You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Regions checking account through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch
Regions Bank lets you add another person to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has full control and legal responsibility) or as an authorized user (who can access and use the account but you remain the primary account holder). The method you choose depends on how much control you want to give them and what your relationship is. The fastest route is usually online banking if you already have access set up, but you can also call the bank or visit a branch in person.
Before you start, have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Regions will verify their identity as part of the process, so accuracy matters. If you are adding a minor, the rules are different — minors cannot be joint owners, only authorized users, and you will need to be present in person at a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account and can make all decisions; authorized users can access funds but you remain the primary account holder.
- You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them, and Regions will verify their identity.
- Online banking is the fastest method if available on your account type, but you can also call Regions or visit a branch in person.
- Minors cannot be joint owners; they can only be added as authorized users, and you must complete the process in person at a branch.
- Adding someone to your account does not automatically give them access to online banking — you may need to set up separate login credentials for them afterward.
Adding a joint owner through online banking
Log into your Regions online banking account and look for an option labeled "Manage Account," "Account Settings," or "Add User" — the exact wording varies by account type. Select your checking account from the list, then choose the option to add a joint owner. You will be asked to enter the other person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. Regions will run a verification check, which usually takes a few minutes but can take longer if there is a mismatch in the information.
Once you submit the request, Regions will send a confirmation to both you and the person you are adding. They may need to verify their identity through a separate step — this could mean answering security questions, confirming recent transactions, or providing additional documentation. The entire process typically takes one to three business days. After approval, the joint owner will have the same access to the account as you do, including the ability to withdraw funds, open linked accounts, and change account settings.
Adding an authorized user by phone or in person
Call Regions customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your account statement. Tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They will verify your identity first, then ask for the other person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The representative can often complete this over the phone, though Regions may mail you a form to sign and return depending on your account type and the person you are adding.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Regions branch with your ID and bring the other person with you if possible. The branch staff can add them on the spot in most cases. Bring their Social Security number and date of birth written down so you have it ready. In-person additions often complete faster than phone requests because the branch can verify both of your identities immediately and have you sign any required paperwork right there.
The difference between joint owners and authorized users
A joint owner has full legal ownership of the account. They can deposit money, withdraw funds, close the account, change the account type, add or remove other users, and make decisions about overdraft protection or linked services. If you die, the account automatically passes to the joint owner. Both of you are equally responsible for any overdraft fees or negative balances. Joint ownership is common for spouses, long-term partners, or adult children managing finances together.
An authorized user can access the account and use a debit card or online banking to view balances and make transfers, but they cannot change account settings, add other users, or close the account. You remain the primary account holder and retain full control. Authorized users are often adult children, caregivers, or trusted family members who need to help manage the account but should not have decision-making power. If you die, the authorized user loses access to the account.
Setting up online banking access for the new account user
Adding someone to your account and giving them online banking access are two separate steps. After Regions adds them as a joint owner or authorized user, they will need to set up their own online banking login. They can do this by visiting the Regions website, clicking "Enroll" or "New User," and entering their Social Security number and account information. Regions will send them a verification code by email or text message to confirm their identity.
If they have trouble setting up online access, they can call Regions customer service or visit a branch in person with their ID. Some account types require the primary account holder to authorize online access before the new user can set it up, so you may need to log into your own account and approve it first. Check your account settings or call the bank to confirm what step is needed for your specific account type.
Adding a minor to your checking account
Minors cannot be joint owners of a Regions checking account. You can add them as an authorized user only, and you must do this in person at a branch — it cannot be done online or over the phone. Bring your ID and the minor's birth certificate or state ID. You will need to sign a form authorizing them as a user on your account.
Once added, the minor can use a debit card and access online banking (if you set it up for them), but you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all account activity. Some Regions branches offer student checking accounts or youth accounts designed specifically for minors, which may have different features or limits. Ask the branch staff whether one of those options might be better for your situation before adding a minor to your personal checking account.
What happens if you want to remove someone later
You can remove a joint owner or authorized user from your account through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch. If you remove a joint owner, they lose access to the account immediately, but they may still be liable for any overdrafts or negative balances that occurred while they were an owner. If you remove an authorized user, they lose access to the account and any debit card linked to it.
If the person you want to remove is a joint owner and you are concerned they might dispute the removal or take legal action, consider visiting a branch in person so there is a record of your request and the date it was processed. For authorized users, a phone call or online request is usually sufficient. Regions will send a confirmation to both you and the removed user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Yes, you can add an authorized user or joint owner online or by phone without them present. Regions will verify their identity separately after you provide their information. However, if you are adding a minor, you must visit a branch in person with the minor and their birth certificate or ID.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the account goes into overdraft or negative balance, that could be reported and affect your credit if Regions sends it to collections.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Regions requires a Social Security number to add someone to your account. If the person has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, call Regions customer service to ask whether they can use that. Requirements vary, and you may need to visit a branch in person to complete the process.
Can I add someone to my account if they bank somewhere else?
Yes. The other person does not need to have a Regions account already. They just need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address so Regions can verify their identity. Once added, they can use your Regions account even if they keep their own account at another bank.
How long does it take to add someone to my account?
Online requests typically take one to three business days. Phone requests may take one to five business days depending on whether Regions needs to mail you a form. In-person additions at a branch usually complete the same day. The timeline can be longer if there is a mismatch in the information you provide or if Regions needs additional verification.