How to close your Regions Bank account

You can close a Regions Bank account by calling customer service, visiting a branch in person, or sending a written request by mail. The fastest method is a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Regions statement — you'll reach someone who can start the closure immediately. If you prefer to do it in person, walk into any Regions branch with your ID and ask to close the account; the banker will process it on the spot. Written requests take longer but create a paper trail; send a letter to your local branch or the address listed on your account statements.

Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared and your account balance is zero or negative (meaning you don't owe money). If you have a negative balance, you'll need to deposit funds to cover it before closure. Set up direct deposit redirection for any paychecks or automatic payments that still point to this account. Once the account is closed, Regions will send you written confirmation, usually within a few business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on your card or statement to close over the phone, which is the fastest option and takes minutes.
  • Visit a Regions branch in person with your ID if you want immediate confirmation and prefer face-to-face contact.
  • Send a written request by mail to your branch address if you want documentation of your closure request.
  • Clear any pending transactions and bring your account balance to zero before closing, or you may face fees or delays.
  • Redirect direct deposits and automatic payments to another account before closure to avoid missed payments or lost income.

What happens to your money when you close

If your account has a positive balance, Regions will issue you a check or allow you to transfer the funds to another account during the closure process. Ask the representative whether they can transfer the money electronically to another bank account you control, or whether they'll mail a check. Electronic transfer is faster and safer; a mailed check can take five to ten business days to arrive and can be lost in the mail.

If your account is overdrawn (you owe Regions money), you must pay the negative balance before the account closes. Regions will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you don't pay, the account will remain open and you may face monthly maintenance fees or overdraft charges until the debt is resolved.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close, contact any company that automatically withdraws money from this account — your insurance company, utility provider, subscription services, loan servicer, or employer. Give them at least five to seven business days' notice and provide them with your new account number if you're moving to another bank. If you don't redirect these payments, they will fail when the account closes, which can result in late fees, service interruptions, or a hit to your credit score.

For direct deposits (paychecks, tax refunds, benefits), log into your employer's or benefits administrator's portal and update your banking information there. If you can't access the portal, call the payroll or benefits department directly and ask them to change your deposit account. Verify the change has taken effect by checking your next deposit.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Regions typically closes an account within one to three business days of your request, though the official confirmation letter may take up to a week to arrive. During this window, any checks you've written or automatic payments scheduled may still process, so don't be surprised if transactions appear after you've requested closure. Once the account is fully closed, no further transactions can occur.

After closure, keep your confirmation letter for your records. If you need proof that the account is closed — for a mortgage application, a new bank, or tax purposes — you can request a closure letter from Regions by calling customer service or visiting a branch.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders typically must request closure, or one person must have power of attorney over the account. Call Regions to confirm their policy; some banks allow one joint owner to close unilaterally, while others require written consent from all owners. If you and the other owner disagree about closure, you may need to visit a branch together or provide notarized authorization.

When a joint account closes, any remaining balance is typically split equally between the owners unless the account documents specify otherwise. Confirm with Regions how they will handle the distribution before you close.

Closing accounts with outstanding fees or disputes

If your account has an outstanding fee — an overdraft charge, a monthly maintenance fee, or an NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee — Regions may not close the account until the fee is paid. Ask the representative whether the fee can be waived or if you must pay it to proceed. Some banks will waive a single fee if you've been a customer in good standing; it doesn't hurt to ask.

If you're disputing a transaction or a fee, closing the account does not stop the dispute process. Inform Regions that you're disputing a charge before you close, and ask them to keep the account open long enough for the investigation to complete. Once an account is closed, it's harder to resolve disputes, so handle this before closure if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Regions account online?

Regions does not offer account closure through their online banking portal or mobile app. You must call customer service, visit a branch, or send a written request by mail. Phone is the fastest option.

What if I have a Regions credit card attached to my checking account?

Closing your checking account does not close your credit card. The credit card remains active and separate. If you want to close the credit card as well, you'll need to request that separately by calling the number on the back of the card.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees, Regions may report it to a collections agency, which can damage your credit. Pay any balance before closing.

How long does Regions keep records after I close my account?

Regions keeps closed account records for at least five to seven years, depending on the account type and regulatory requirements. If you need a statement or transaction history after closure, contact customer service with your former account number and they can provide it.

Can I reopen a Regions account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Regions account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or dispute, Regions may flag your history in their system. Call ahead to confirm you can open a new account without issues.