As Comerica customers receive details about their upcoming transition to Fifth Third Bank, many will gain access to financial products and services intended to reduce costs, accelerate access to funds, and offer greater flexibility in everyday money management. Starting this week, customers are being sent personalized Welcome Packages outlining how their existing Comerica accounts will move to comparable Fifth Third products once the conversion is finalized on September 8.

The account migration stems from Fifth Third's acquisition of Comerica retail branches across multiple states, a transaction that expands Cincinnati-based Fifth Third's presence in markets where Comerica had operated. For Comerica, headquartered in Dallas, the branch sale represents a significant reduction of its retail footprint as the bank concentrates on its commercial banking relationships.

Lower Checking Fees and No Minimum Balance

A primary and immediate benefit for many customers will be reduced banking costs. A significant number of accounts will transition into Fifth Third's flagship Momentum® Checking, which carries no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. By contrast, several Comerica checking products previously charged monthly fees unless customers satisfied specific balance or activity thresholds.

Fifth Third's no-fee flagship checking product also reflects a broader industry shift. In recent years, major U.S. banks have faced growing competition from online-only institutions offering fee-free accounts, while regulators have increased scrutiny of overdraft and maintenance charges, prompting several banks to reduce or eliminate such fees.

Fifth Third estimates the following potential annual savings on monthly checking fees alone:

• Customers moving from Comerica Access Checking to Fifth Third Momentum® Checking could save up to $156 annually.
• Customers moving from Comerica Rich Rewards® Checking could save up to $216 annually.
• Customers moving from Comerica Premier Checking could save up to $264 annually.

"Comerica customers will immediately benefit from the features of Momentum Banking, and begin to save money," said Ben Mendelsohn, director of product management at Fifth Third. "As customers receive their welcome package, we want them to understand that this transition is about receiving greater value in their everyday banking experience."

Overdraft Flexibility Through Extra Time®

Beyond eliminating monthly maintenance fees for many customers, Fifth Third provides tools aimed at helping customers avoid unnecessary overdraft charges. Through the Extra Time® feature, customers have until midnight Eastern Time on the next business day to restore an overdrawn account to at least $0 and avoid an overdraft fee. The feature is intended to give customers more control over day-to-day financial management.

Early Pay for Faster Access to Deposits

Checking account deposits for transitioning Comerica customers will automatically receive Early Pay, a free feature included with Fifth Third Momentum and Preferred checking accounts. Early Pay allows eligible direct deposits to arrive up to two days early, with eligible federal tax refunds available up to five days early. For customers who depend on the timing of paychecks, benefits, or other recurring deposits, earlier access can provide added flexibility for managing bills, groceries, and routine expenses.

Expanded Branch and ATM Network

The transition also broadens where and how customers can bank. Following the conversion, Fifth Third's branch network will span 15 states, serving markets that represent more than half of the U.S. population, with long-term plans for approximately 1,750 branches nationwide. Customers will also have access to more than 21,000 in-network ATMs.

Fifth Third is additionally investing in customer experience across the former Comerica footprint. The bank is restoring drive-through service at 55 locations, installing teller transaction bars at 11 financial centers, and making ADA accessibility upgrades at select branches. These changes are intended to provide greater convenience, enhanced accessibility, and more flexibility for customers banking in person, digitally, at home, at work, or while traveling.

Mobile Banking and Security Features

Customers will gain access to Fifth Third's mobile banking platform, which includes an AI-powered interface designed to make it easier to locate features, complete common banking tasks, and obtain answers quickly. Through SmartShield®, Fifth Third's in-app security experience, customers can access fraud education, alerts, and tools intended to help protect against scams, including the ability to report suspicious messages and verify their legitimacy.

The mobile app also offers digital money management tools for tracking spending, monitoring cash flow, and setting savings goals.

A Transition Centered on Everyday Value

Together, these enhancements are designed to deliver a more modern banking experience focused on transparency, flexibility, and tools that help customers avoid fees and maintain control of their finances. Ahead of the September 8 conversion, customers should review their Welcome Packages carefully and confirm that direct deposits, automatic payments, recurring transfers, and bill-pay arrangements will carry over correctly to their new Fifth Third accounts.