The 5/3 Bank routing number depends on which state you bank in and what type of transaction you're making

Fifth Third Bank (also written as 5/3 Bank) does not have a single routing number for all customers. The bank operates across multiple states — Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee — and each state or region has its own routing number. The routing number you need depends on where your specific branch is located and whether you're receiving a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or check deposit.

If you need your routing number for a tax refund, insurance refund, payroll deposit, or any other incoming transfer, the fastest way to find it is to look at the bottom left corner of one of your checks. The first nine digits printed there is your routing number. If you don't have a check handy, you can call your local 5/3 branch directly or log into your online banking account, where the routing number is usually listed under account details.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third Bank routing numbers vary by state and branch location, so there is no single number that works for all customers.
  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as a nine-digit code.
  • You can find your specific routing number by calling your branch, checking your online banking portal, or visiting the Fifth Third Bank website and using their routing number lookup tool.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers may use different routing numbers, so confirm which type of transfer you're receiving before providing your number.

How to locate your routing number on a check

The easiest method is to grab a check from your checkbook. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. Write it down exactly as it appears, including any leading zeros.

If the routing number on your check does not match what you find online, use the number from your check. Your bank may have updated routing numbers for new accounts or certain transaction types, but the number printed on your checks is the one your bank expects to receive for deposits and transfers tied to that account.

Using Fifth Third Bank's online lookup tool

Fifth Third Bank maintains a routing number search tool on its website. Go to the Fifth Third Bank homepage, look for a "Routing Number" or "Contact Us" section, and select the lookup tool. You will be asked to enter your state and sometimes your city or branch name. The tool will return the routing number for that location.

This method works well if you're setting up a new account or if you've moved and your checks are from an old branch. Keep in mind that if you're receiving a refund or deposit from an outside source, you should provide the routing number associated with the branch where your account is currently held, not a branch you used in the past.

Calling Fifth Third Bank directly for your routing number

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your most recent bank statement. Have your account number ready. A representative can confirm your routing number in under a minute and can also tell you whether you need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers.

This is the best option if you're unsure whether the number you found is correct or if you're receiving a large refund and want to double-check before providing your banking details to a government agency or other organization.

Wire transfers versus ACH transfers and routing numbers

Most refunds — including tax refunds, insurance refunds, and stimulus payments — arrive by ACH transfer, which uses your standard routing number. Wire transfers, which are faster but less common for refunds, sometimes use a different routing number called a wire routing number. Fifth Third Bank's wire routing number is different from its ACH routing number in some cases.

Before you provide your routing number to anyone, ask them which type of transfer they will be sending. If they say "ACH" or "direct deposit," use the routing number from your check. If they say "wire transfer," ask them specifically for Fifth Third Bank's wire routing number, or call your branch to confirm. Providing the wrong number for a wire transfer can delay your money by several days.

What to do if your refund hasn't arrived yet

If you provided your routing number and account number but your refund has not shown up within the expected timeframe, log into your Fifth Third Bank online account and check the transaction history. Look for any pending deposits or error messages. If you see nothing, contact Fifth Third Bank customer service and provide them with the date you submitted your routing number and the name of the organization sending the refund (IRS, your state tax authority, an insurance company, etc.).

The bank can search their incoming transfers and tell you whether the money arrived under a different name, was rejected due to a mismatch between your name and account number, or has not yet been received. If the transfer was rejected, the sending organization will usually attempt to resend it, but you may need to contact them to resubmit your banking information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one routing number for all Fifth Third Bank customers?

No. Fifth Third Bank operates in eight states and uses different routing numbers for different regions and branches. Your routing number depends on where your account is held. The number on your checks is the correct one for your account.

Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and ACH transfers?

Usually, but not always. Most refunds use ACH transfers and your standard routing number. Wire transfers sometimes require a different routing number. Ask the organization sending your money which type of transfer they are using, and call your branch if you need the wire routing number.

What if I provide the wrong routing number?

The transfer will likely be rejected and returned to the sender. The sending organization will usually contact you to ask for the correct number and resend the money. This can add one to two weeks to your timeline. Always double-check your routing number against a check or your online banking account before submitting it.

Do I need a different routing number if I moved to a different state?

Only if you closed your old account and opened a new one in the new state. If you kept the same account and just moved, your routing number stays the same. If you opened a new account, use the routing number for your new branch location.

Where do I find my routing number if I don't have checks?

Log into your Fifth Third Bank online account and look for account details or account information. The routing number is usually listed there. You can also call customer service at the number on your debit card or bank statement, or use the routing number lookup tool on the Fifth Third Bank website.