel like I just got robbed. I have a video showing how it went down and I kept checking my account too see if it went through. I need help it was roughly 96$. They are new atms so it could just be an error.

The bank put a hold on my funds for 9 days. I can't pay my rent I can't pay bills I can't even buy gas to go to work. I've called several times gone to the local bank and nobody would do anything. The check from my job that I deposited already went through but they won't let me use my funds. Very frustrating with this. I am a single mom that works every single day. This is unacceptable. All they can answer is because the computer put the hold there is nothing anybody can do. Please someone help

I am the executor of the owner of the auto loan account who passed away on February 17, 2017. At the time of death the loan had been fully repaid. His spouse was listed on the registration so no action was taken. She is now attempting to sell the car but the state shows a lien on the car from 3rd 5th bank with the deceased owner. I need a copy of the lien release so his spouse can sell the car. I called 5th 3rd in late March and spoke with the probate department and they said a mailed copy would be sent. I called again on May 17th I had not received the release. I was told another copy would be sent and to wait 10-14 days. I called again on June 17 to inform them I still had not received a copy. Was told another copy would be mailed. I called again on 08JUL asking for alternate methods as this was my 4th request for a lien release and have still not received it. I asked to escalate as their mail system to send liens was clearly not working. The rep said not getting their mail was my fault and offered no other option to receive an original copy of the lien release. I am filing a complaint as the representatives have failed to assist me in getting a copy of the lien release.

I'm trying to call for help because one of me credit cards wont work. I call to the number that me app said, then different numbers and nothing works.
If I have money, why I have to have call and call and nobody help me.
People have life and no time to spend in machines that transfers to one phone to other and nothing is result, Problems with 53 bank a lot to me. I never recommender this bank and I'm going to transfer to other new bank because I'm so disappointed

online access was blocked for too many attempts (password) and call center is closed with no phone number available for after hours help

am concerned about the safety of my account

I was at your banking location on June 9th on Hamilton Ave located in Columbus, OH. I went to go get a document notarized as I have been customer for years. After waiting for over 45 minutes this gentleman came out and told me to sit down in the lobby area close to his office and sign the document. I told him I'd rather not do not that and had a couple of questions. I thought a notarized document was to be signed in front of the notary. That made me feel very uncomfortable. He then instructed me to sit in a chair in the lobby area and he went back to his office. When he came out to get me he told me he could see me now, never introduced himself or anything. I asked him my question and he attempted to belittle me as he read it out loud. I explained that I already initialed all those items above, no response so I initialed it again and then signed it. Prior to leaving I then asked him his name and he told him to have a good evening. He said his name was Anthony. He really seemed very disinterested in helping me, not customer service material that's for sure. Husband and I will not be going back to that local branch again. We are grateful that we didn't open up an IRA or put our retirement with your bank. We like to be treated respectfully as most folks do. We are actually thinking of transferring our banking accounts that we keep with your bank to a different bank, but we also understand one can have a bad day or that one sour apple doesn't spoil the entire basket full. Thank you, Betty Smith

I bank through 53 bank, I have a car loan through this company and my bill is due on the first with a ten day grace period. After the 2nd of the month they will call my phone starting at 8am and call every hour on the hour until they reach some one. In the state I live in a debt collector can only call 3 times in a 24 hour period. When I proceed to tell them I do not want them calling me about my loan period or any calls regarding my account they respond with we will continue all calls unless you certify mail us a cease letter which is ALSO ILLEGAL to ask for once a consumer has exercised their right to have all calls to their home and place of employment to stop. In Minnesota a consumer simply has to say Stop calling me. And the Calls are to stop immediately. Which they do not. I then told them I would seek legal council to which they replied "sir we are a bank we also have lawyers too!"

Had a issue with check returned because of Husband not on account. Unbelievable! Was told really yelled at by supervisor to go somewhere else to cash it! totally dismissed and actually ridiculed by this women. Not the 1st time something like this has happened. That's why husband not on this account in 1st place.
We've had 2mortgages and several car loans with them; beside checking and savings. we were ready to roll over a 401k with them. they were very convenient, being right down street. But that has worn out also.
All funds will be transferred this week and if you deal with them, DON"T!

