News Summary
Fifth Third Bank plans to establish a new branch in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, by 2026, as part of a larger strategy to open 15 locations across the state. This expansion reflects the bank’s commitment to enhancing its services and customer experience in response to the growing demand in the region. The modern design of the new branch will promote a welcoming atmosphere, aligning with the bank’s focus on customer-centric services. Fifth Third Bank aims to strengthen its market presence and meet the needs of new residents and communities in Alabama.
Fifth Third Bank to Expand in Alabama with New Branch in Vestavia Hills by 2026
Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, is set to further establish its presence in Alabama with plans to open a new branch in the Liberty Park community of Vestavia Hills by the second half of 2026. This new facility will be conveniently located at 3178 Rush St., on an outparcel of the Publix shopping center. The planned branch will feature a modern design encompassing 1,900 square feet, with an open layout and modular seating, moving away from traditional teller lines to enhance customer experience.
Expansion Plans in Alabama
The bank’s growth strategy includes the opening of a total of 15 branches across Alabama within the next three years. This expansion will see 10 branches established in the Huntsville metro area and five in the Birmingham metro area. Fifth Third Bank inaugurated its first Alabama branch in Huntsville on August 12, 2025, marking the beginning of its footprint in the state.
National Growth Strategy
Fifth Third Bank has plans to open 200 new retail locations nationwide by 2028, with a focus on the rapidly growing Southeast markets, where 80% of the new locations are already secured. The bank has reported that branches opened between 2022 and 2024 experienced average deposit balances exceeding $25 million in their first year, which surpassed their expectations. With projections of deposit growth between $15 billion to $20 billion over the next seven years, the bank anticipates continued success in expanding its services in the Southeast.
Alabama’s Growing Appeal
Fifth Third Bank has identified Alabama as an attractive market for expansion, notably because of a significant increase in new residents. According to U.S. Census data, over 26,000 people moved to Alabama in 2024. This influx supports the bank’s strategic decision to invest in the community and enhance its availability of services to meet the needs of new customers.
Customer-Focused Services
The bank’s approach to design reflects a commitment to being tech-forward while providing a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The branches are intended to facilitate a customer-friendly environment, promoting open spaces rather than traditional closed offices. Fifth Third Bank aims to develop a top-five market share in each community it serves and plans to hire up to 80 new employees across its branch locations.
In addition to basic banking services, Fifth Third Bank emphasizes its community-oriented approach by offering distinctive services like identity protection and access to estate planning resources through strategic partnerships. The bank aims to tailor its offerings to meet the specific needs of the communities it serves, reflecting an emphasis on a relationship-based banking model.
Background on Fifth Third Bank
Established with over 1,100 branch locations and more than 2,400 ATMs across 12 states, Fifth Third Bank’s expansion into Alabama is part of a broader strategy that began in 2018, which includes notable expansions into Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, and now Alabama. The bank remains dedicated to providing innovative and relevant banking solutions, ensuring growth in new territories while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and community involvement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Vestavia Voice: Fifth Third Bank Plans to Build Bank Branch in Liberty Park
- AL.com: This National Bank Chain is Opening the First of 15 Planned Alabama Locations Today
- Banking Dive: Fifth Third Expanding to Alabama Aims to Show Up Differently
- Wikipedia: Fifth Third Bank
- Google Search: Fifth Third Bank expansion Alabama

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


