Where to send your Fifth Third auto loan payment
Fifth Third Bank accepts auto loan payments through three main channels: online through your Fifth Third account, by phone, or by mail. The fastest and most direct route is logging into your Fifth Third online banking portal or mobile app, where you can schedule a one-time payment or set up automatic payments that deduct from your checking or savings account on a date you choose.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the customer service number on your loan statement or on the back of your Fifth Third debit card. A representative will walk you through the payment over the phone and can process it when ready. Payments made online or by phone typically post to your account within one business day.
For mailed payments, write a check to Fifth Third Bank and include your loan account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address printed on your monthly statement — this address is specific to your loan account, so do not use a branch address. Mailed payments take 5 to 7 business days to reach the bank and post to your account, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and let you choose the payment date, making them the fastest option.
- Phone payments process when ready when you call the customer service number on your statement, and a representative confirms the amount before charging your account.
- Mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days to post, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- Your loan account number must appear on any payment you send, whether online, by phone, or by mail, so the bank can match it to your account.
- Setting up automatic payments through online banking removes the need to remember your due date and prevents accidental late payments.
Setting up automatic payments through Fifth Third online banking
Automatic payments are the easiest way to may support you never miss a due date. Log into your Fifth Third online banking account, navigate to the "Payments" or "Bill Pay" section, and select your auto loan from the list of accounts. Choose the amount you want to pay each month — you can pay the full statement balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment — and select the date the payment should come out of your checking or savings account.
Fifth Third allows you to schedule automatic payments to begin when ready or on a future date. Once set up, the payment will recur on that date every month unless you cancel it. You can modify or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account, and you will receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
If you do not have online banking set up yet, you can enroll through the Fifth Third website or at any Fifth Third branch. You will need your account number and Social Security number to register. Once enrolled, you can access your account 24 hours a day and manage payments from any device with internet access.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
A payment is considered late if it does not post to your account by the due date shown on your statement. Fifth Third typically allows a grace period of 10 to 15 days after the due date before reporting the late payment to credit bureaus, but you will incur a late fee when ready. Late fees for auto loans vary but typically range from $25 to $35 depending on your loan agreement.
If you miss a payment, contact Fifth Third as soon as possible. Call the customer service number on your statement and explain your situation. The bank may be able to work with you on a payment arrangement or defer a payment to the end of your loan term, though this will extend the total time you owe money and increase the total interest you pay.
Repeated late payments or payments that are 30 or more days overdue can result in your loan being reported as delinquent to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If your account reaches 120 days past due, Fifth Third may begin repossession proceedings on the vehicle. Staying current on payments protects both your credit and your ability to keep the car.
Making a lump-sum payment or paying off your loan early
You can pay more than your monthly payment at any time without penalty. Fifth Third does not charge a prepayment fee for auto loans, so sending extra money toward your loan reduces the principal balance and the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. A lump-sum payment can be made online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as a regular payment.
When you make a payment larger than your monthly statement balance, specify in the payment instructions or tell the phone representative that the extra amount should go toward principal. This ensures the overpayment reduces what you owe rather than being held as a credit toward future payments. If you are paying online, you will see an option to enter a custom payment amount.
To pay off your loan in full before the end of the term, contact Fifth Third and ask for a payoff quote. This quote includes the exact amount needed to close the loan, including any accrued interest through the payoff date. Payoff quotes are typically valid for 10 to 15 days, so act quickly if you plan to use one. Once the payoff amount is received and posted, your loan will be closed and the lien on your vehicle will be released.
Understanding your payment due date and statement
Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement and is the same date each month. Fifth Third sends statements by mail or email, depending on your preference — you can change this in your online account settings. The statement shows your current balance, the minimum payment due, the due date, and a breakdown of how much of your payment goes toward principal versus interest.
The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the statement closing date. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Fifth Third extends the important date to the next business day. Payments must post by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date to be considered on time, so online payments scheduled for the due date itself should be submitted by mid-morning to may support they process by end of day.
If you want to change your due date to align with your paycheck or other income, contact Fifth Third customer service. The bank can usually move your due date within a few business days, though this may shift your next payment date by a week or two. Changing your due date does not affect your interest rate or loan term.
Troubleshooting common payment issues
If you scheduled a payment online but do not see it reflected in your account within one business day, log back into your online banking and check the payment status. Payments typically show as "pending" for a few hours before posting. If the status shows "failed," the most common reason is insufficient funds in the account you chose to pay from — verify your account balance and resubmit the payment.
If you received a late fee but believe your payment was on time, contact Fifth Third with proof of the payment date. If you paid by check, provide the check number and the date you mailed it. If you paid online, provide a screenshot of the confirmation showing the payment date and amount. The bank will investigate and may reverse the fee if the payment was indeed sent on time but delayed in processing.
If you are having trouble accessing your online account or the payment system is not accepting your payment method, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then log in again. If the problem persists, call Fifth Third customer service — they can process a payment over the phone when ready and help troubleshoot any technical issues with your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Fifth Third auto loan with a credit card?
Fifth Third does not accept credit card payments for auto loans through their standard payment channels. You must pay from a checking or savings account, by check, or by phone. Some third-party payment processors allow credit card payments for auto loans, but they charge a fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount — which makes this option more expensive than paying directly from your bank account.
What time of day do online payments post to my account?
Online payments typically post within one business day, but the exact time varies. Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time usually post the next business day by mid-morning. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. may not post until the following business day. If your due date is tomorrow, call Fifth Third instead of using online banking to may support your payment processes in time.
Do I need to include anything with my mailed check besides the check itself?
Write your loan account number on the check itself in the memo line. Do not send your statement or any other documents — the account number is all Fifth Third needs to match the payment to your loan. Use the payment address on your statement, not a branch address, to may support the check reaches the correct processing center.
Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?
Fifth Third's automatic payment system requires you to choose a fixed amount each month. If your payment amount changes — for example, if you have a variable interest rate — you will need to manually adjust the automatic payment amount through your online account or contact customer service to update it. You can change the automatic payment amount at any time without penalty.
What happens to my automatic payment if I pay off my loan early?
Once your loan is paid off and closed, any scheduled automatic payments will stop. Fifth Third will send you a confirmation that the loan is closed and the lien on your vehicle has been released. If you have an automatic payment scheduled for after the payoff date, cancel it through your online account to avoid any confusion.