Comerica Incorporated is an American financial services company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is the parent of Comerica Bank, a regional commercial bank with 413 branches in the U.S. states of Texas, Michigan, California, Florida and Arizona. Comerica is among the largest U.S. financial holding companies, with offices in a number of U.S. cities.
In October 2025, Fifth Third Bank announced that it would acquire Comerica, in a deal that closed on February 1, 2026.
History
1800s
At the start of 1849, there were just three banks in Detroit: Farmers & Mechanics' Bank, Michigan Insurance Company Bank, and the State Bank of Michigan. These three banks were commercial banks that served the business community. On August17, 1849, Comerica was founded in Detroit by Elon Farnsworth, a lawyer and politician, as the Detroit Savings Fund Institute. Michigan Governor Epaphroditus Ransom signed an act authorizing the formation of the institute. Ransom also appointed 11 men of high repute to serve as trustees. These men served unpaid. The institute's first location was an office that was adjacent and owned by Mariners’ Church.
In 1871, the state of Michigan passed a new law meant to encourage the formation of banks that offered both savings and commercial services.
In 1956, the company merged with Birmingham National Bank, Ferndale National Bank and Detroit Wabeek Bank and Trust Company to form The Detroit Bank & Trust Company.
In 1982, Comerica entered the Florida market. In 1983, it began the acquisition process for its hometown rival, Bank of the Commonwealth of Michigan. In the same year, Comerica entered California and Texas markets by offering auto financing services. It strengthened its entrance into the Texas market in 1988 when it acquired Grand Bancshares.
In 1991, the bank expanded to California by acquiring Plaza Commerce Bancorp and InBancshares.
In 1992, the bank merged with a similarly sized Detroit-based bank, Manufacturers National Corporation. The merger of Comerica and Manufacturers created one of the country's 25 largest bank holding companies.
In 1996, the bank sold its Illinois operation to LaSalle Bank parent ABN Amro for $190 million.
In 1998, the bank signed a 30-year $66 million agreement for the naming rights to Comerica Park in downtown Detroit, home to the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. A year later, Comerica would celebrate its 150th anniversary.
21st century
In 2000, Comerica sold its credit card division to MBNA and formed an alliance with the company.
In 2001, the bank acquired Imperial Bank of California, which also had branches in Arizona.
In late 2004, the bank began a plan to diversify its operations by opening new banking centers in strong growth markets, primarily in Texas and California. In August, the company announced that it selected 1717 Main Street in Downtown Dallas. The company executives began moving into the new location in November 2007 and the building was renamed Comerica Tower.
In January 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury selected the company as the issuing bank for its Direct Express debit card program. The federal government uses the Express Debit product to issue electronic payments, such as Social Security benefits, to people who do not have bank accounts.
In July 2011, the bank acquired Sterling Bank of Texas for $1.03 billion. The acquisition virtually tripled Comerica's market share in Houston and provided entry into the San Antonio and Kerrville regions.
Comerica celebrated a historic milestone in 2019, marking its 170th anniversary.
In May 2021, the bank announced that it would provide $5billion in small business loans from 2021 to 2023.
Comerica expanded into North Carolina with the creation of its new Southeast Market in August 2021. With market headquarters in Raleigh, along with offices in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, the Southeast Market supports Wealth and Commercial Bank customers based in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The report caused Comerica's stock price to fall. existing Fifth Third shareholders would own about 73% of the combined company, and existing Comerica shareholders would own about 27%. The combined entity would be the ninth-largest bank in the United States, and is reportedly expected to phase out the Comerica brand by 2027. Comerica began to lay off Michigan employees in January 2026 in preparation for the merger.
On February 1, 2026, Fifth Third and Comerica Bank merged and created the ninth-largest U.S. Bank with about $294 billion in assets. Fifth Third will now operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing large markets in the country, including key regions in the Southeast, Texas and California, while solidifying its leadership in the Midwest, the company said in a news release.
Naming rights and sponsorships
- Comerica Park, a ballpark in Detroit, home to the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (2000–present)
- Comerica Theatre in Phoenix (2010–2019)
- Comerica Bank New Year's Parade in Dallas (2007–2010)
- Comerica Bank Free Prix Day at the Detroit Grand Prix (2014–2025)
- Presenting sponsor of the Fox Theatre in Detroit (2021–present)