I have been a bank customer for many years, having both personal and business accounts. I have a business account for a company I own, J-Link Inc. account [protected]. I had a business transaction I thought was legitimate but it turned out not to be so. I was engaged to purchase bitcoin from a terminal device by a company Canadian Trading. They issued money to my 53 credit card for over $2000. I moved the money from the credit card to my business bank account, then waited until I was told by the bank the funds were clear and available. I withdrew the funds in cash. I purchased the bitcoin from the terminal Canadian Trading stipulated with a wallet of theirs, not mine. I thought the whole process was fishy so I terminated the relationship and did not do any other transactions. Later, I was contacted by Kathleen Taylor saying the transaction was fraudulent and would I help her track down the people behind it. I gave her all the information I had including names, phone numbers, email, etc. A couple of weeks later I received an email from Kathleen saying "I need to bring to your attention that a check was sent back to Bank of America, for the balance that was in your checking account. Your account now has a zero balance. I would like to inquire if you would like that account to remain open of if you wish for it to be closed?"

I called Kathleen and said I did not authorize any funds to be removed from the account and I was defrauded and out the $322.17 she transferred and sent to Bank of America. She was defiant and rude and just essentially said too bad. I asked to talk with her supervisor Angela Fry. She called me and was just as rude and uncaring saying if I didn't like it "this call could just end". I got nowhere. Now I'm out $322.

My position is I thought the transaction was a legitimate business transaction. I waited 10 days to make sure the funds were safe to withdraw. I called the bank to ensure the funds could be withdrawn. I was defrauded. After being a customer for over 20 years, I no longer want a relationship with fifth third and I want my money back. Both women I spoke with were rude, uncaring and belligerent and should be reprimanded and/or fired.

William Janowich 508 Mariner Village, Huron, Oh [protected]

Been doing business for more than 3 account for over 10 years with them!
When requesting cash money for pickup from the branch at 41122 Ryan Rd in Sterling Heights, Mi. 48310.
All representatives are unhelpful and management is very unprofessional.
Have had nothing but problems with rude customer service! I will be taking my business elsewhere!
Have never treaded so badly by anyone like I have with this Bank and let a lone the branch is the worst to deal with! Will make sure I let others know of this too!

Sandra Suski that has been banking with the bank since 1999 in Paw Paw Michigan 49079. Sandra had opened up an online account for Suski Online Sales. She has been using PayPal, and it was going into her Bank at Honor in Decatur Mi where she lives. Sandra went to 5/3rd and opened up another account for the online sales. She was given a name of Ryan Gleaton in St. Joseph Michigan at [protected] which she called with her personal banker in Paw Paw MI. Since then, she had emailed several times along with numerous phone calls and nothing from him at all in 3 weeks. Sandra went over to 5/3rd to close her account with the online sales today and went back to Honor bank with PayPal which she did not want to do, but she has been missing sales due to no response from Ryan Gleaton. She wanted you to know this and hope you don't loose other business because of negligent on his behalf. Feel free to contact me at [protected] Thank You Sandra Suski/Evan Knoll

This bank has the worst customer service I've ever experienced in 40 years. They ​mailed me a $550 bonus promotion which they refuse to fully honor, and they do not answer any calls or return emails - ever.

I tried to contact my local branch in Niles, IL for many months through calls and email. I even asked their customer service to request a call back from the branch manager, Elvia Ontiveros, several times but never heard back. The only way I was able to speak with her was by them directly connecting me after not being able to reach her either.

She claimed my account had fallen below the $15K necessary for the bonus for "several days", when in truth there was a single unauthorized charge for $60 that was reversed on the same day. Despite the instant reversal, they posted it as the next day and have continued to use that as the sole excuse for not honoring their promotion - despite leaving $15K in a checking account for over 16 months straight with zero interest. The manager promised she'd "research" it, but never got back after months of additional calls and emails. She also blamed her own lack of response on her employees...which is really unprofessional.

When I complained about this through social media, I was finally called back by the regional manager, Garrett Larkin, who instead of listening to me, just asserted the same mistruths his manager told him, without any concern for what I had to say, or that the branch had not been answering calls or emails for months. He only seemed to want to debate and talk over me, even yelling at me.

