How to close your Regions checking account

You can close a Regions checking account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or writing a letter to the bank. The fastest method is a phone call to 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267), where a representative can walk you through the closure and answer questions about your balance and any pending transactions. If you prefer to close the account without speaking to anyone, you can also visit a Regions branch with your account number and ID, or mail a written request to your local branch.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account number are redirected to another bank account or cancelled. Regions will not automatically transfer these arrangements, and missed payments or lost deposits can happen if you do not update them first. You should also withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, though Regions will mail you a check for any funds left in the account after closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267) to close your account over the phone, which is usually the fastest option.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic bill payments and direct deposits before closing, or they may fail after the account is closed.
  • Withdraw your remaining balance in person, transfer it to another account, or Regions will mail you a check within a few business days.
  • Closing the account takes effect immediately by phone or in person, though it may take a few days for the closure to appear in your records.

Steps to take before you call or visit

Review your account for any pending transactions or scheduled payments. Log into your Regions online banking or mobile app and check the last 30 days of activity to see if there are any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or recurring transfers you may have forgotten about. These will bounce or fail after your account closes, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions.

Make a list of any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to this account. For payroll direct deposits, contact your employer's HR or payroll department and provide them with your new bank account number and routing number. For bills paid automatically (utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions), log into each company's website or call them to update your payment method before you close the Regions account.

Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance. You can visit a Regions branch and withdraw cash, transfer funds to another bank account online, or simply leave the money in the account—Regions will mail you a check for any remaining balance after closure. There is no fee to close the account, and you do not have to maintain a minimum balance during the closure process.

Closing by phone

Call Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267) and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The representative will confirm your identity, review any remaining balance, and ask if you want the funds mailed to you or transferred elsewhere. They will also ask if there are any pending transactions or automatic payments still attached to the account.

The account will close immediately after the call, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online banking or for any checks you have written to fully clear. If you have outstanding checks that have not yet been deposited, Regions may hold the account open for a short period to allow them to clear. Ask the representative about the timeline for your specific situation.

Closing in person at a branch

Visit your nearest Regions branch with your account number and a government-issued ID. A branch representative can close the account on the spot and handle your remaining balance. You can withdraw cash immediately, request a check, or have the funds transferred to another account. Bring any debit cards associated with the account so the representative can note that they are being deactivated.

If you have outstanding checks or pending transactions, tell the branch representative so they can note this in your file. The branch can usually close the account the same day, but the final clearing of checks and transactions may take a few business days after closure.

Closing by mail

Write a letter to Regions requesting account closure and include your account number, the account holder's name, and your signature. Mail the letter to your local Regions branch address or to Regions' main customer service address. You can find your branch address by searching Regions' website or calling 1-800-regions.

Include a note about what you want done with any remaining balance—whether you want a check mailed to you or the funds transferred to another account. Closure by mail takes longer than phone or in-person closure, usually one to two weeks. During this time, continue to monitor the account for any pending transactions, and do not write any new checks against it.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Regions debit card will stop working immediately or within a few hours after you close the account, depending on whether you closed by phone, in person, or by mail. If you have checks printed with the old account number, do not use them after the account is closed—they will be rejected. Destroy any remaining checks or debit cards to prevent accidental or fraudulent use.

If you have already written checks that have not yet been deposited, they will still clear against your account as long as funds are available. Regions will hold the account open long enough for these checks to process. Once all checks have cleared and your balance reaches zero, the account will be permanently closed.

If you have a joint account or authorized users

If another person is listed on the account as a joint owner or authorized user, Regions may require consent from all parties to close it. Call customer service to ask about your specific situation. If you are the primary account holder and want to close a joint account, the other person will lose access to the funds and account, so communicate this before you proceed.

If you only want to remove an authorized user without closing the account, you can do this separately by calling Regions or visiting a branch. The authorized user's debit card and access will be revoked, but the account itself will remain open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be charged a fee to close my Regions checking account?

No, Regions does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account is overdrawn or has unpaid fees at the time of closure, Regions will deduct those amounts from any remaining balance or pursue collection.

What happens to my direct deposit after I close the account?

Your direct deposit will fail and bounce back to your employer if you do not update your banking information first. Contact your employer's payroll department before closing the account and provide them with your new bank account details so deposits go to the correct place.

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

Closure takes effect immediately by phone or in person, but outstanding checks and pending transactions may take a few business days to clear. Once all transactions have cleared and your balance is zero, the account is permanently closed.

Can I reopen a Regions checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Regions checking account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, excessive overdrafts, or violation of Regions' policies, you may be flagged in the ChexSystems database, which could prevent you from opening a new account at Regions or other banks.

What if I still owe money on the account when I try to close it?

Regions will not close the account until all fees and overdraft charges are paid. You can pay these by transferring funds from another account, depositing cash at a branch, or allowing Regions to deduct the amount from your remaining balance. Once the debt is cleared, the account can be closed.