You can close a Regions checking account by phone, in person, or online, depending on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

Regions Bank lets you close a checking account through three main routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if your account is in good standing. The fastest method is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. Before you close, make sure any automatic payments tied to that account are moved to another bank account or cancelled, and that you've withdrawn or transferred any remaining balance. Regions will not charge you a fee to close the account.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're closing the account yourself or authorizing someone else to do it, and whether you have a zero balance or money still in the account. If you owe Regions money—through an overdraft or unpaid fees—they may hold the account open until the debt is resolved, or apply any remaining balance to what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667) to close your account by phone, or visit any Regions branch with your ID to close in person.
  • Move or cancel any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers before closing, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees.
  • Withdraw your remaining balance or request a check from Regions; they will not automatically return money after the account closes.
  • If you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, Regions may delay closure or use any remaining funds to settle what you owe.
  • After closure, keep your final statement and confirmation of closure for your records, especially if you had automatic payments pending.

Closing by phone or in person

The fastest way to close your account is to call Regions customer service at 1-800-734-4667 (1-800-regions). Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and walk you through the closure. If you have money in the account, they will ask how you want it handled: as a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another bank account, or a withdrawal at a branch. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If you prefer to close in person, visit any Regions branch with your ID and ask to speak with a banker about closing your account. Bring your account number if you have it. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw cash immediately or if you have questions about pending transactions. Branches are open Monday through Friday, and many locations have Saturday hours; call ahead to confirm your local branch's schedule.

What to do with automatic payments before you close

Any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to your Regions checking account will fail once the account closes. This can trigger late fees from your creditors, missed paychecks in your records, or overdraft fees if the payment attempts bounce. Before you close, log into your Regions online banking or call customer service to review all active transactions tied to the account.

For each automatic payment, either update it to point to your new bank account or cancel it with the company charging you. Common examples include utilities, insurance, loan payments, and subscription services. For direct deposits (like your paycheck), contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number at least one pay period before closure. Do not rely on Regions to notify your billers—that is your responsibility.

Handling your remaining balance

If you have money left in the account when you close, you must tell Regions what to do with it. They will not automatically transfer it or hold it. Your options are: request a check mailed to your address (usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days), transfer the funds to another bank account (if you provide routing and account numbers), or withdraw cash at a branch before closure.

If you close the account and leave a balance behind without instructing Regions, the bank may hold the funds in an unclaimed property account and eventually report them to your state's unclaimed property program. You can reclaim the money, but it requires filing a claim with your state. To avoid this, always confirm the balance is zero or accounted for before the closure is final.

What happens if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees

If your account is overdrawn or you have unpaid fees, Regions may refuse to close the account until the debt is settled. In some cases, they will apply any remaining balance in the account toward what you owe. For example, if you have $50 in the account but owe $75 in overdraft fees, Regions will deduct the $50 and you will still owe $25.

If Regions will not close your account due to an outstanding balance, you have two options: pay the debt in full and then request closure, or contact Regions to negotiate a settlement. Once the debt is resolved, you can proceed with closure. Ask for written confirmation that the balance has been paid and that the account is now may be able to access for closure.

Confirming closure and keeping records

After your account is closed, Regions will send you a final statement showing the closure date and the final balance. Keep this statement along with any confirmation email or letter from Regions. If you closed by phone, ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call. This documentation protects you if a payment attempt fails after closure or if a biller claims they never received your account change notice.

Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account is marked as closed by the customer (not by the bank due to inactivity or other reasons). You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account shows as closed for any reason other than customer request, contact Regions to correct it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Regions account if I have a negative balance?

No. Regions will not close an overdrawn account. You must pay the negative balance first, either by depositing funds or allowing Regions to deduct the amount from another account you hold with them. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can request closure.

What if I have a pending check or transfer that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait for all pending transactions to clear before closing. If you close with outstanding checks or transfers, they may bounce and trigger overdraft fees. Ask Regions to hold the account open for 30 days after closure to allow pending items to clear, or close only after you confirm all transactions have posted.

Do I need to close the account in person, or can I do it entirely by phone?

You can close entirely by phone for most accounts. In-person closure is not required unless Regions suspects fraud or you have a joint account where both owners must authorize closure. If you have questions during the phone call, you can always visit a branch afterward.

How long does it take for my account to fully close?

The closure request is processed immediately, but the account may remain in the system for 30 to 60 days to allow pending transactions to clear. You will not be able to use the debit card or access online banking after the initial closure, but Regions keeps the account open in the background briefly to catch any stragglers.

What if I change my mind after closing?

If you close your account and then need it back within a few days, contact Regions immediately. Some banks can reopen accounts within a short window, though this depends on how far the closure process has advanced. After 30 days, reopening is unlikely, and you would need to open a new account instead.