In short, this is the most unprofessional and worst banking experience I've had in over 40 years. Am I alone in this? No, just read the other complaints here and all over the internet.

It's also important to note that the U.S. government is suing Fifth Third for predatory practices like the above:

Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection v. Fifth Third Bank

"On March 9, 2020 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a suit alleging Fifth Third took unauthorized actions, specifically: opening deposit accounts in consumers' names; transferring funds from consumers' existing accounts to new, improperly opened accounts; issuing credit cards; enrolling consumers in online-banking services; and opening lines of credit on consumers' accounts. The actions are alleged to be a result of a "cross-sell" strategy to increase the total number of products and services the business provides to existing customers."

Dealer got the auto loan from 53 bank what I see from my credit report but I did not receive a welcome mail including account information, payment details etc. from the 53 bank. I tried to reach call center to get the account information and make my payment but it is always impossible to reach a real person representative without account information what automatic service wants you put SSN and account information to reach a real person. At the end I was not able to make payment to 53 banks and they informed the creditor for late payment. I want the 53 bank send me my account information that I can make my payment, remove this late payment from my credit that I have never ever made a late payment and close this complaint as soon as possible.

I recently applied for a mortgage refinance. I was unsatisfied with the proposed plans, and chose not to pursue the refinance.

I was instructed by my consultant, that the processing fee was refundable. I wish to now receive a refund of those monies, and my consultant is stating that he told me the fee was nonrefundable. I never received any documentation stating this, nor was I ever told the process fee was nonrefundable. This is completely unethical. I tried to escalate to my consultant's manager, but receive no responses to multiple inquiries.

My consultants Name: Jeffery Hogue
My consultants Manager: Steve A. Bostater

I need my monies refunded immediately.

Michael Peceny

I always have paid my mortgage on time ( on the first few day of each month). I have always paid an amount greater than my actual mortgage amount (3, 300). Every month 53 Bank process the payment as follows and life is good. :-)

Curtailment
$135.94
Mortgage Payment
$3, 164.06

Curtailment
$135.94
Mortgage Payment
$3, 164.06

I did this in March 2021 as normal. However on 3/14/2021, I received a letter from 53 Bank from Brian Moore(dated 3/8/2021), Senior Vice President, titled "Urgent Notice Regarding Your Mortgage Bank" (letter attached) stating that i should have received an escrow analysis showing a monthly increase in my payment and my March payment was $15.43 and to mail my check with a copy of this letter back to 53 Bank asap as they cannot process partial payments.:-(

This letter got my attention and I immediately referenced the escrow analysis I had gotten from 53 Bank on March 7, 2021 (date 2/25/2021)also attached. The letter gives a number to call Mon through Friday from 7 am to 8 pm ET I called immediately 6:10 pm EST and got a message that they were closed and call back tomorrow. :-(

When I had gotten the escrow analysis I called to get more detail about a shortage of $1, 093.03 for 2020 and an anticipated increase for 2021 of $1, 630.79. The 53rd person was not clear but during the conversation I realized possibly an increase proper tax, but during that conversation the representative looking at my account did not mention any thing about a payment shortage as it should on their system. :-(

I called 53rd the next day and spoke with a lovely person in Customer Service about my conundrum she quickly realized the banking mistake and stated that she would have the problem corrected and went the extra step to confirm everything with her supervisor. I hung up the phone feeling much better. But made a note to check my account tomorrow to see if my payment had been applied in the system. :-)

This morning went into my 53rd account to see if my payment had been applied and I saw no no change;

Un-applied Debit
-$3, 300.00
Curtailment
$3, 300.00

I called 53rd bank again as spoke with someone who again understood the problem and said she would get it corrected, but advised me it could take up to 4 business days.

I thought "whaaaat... 4 business days is this 1970? " :-(

Then she told me she would also but a note in the system so I would not get charged a late fee! :-(, :-(

I will watch this closely as I am not comfortable that this problem has been solved and I will not have any negative zaps on my record.

I will keep hope alive but my confidence in 53rd bank has been severely compromised.