What You Need to Open a Regions Account

Regions Bank lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or over the phone. If you open in a branch, bring your ID and be ready to sign documents. Regions will run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to verify you do not have outstanding issues with other banks. Most people are approved the same day.

You do not need an existing Regions account to open one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you or co-sign it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Regions account online, by phone, or in a branch with just a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
  • Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes and are usually approved the same day.
  • Regions runs a ChexSystems check to verify your banking history, which may delay approval if you have unpaid fees or closed accounts elsewhere.
  • Different account types have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from zero to $25 or more.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you.

Opening an Account Online

Go to regions.com and click the link to open a new account. You will be asked to choose between checking, savings, or money market accounts. Select the account type that fits your needs, then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number.

Regions will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. Take a clear photo of both the front and back. You will also need to confirm your address by providing the last four digits of your Social Security number and answering security questions based on your credit history.

Once identity verification is complete, you will fund the account. You can link a debit card from another bank, transfer money from an external account via ACH, or use a wire transfer. The minimum deposit varies by account type. After you submit your funding method, Regions will process the application and send you confirmation within minutes to hours. Your account number and routing number will appear in your online banking portal once the account is active.

Opening an Account by Phone

Call Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667) and tell them you want to open a new account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: personal information, Social Security number, and address. Have your ID ready so you can provide details from it.

Over the phone, you will still need to verify your identity. Regions may ask security questions or send a verification code to your phone or email. Once verified, you will provide your funding method — a debit card number, bank account details for an ACH transfer, or wire transfer information.

Phone applications typically take 15 to 20 minutes. The representative will confirm your account number and routing number before you hang up, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.

Opening an Account in Person at a Branch

Find your nearest Regions branch using the branch locator on regions.com. Bring your government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number (or the card itself), and your initial deposit in cash or on a debit card. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A banker will complete the application with you, which takes about 15 minutes. They will verify your identity by scanning your ID, ask the same security questions as online or phone applications, and process your initial deposit. If you deposit cash, the account is usually active immediately. If you fund it with a debit card or transfer, activation may take a few hours.

Opening in person is useful if you prefer to speak face-to-face, have questions about account features, or want to set up additional services like a safe deposit box or credit card at the same time.

What Happens if Your Application is Denied

Regions may deny your application if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdraft fees, a history of fraud, or a closed account with an outstanding balance at another bank. You will receive a notice explaining the reason. The most common reason is an unresolved issue from a previous account — unpaid fees, a negative balance, or a dispute with another financial institution.

If your application is denied, contact Regions directly to ask what triggered the denial. You may be able to resolve the issue — for example, by paying off an old overdraft fee at another bank — and reapply. Some people are denied because of errors in ChexSystems records. You can dispute inaccurate information by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com.

If you cannot resolve the issue quickly, consider opening an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that has a second-chance banking program. Regions does not offer a second-chance account, but other banks do.

Account Types and Minimum Deposits

Regions offers several account types, each with different features and minimum deposit requirements. A basic checking account typically has no minimum deposit requirement and includes a debit card, online banking, and bill pay. A premium checking account may require a $25 minimum deposit and offer higher interest rates or waived fees if you maintain a certain balance.

Savings accounts usually require a $25 minimum deposit and earn interest on your balance. Money market accounts require a higher minimum — often $2,500 or more — but offer higher interest rates and limited check-writing ability. Rates and requirements change, so check regions.com for current terms before you open.

If you do not have the minimum deposit on hand, you can open an account with a smaller amount and deposit more later. Some accounts waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once your account is active, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments immediately, even before the card arrives. Your online banking login will be active the same day, so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills right away.

Regions will send you account statements monthly by email or mail, depending on your preference. You can change this in your online banking settings. If you have questions about your account or need to report fraud, call customer service at 1-800-regions or visit a branch.

Keep your account active by using it regularly. Regions does not charge a monthly inactivity fee, but some accounts require a minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees. Check your account terms to understand what fees apply to your specific account type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Regions account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If the issue was unpaid fees or an unresolved balance at another bank, paying that off and waiting 30 to 60 days may allow you to reapply successfully. If the denial was due to a ChexSystems error, dispute it with ChexSystems first, then reapply. Regions does not have a waiting period, but they will run the same check again.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?

Most Regions checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Some savings and money market accounts do require a minimum to avoid a monthly fee. Check your specific account terms when you open, or log into your online banking to see what applies to your account.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days after your account opens. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill payments before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, visit a branch and ask about expedited card options.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Regions requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can open a bank account at Regions or most other banks.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must provide their ID, Social Security number, and address. You can open a joint account online, by phone, or in person. Both people have full access to the account and can withdraw money or close it without the other person's permission unless you set up additional restrictions.