Fifth Third Bank check deposit holds, including mobile deposits, are governed by U.S. Regulation CC (Expedited Funds Availability Act). This federal rule requires next-day availability for the first $225 of most deposits and specific items like cash or electronic payments, with local checks available no later than the second business day after deposit. Exceptions allow banks to extend holds up to the seventh business day for reasons like large deposits, new accounts, or reasonable doubt about collectibility, but notice must be provided at deposit. To complain, submit a written consumer claim to the bank with deposit details; it must act (release funds or explain) no later than the 10th business day after receipt. No Fifth Third-specific hold policy beyond these federal minimums was found in official sources.
Regulation CC: The Controlling Rule for Deposit Holds
Regulation CC sets the minimum funds availability timelines all U.S. banks, including Fifth Third, must follow. For most check deposits at a bank teller, the first $225 is available the next business day, with the remainder of local checks (drawn on the same bank or area) available no later than the second business day. Nonlocal checks follow a fifth business day schedule, though exceptions can extend this.
Exceptions under § 229.12 and § 229.13 permit longer holds, generally up to the seventh business day, for new accounts (under 30 days old), large deposits over $5,525 aggregate, repeated overdrafts, or reasonable cause to believe a check is uncollectible. Banks must provide intra-day notice of exception holds if not given at deposit, and cutoff times apply--such as 12:00 noon local time for ATM or off-premise deposits. These rules ensure compliance without guaranteeing faster access than the minimums.
| Deposit Type | Standard Availability | Exceptions (Up To) |
|---|---|---|
| First $225 (most deposits) | Next business day | Seventh business day |
| Local checks (remainder) | Second business day | Seventh business day |
| Cash, government, electronic | Next business day | Seventh business day |
What Does Not Control Deposit Holds
Deposit holds are distinct from credit card billing disputes, merchant refunds, wire transfers, or remittance rules, which follow separate frameworks. Fifth Third's mobile deposit page confirms app deposits with on-screen receipt but provides no hold policy details--Regulation CC still applies regardless of deposit method.
Bank policies align with but cannot shorten federal minimums; they may only extend under exceptions with notice. State laws are generally preempted by Regulation CC for availability schedules.
How to Complain About a Deposit Hold at Fifth Third
Contact Fifth Third first with a written consumer claim under Regulation CC § 229.54. Include your account number, deposit date, amount, check details, and why you believe the hold violates availability rules. The bank must determine validity and act--either release funds or provide notice with a copy of the check--no later than the 10th business day after the banking day it receives the claim.
Evidence checklist for your claim:
- Deposit receipt or mobile app confirmation.
- Any hold notice provided by the bank.
- Check images or copies.
- Account statements showing the deposit and hold.
- Proof of prior deposits or account history if claiming exception misuse.
If unresolved, escalate via CFPB complaint portal or your state's banking regulator. Regulation CC does not specify fees or damages for improper holds.
FAQ
Does Fifth Third have unique hold policies beyond Regulation CC?
No specific policy was found in official Fifth Third sources; it follows federal Regulation CC minimums, which allow exceptions.
What counts as a "business day" for holds?
Per Regulation CC, banking days exclude weekends, federal holidays, and non-processing days at the deposit location.
Can I get funds faster than the second business day?
Yes, for the first $225 and next-day items like cash; exceptions may delay the rest up to seven business days.
What if the bank doesn't respond in 10 days?
Document communications and escalate to CFPB or state regulator; continue tracking your claim.
Are mobile check deposits treated differently?
No, Regulation CC applies equally; confirm deposit via app but check for hold notices.