Brex + Fifth Third: A Significant Partnership and What It Means for Community Banks

January 14th, 2026

The recent partnership between Brex and Fifth Third Bank is making headlines in the commercial card space. While bank-fintech collaborations are not new, this one stands out for its scale and ambition. It’s a reminder that the competitive landscape is evolving and now is the time for banks to take a fresh look at their commercial card programs.

Why It Matters for Community Banks:
  • Client expectations are evolving: Businesses want automation, visibility, and AI-powered tools, not just a card and a statement.
  • Competitive pressure is real: When regional banks deploy fintech-powered platforms, community banks risk losing ground if they don’t modernize or work with modern partners.
  • Delivery still differentiates: Technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. How you deliver through onboarding, training, and ongoing support determines adoption and spend enablement. This is where community banks can thrive, leveraging their close relationships and personalized service to make new tools stick.
  • Revenue and retention opportunities: A strong commercial card program continues to have a strong business case of deepening relationships and driving fee income.
  • Build, Buy, or Partner? For most community banks, building a platform or buying a fintech outright is out of reach. That’s why partnering is critical. The right partner helps navigate the complexity of commercial cards, deliver real value, and bring modern solutions without sacrificing control of the client experience.

 

The commercial card industry remains an exciting space. After nearly 18 years in this business, we are still energized by the opportunities to bring best-in-class technology, strategy, and execution support to community banks. Strategic partnerships, whether with fintechs or service providers, are significant decisions that shape your future. At Scale Solutions Group, we’re passionate about helping banks make those decisions wisely and delivering real value to their clients.

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2026: The Year to Invest in Your Card Program

The bar for digital capabilities is rising. Reviewing and revitalizing your commercial card program now is one of the smartest investments you can make to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.

At Scale Solutions Group, we help banks design, launch, and optimize commercial card programs that compete in today’s market. From strategic planning to full program management, we’re your partner in growth.

Schedule a consultation today at https://www.scale-sg.com and let’s build a roadmap that positions your bank for success in the evolving commercial payments landscape.

– Nicole Slay & Julie Schmitz Co-Founders, Scale Solutions Group