Since 2005, Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, and Fifth Third Bank have helped families save for their children’s future education. With the 529 saving accounts and 529 Certificate of Deposits (CDs) offered through Fifth Third, more conservative investors and families whose children will soon start their education after high school can enjoy the security of these FDIC-insured options as well as the tax benefits of placing their college savings in Ohio’s 529 Plan.
New 529 savings account and 529 CD rates
Effective Thursday, March 28, the rate for two terms of Fifth Third 529 CDs will increase. Due to the processing of CD purchases, these adjustments will go into effect for any CD purchases received in good order after 4 p.m. EST Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The rates for the Fifth Third 529 Certificates of Deposit (CD) are:
- For the 6-11 Month 529 CD, the new rate will be 5.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY), increased from 4.75%.
- For the 24-35 Month 529 CD, the new rate will be 3.50% APY, up from 1.75%.
For the current rates of all Fifth Third FDIC Insured Options, visit Fees and Facts.
How to save in the Fifth Third banking options in Ohio 529
If you would like to open a Fifth Third 529 savings account or 529 CD, you will first need to open a CollegeAdvantage Direct 529 Plan. It’s simple to go online to open an account in minutes and choose to invest in a Fifth Third Savings Account or purchase a Fifth Third 529 CD. The minimum contribution to open a Fifth Third 529 CD, at any term, is $500. You cannot buy a CD with payroll deduction or automatic recurring contributions.
Current CollegeAdvantage Direct 529 Plan account owners can open a Fifth Third 529 savings account or purchase a CD online. Log in to your Direct Plan account. For savings accounts, select this option and make your initial deposit. To purchase a Fifth Third 529 CD, make a one-time electronic contribution of $500 or more from your bank account to buy a CD. When you select a CD, choose the term of maturity that best fits your family’s needs.
After logging in, you can also go to “Change Your Investment Options” section to exchange a current investment with the $500 minimum to buy a CD or at any amount to open a savings account. Another option is to download an Additional Contribution Form and mail it with a check to fund the savings account or purchase a CD.
It will take two business days to complete the transaction to open a Fifth Third 529 Savings Account or 529 CD. Accordingly, the FDIC-insured investment option will receive the APY in effect on the business day following the receipt of a contribution, which must be received in good order before 4 p.m. EST on any given business day.
Once the 529 CD reaches the end of its term, the balance will automatically transfer to a Fifth Third 529 Savings Account in three to five business days. At this point, you can make a withdrawal or exchange the funds to another Fifth Third 529 CD or any other Ohio 529 investment option. You can also opt to leave the money in the savings account to earn interest. If the 529 CD is liquidated prior to its date of maturity, penalties will be assessed. A chart of the penalties can be found here.
Both the Fifth Third 529 Savings Account and the Fifth Third 529 CDs are FDIC-insured investment options to certain limits.
Ohio’s 529 Plan has tools to help you determine how much to save for future education expenses as well as age-based savings strategies. Remember, it’s cheaper to save for college now, earn interest in a 529 account and use those savings to pay for college versus paying for student loans with accumulated interest later.
Visit Ohio’s 529 Plan to start saving today for your child’s future education with as little as $25. A 529 account can be used for whatever school comes after high school—including four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, tech, trade or vocational schools, apprenticeships, and certificate programs. Learn, plan, and start with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at CollegeAdvantage.com.
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