Fifth Third Truly Simple Credit Card Review

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Fifth Third Truly Simple Credit Card Overview

The Truly Simple credit card from Fifth Third Bank is, as advertised, a simple credit card that’s good for everyday purchases. There are no bells and whistles, like cash back or travel rewards points, but the introductory APR of 0% for 18 months makes it attractive for both new purchases and balance transfers.

Key Features

Here’s how the Truly Simple credit card stacks up in four key areas.

Annual Fee

The Truly Simple credit card has no annual fee.

The balance transfer fee is $5 or 4% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater, which is a little higher than many cards. There’s also an international transaction fee of 3% of each transaction, a cash advance fee of the greater of $10 or 5% of the advance amount, and a convenience check fee of the greater of $5 or 4% of the amount of the check. The late payment fee is up to $40.

Length of Introductory APR Period for Purchases

This card has an 18-month introductory rate of 0% APR, so you’ll pay no interest on purchases or balance transfers for the first year and a half that you have the card.

The regular interest rate on the Truly Simple credit card ranges from 14.99%-25.99% APY, depending on your creditworthiness. This is less than many major credit cards, especially if you qualify for the lowest rate.

Length of Introductory APR Period for Balance Transfers

When you’re shopping for a credit card to transfer your high-interest balances, there are a few things to look at. One is the interest rate, which is where this card excels. It has an 18-month introductory rate for balance transfers. If you still have a balance after the introductory period, the regular interest rate can be anywhere between 14.99%-25.99% APR. The card’s intro APR and starting APR are both great deals.

The third factor, which is often overlooked, is the balance transfer fee. The Truly Simple card charges a 4% balance transfer fee, with a minimum of $5. So if you’re transferring a $1,000 balance, you’ll pay $40 to do it. Some cards have a lower balance transfer fee during the introductory period, so do the math on the transfer(s) you plan to make and see which card comes out best for you.

Accessibility

The Truly Simple credit card is available to anyone who qualifies. You don’t need to be a customer of Fifth Third Bank to apply, although you will need to visit a branch or call if you’re not already a customer.

How the Fifth Third Truly Simple Credit Card Stands Out

This is a great card for you if you have balances on high-interest-rate cards that you want to pay off. Transfer the balance on your high-interest card to your Truly Simple card and take 18 months to pay it off. You’ll pay no interest for that year and a half, giving you lots of time to pay the whole balance.

Even if you do carry a balance after the introductory period has ended, it won’t be as bad as it would be with some cards. The regular interest rate of 14.99%-25.99% APR is pretty reasonable.

Comparable Balance Transfer Credit Card Options

To help you decide whether the Truly Simple credit card is the best option for you, here’s a look at other cards you might consider.

Citi Simplicity® Card

The Citi Simplicity card offers a 0% introductory APR for 21 months, but once that intro period is up, you’ll pay anywhere between APR. You’ll pay a balance transfer fee of the greater of 3% or $5 for transfers made within the first four months of card ownership, and after that, you’ll pay a fee of the greater of $5% or $5.

The Citi Simplicity card does not offer rewards.

Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

The Discover it Cash Back card offers a 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months. After that, you’ll pay APR. During the introductory period, the balance transfer fee is 3%, and after that, it’s 5%. This card has no annual fee.

You get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in everyday purchases in different categories if you activate them each quarter, plus 1% cash back on everything else. And Discover matches the cash back you earn in the first year.

How To Apply for the Fifth Third Truly Simple Credit Card

If you are a Fifth Third customer, you can apply for the Truly Simple credit card online. If you are not a customer, you’ll need to go into a branch or call Fifth Third to apply.

Who the Fifth Third Truly Simple Credit Card Is Best For

The Truly Simple credit card is best for people who are carrying a balance on a high-interest-rate card and want to pay it off.

Final Take

Get the Truly Simple credit card to get rid of those high-interest balances you can’t seem to get ahead of. But here’s a tip: Make sure you don’t rack up more charges. Once you get those balances paid off, keep paying off your card every month. Keep in mind that you won’t be getting cash back or rewards points.

Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Oct. 3, 2022.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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