You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Regions checking account through the bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person
Regions Bank lets you add someone to your account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has equal rights to the account and its funds) or as an authorized user (who can access and use the account but does not legally own it). The method you choose depends on whether you want the other person to have full ownership rights or limited access. Both options can be set up quickly, though the exact process and timeline vary depending on which route you take and whether you do it online or in a branch.
The person you add will need to provide identification and may need to pass a verification step. If you are adding someone who is not already a Regions customer, the bank may require additional information. Once the addition is complete, the other person can typically access the account immediately through their own login or debit card, depending on what permissions you set.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account and all its money; authorized users can access the account but do not own it.
- You can add someone online through Regions' website or mobile app, by phone, or by visiting a branch with the other person present.
- The person you add will need a valid ID and may need to verify their identity through Regions' security process.
- Joint owners typically appear on account statements and can make all decisions about the account; authorized users may have limits on what they can do.
- The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours if done online or by phone, or immediately if done in person at a branch.
Adding a joint owner through Regions Online or the mobile app
If you want to add a joint owner and both of you already have Regions accounts, you can start the process through Regions Online (the bank's website) or the Regions Mobile app. Log in to your account, look for the account settings or account management section, and find the option to add an account owner or authorized user. You will need the other person's Regions customer ID or the phone number associated with their account.
The other person will receive a notification that they have been added and will need to accept the addition through their own login. Once they accept, they will have full access to the account and can see all transactions, make transfers, and manage the account just as you can. This process typically takes a few minutes to complete, though it may take a few hours for the change to appear across all of Regions' systems.
If the person you want to add does not yet have a Regions account, you will need to have them open one first before you can add them as a joint owner through the app or website. Alternatively, you can visit a branch together and add them in person, which may be faster if they are not yet a customer.
Adding a joint owner or authorized user at a Regions branch
Visiting a branch in person is often the fastest way to add someone to your account, especially if they do not yet have a Regions account. Bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and have the other person bring theirs as well. A Regions representative will verify both identities, confirm that you want to add them to the account, and process the change on the spot.
At the branch, you can also discuss whether a joint owner or authorized user setup makes more sense for your situation. A representative can explain the differences in detail and help you understand what each person will be able to do with the account. If you are adding someone who is not yet a Regions customer, the branch can open an account for them at the same time, which streamlines the process.
The change is usually active immediately after you leave the branch, though it may take a few hours to show up in online banking. Debit cards for the new account holder may take five to ten business days to arrive by mail, or you can request an expedited card at the branch if Regions offers that service at your location.
Adding an authorized user by phone
You can also call Regions Customer Service to add an authorized user to your account. Have your account number and the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity and may ask security questions to confirm you are the account owner.
Adding someone by phone is usually faster than waiting for online processing but slower than doing it in person. The representative can answer questions about what permissions the authorized user will have and whether a joint owner or authorized user setup is right for you. After the call, you will receive a confirmation, and the change should be active within a few hours.
If you are adding someone who does not have a Regions account, the phone representative may direct you to open an account for them first or to visit a branch to complete the process. Some account setups require in-person verification that cannot be done over the phone.
The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user
A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and all the money in it. Both owners can withdraw funds, make transfers, close the account, or change account settings without permission from the other owner. If one owner dies, the account typically passes to the surviving owner. Joint owners are both responsible for any overdrafts or fees on the account. Both names appear on the account statement and any debit cards issued.
An authorized user can access the account and use a debit card but does not legally own the account or its funds. The account owner retains full control and can set limits on what the authorized user can do—for example, limiting daily withdrawal amounts or restricting certain types of transactions. An authorized user cannot close the account or change account settings. The account owner can remove an authorized user at any time without their consent. Authorized users may or may not appear on the account statement, depending on Regions' settings.
Choose a joint owner if you want the other person to have equal say in how the account is managed and equal claim to the money. Choose an authorized user if you want to give someone access to the account for convenience (such as a family member who helps with bills) but want to keep control yourself.
What happens after someone is added to your account
Once the other person is added, they can log into Regions Online or the mobile app using their own credentials and see the account. They will be able to view transactions, make transfers, and use a debit card (if one is issued to them). If they are a joint owner, they can also change account settings and add or remove other users. If they are an authorized user, their access may be limited depending on what you or the bank has set.
The other person will receive their own debit card by mail within five to ten business days, unless you request expedited delivery at a branch. They can use this card to withdraw cash, make purchases, and access the account at ATMs. If they need immediate access, Regions may be able to issue a temporary card at a branch or add them to your existing card temporarily.
You will continue to receive account statements and notifications as usual. If you have set up alerts for large transactions or low balances, those alerts will still come to you. You can set up additional alerts or change notification settings at any time through Regions Online or the mobile app.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove a joint owner or authorized user from your account in the future, you can do so through Regions Online, the mobile app, by phone, or at a branch. Removing a joint owner is more complex than removing an authorized user because a joint owner has equal legal rights to the account. Regions may require both owners to agree to the removal, or they may have specific procedures for removing a joint owner unilaterally—contact the bank to understand your options.
Removing an authorized user is straightforward: you can do it yourself through online banking or by calling customer service, and the authorized user does not need to consent. The removal is usually immediate, though it may take a few hours to process across all systems. Any debit card issued to the removed person will stop working, though they may still be able to access the account if they have online login credentials (you can change the password to prevent this).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Regions account yet?
Yes. You can visit a branch together and Regions can open an account for them at the same time you add them to your checking account. You can also add them through online banking or by phone once they have opened their own Regions account. If you want to add them quickly without them opening a separate account first, visiting a branch is the fastest option.
Will the person I add be able to see all my transactions and account history?
Yes, if they are a joint owner or authorized user, they will see all transactions and the full account history. If you want to keep some transactions private, a joint account is not the right choice. Consider whether you need a separate account for personal expenses or whether an authorized user with limited permissions would work better.
What if I want to add someone but don't want them to have a debit card?
You can add someone as an authorized user or joint owner without issuing them a debit card. They will still be able to access the account online and make transfers, but they will not be able to make purchases or withdraw cash at an ATM. Contact Regions to confirm this option is available for your account type.
How long does it take to add someone to my account?
If you do it in person at a branch, it usually takes a few minutes and is active immediately. If you do it online or by phone, it typically takes a few hours to a few minutes, depending on whether the other person needs to verify their identity or accept the addition. Debit cards take five to ten business days to arrive by mail.
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
No. Regions requires the person being added to verify their identity and, in most cases, to accept the addition to the account. If you are adding a joint owner through online banking, they will receive a notification and must accept it. If you are adding someone in person at a branch, they must be present with a valid ID. You cannot add someone without their knowledge or consent.