How to close a Regions savings account
You can close a Regions savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or by mail. The fastest method is calling Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267) and asking to close the account. Have your account number ready. The bank will ask whether you want funds transferred to another account or mailed as a check, process any pending transactions, and confirm the closure. Most closures happen the same day you call.
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Regions branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker will process the closure and handle your remaining balance on the spot. For mail, send a signed letter to your local Regions branch requesting closure, include your account number and the address where you want funds sent, and allow 5 to 10 business days for processing.
Before you close, check your account for pending deposits or automatic payments tied to that account number. Regions will not close an account with holds or uncleared transactions. If you have direct deposit set up, update your employer or benefit provider with a new account number first, or those payments will be rejected.
Key Takeaways
- Phone closure at 1-800-734-6267 is the fastest method and usually completes the same day you call.
- You must decide before closing whether to transfer your remaining balance to another account or receive a check by mail.
- Stop any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account before you close it, or they will fail.
- In-person closure at a branch takes minutes if you have your ID and account number; mail closure takes 5 to 10 business days.
- Regions will not close an account with pending transactions, holds, or uncleared items.
What happens to your money when you close
Regions transfers or mails your remaining balance after all pending transactions clear. If you choose a transfer to another account, the bank can move funds to any U.S. account you own at Regions or another bank—you provide the routing and account number during the closure call. Transfers usually post within 1 to 2 business days.
If you request a check, Regions mails it to the address you provide. Checks typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If the account has a zero or negative balance due to fees or overdrafts, you may owe Regions money instead of receiving a refund. Regions will not close the account until that balance is paid.
Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments first
Any paycheck, benefit payment, or automatic transfer set to hit your Regions account will be rejected once the account closes. Contact your employer, your state benefits office, or the company making the automatic payment and provide them with your new account number before you close. This takes 1 to 2 pay cycles to take effect, so close your account only after you confirm the change has been made.
If you miss updating a payment source and money is sent to the closed account after closure, Regions will return it to the sender. The sender then has to reissue the payment to your new account, which can delay your money by weeks. Check your Regions account online or by phone to see which recurring payments are scheduled, then update each one before calling to close.
Closing in person vs. by phone vs. by mail
| Method | Time to Close | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone: 1-800-734-6267 | Same day | Account number, decision on where funds go | Speed; no branch visit needed |
| In person at branch | Minutes | Photo ID, account number | Immediate closure; questions answered on the spot |
| By mail | 5–10 business days | Signed letter, account number, forwarding address | No phone call or branch visit; paper trail for records |
Reasons Regions might refuse to close your account
Regions will not close an account if it has a negative balance, pending transactions, or active holds. A negative balance means you owe the bank money from overdraft fees or other charges. You must pay this amount before closure. Pending transactions are deposits or withdrawals still processing—these must clear first, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Holds are placed by Regions when there is a dispute, fraud investigation, or legal claim against the account. If a hold is in place, ask Regions when it will be lifted. Some holds last days; others last weeks. You cannot close the account until the hold is removed. If you believe the hold is wrong, request a review from the bank's dispute department.
What to do if you have a negative balance
A negative balance occurs when fees or overdrafts exceed your account balance. Regions will charge you an overdraft fee (typically $35 per overdraft) if you spend more than you have. Before you close, pay the negative balance by transferring money from another account, making a deposit, or authorizing Regions to deduct the amount from a linked account.
If you do not pay the negative balance, Regions will not close the account and may send the debt to a collection agency. This damages your credit and can result in wage garnishment or bank levies. Pay any negative balance immediately to avoid this outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Regions savings account online?
Regions does not offer account closure through its online banking portal. You must close by phone, in person, or by mail. Phone closure is the fastest option and takes minutes.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment behavior—not on bank accounts. Savings accounts do not appear on your credit report.
What if I close my account and then need to reopen it?
You can reopen a Regions savings account at any time by visiting a branch or calling 1-800-734-6267. Reopening is treated as a new account and requires the same information as opening an account for the first time. There is no penalty for reopening.
How long does Regions keep records after I close?
Regions keeps account records for at least seven years after closure. If you need a statement or transaction history after closing, contact Regions customer service and request copies. There may be a fee for records older than one year.
Can someone else close my account for me?
Only the account holder can request closure. If the account is joint, any owner can close it. If you have power of attorney over someone else's account, you may be able to close it, but Regions will verify your authority before processing.