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Birmingham resident Troy Bishop visited his local Fifth Third branch to discuss financial goals with Amari Pressley after being surprised with a $53 gas card by Fifth Third team members. — Troy Bishop of Birmingham chats with Fifth Third Personal Banker Amari Pressley after learning about the bank through its gift card giveaway promotion. (Fifth Third Bank)

A new Birmingham bank has been making folks’ days lately, surprising people at gas pumps, grocery stores and restaurants and handing them $53 gift cards to cover costs.

No doubt it’s been a much-welcomed introduction by Fifth Third Bank to the lucky recipients in communities where the bank has opened new retail branches in late summer and early fall 2026.

Read on to learn about the bank’s new retail locations and recent pop-up gift card giveaways.

$53 gift card giveaways quick guide

Why is Fifth Third Bank giving away $53 gift cards in Birmingham?

Five Birmingham Fifth Third representatives gather outside a local grocery store, one of several places they have been surprising residents with $53 gift cards to raise awareness of the new Birmingham bank and its retail locations. — A Fifth Third team greets people at a grocery store near one of the new Birmingham bank branches. (Fifth Third Bank)

To make memorable introductions in the new neighborhoods they serve, Fifth Third team members show up with $53 surprise gift cards where people already spend their days and dollars—at grocery checkouts, restaurants and the gas pump.

While card recipients aren’t expected to do anything but enjoy the gift, the Fifth Third team loves it when they stop by one of the new retail centers.

For example, Birmingham resident Troy Bishop received a gift card while filling up his gas tank at a local Chevron and visited the team soon after.

“I couldn’t believe it when they handed me a $53 gift card. In a time when every dollar counts, it was such a thoughtful surprise. It’s not every day a bank takes the time to meet people in the community and simply do something kind.”
_{– Troy Bishop of Birmingham}

About a week later, Bishop stopped by the new Fifth Third Branch at Liberty Park, just north of The Summit, checked out the new space and chatted with a personal banker about homeownership goals and financial options.

Why are the free gift cards valued at $53?

Two Birmingham Fifth Third representatives show promotional material and $53 gift cards they've been surprising residents with outside restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores in Birmimgham and Huntsville. — Fifth Third team members surprise people with gift cards to cover their meals at the new Baha Burger, which is located near the bank’s new Patchwork Farms retail center. (Fifth Third Bank)

The amount of $53 represents the bank’s name. If you’re curious, “Why is it ‘Fifth Third?'” you can read all about the Fifth Third Bank name.

It also adds up to a generous “Hello and nice to meet you” for anyone going about their day, especially when you consider what $53 will cover:

⛽️ About 13 gallons of gas (at $3.96 gal.), or a fill-up for a small to mid-size car
🛒 A solid grocery starter kit of milk ($6), eggs ($5), bread ($3), butter ($5) + plenty left for extras
🌯 A few fast-casual workday lunches for you or to treat a friend

Beyond the math, it’s about relationships and community commitment for Fifth Third’s leaders:

“Our goal is to make a positive impact and demonstrate that we’re invested in the success of Alabama families. At Fifth Third, we believe banking is about building relationships, not just transactions. As we continue growing in Birmingham and Huntsville, we’re focused on meeting people where they are, listening to their needs and helping them take meaningful steps toward their financial goals.”
_{– Brittani White, Fifth Third Retail Leader for Alabama}

Where are Fifth Third’s new Birmingham bank branches?

Fifth Third Bank's Patchwork Farms location in Birmingham, which opened June 2026 and held a grand opening in August 2026 — Fifth Third’s new Patchwork Farms location is just south of the 280/I-459 intersection. (Fifth Third Bank)

Fifth Third launched its Alabama expansion in Birmingham back in 2024 with a commercial office, then opened a private banking office here in April 2026.

The Magic City’s first Fifth Third retail locations opened this summer and early fall, all located off the Highway 280 corridor southeast of the city:

Fifth Third Bank Tattersall Park, 6602 Tattersall Ln, Birmingham, AL 35242
Fifth Third Bank Patchwork Farms, 3010 Healthy Way, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Fifth Third Liberty Park, 3178 Rush St., Vestavia Hills, AL 35242

Fifth Third will ultimately have 15 locations throughout Alabama, including the current five now open in the Huntsville market. While it’s a relatively new Birmingham bank, Fifth Third’s roots go back to 1858. Based in Cincinnati, the bank operates approximately 1,100 branches and consistently ranks highly for excellent customer service.

Want to learn more about this new Birmingham bank? Stop by any of the new retail locations or visit the Fifth Third website at 53.com.

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