What Regions requires to keep your account open
Regions Bank does not enforce a single minimum balance requirement across all checking accounts. The requirement depends on which account type you choose. Some accounts have no minimum at all, while others require you to maintain a specific balance to avoid a monthly fee or to earn interest.
The most common Regions checking accounts are Regions Everyday Checking (no minimum balance requirement) and Regions Premium Checking (which may have a minimum, typically $500 to $1,000, depending on your region and current terms). Because Regions adjusts its account terms periodically and by location, the exact minimum for any account can shift. You should confirm the current requirement for your specific account type before opening or after your account is established.
Key Takeaways
- Regions Everyday Checking has no minimum balance requirement, making it the option to choose if you want to avoid balance-based fees.
- Regions Premium Checking and other tiered accounts typically require a minimum balance of $500 to $1,000 to waive the monthly maintenance fee.
- If your balance falls below the minimum, Regions will charge a monthly fee (usually $5 to $15) rather than close your account immediately.
- Minimum balance requirements vary by region and change over time, so contact Regions directly or check your account agreement to confirm your account's specific requirement.
How Regions calculates whether you meet the minimum
Regions typically measures your balance on a daily basis and applies the minimum requirement as an average or a point-in-time check, depending on the account. For most checking accounts, Regions looks at your balance on the last day of the statement cycle. If your balance on that day meets the minimum, no fee is charged for that month.
Some accounts allow you to meet the minimum through a combination of balances across linked accounts (checking, savings, money market, or brokerage accounts held at Regions). This is sometimes called a "relationship balance" or "combined balance" requirement. If you have multiple accounts, ask Regions whether they can be linked to satisfy the minimum for any of them.
What happens if your balance drops below the minimum
If your account balance falls below the required minimum, Regions charges a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is typically $5 to $15 per month, depending on the account type and your region. The fee is deducted from your account automatically at the end of your statement cycle.
Falling below the minimum does not close your account or trigger overdraft protection. You can continue using the account normally. However, the monthly fee will continue to be charged each month your balance stays below the minimum, so it is worth bringing your balance back up if you plan to keep the account open long-term.
Ways to avoid or waive the minimum balance fee
If your account has a minimum balance requirement, Regions often offers ways to waive the monthly fee without meeting the balance itself. Common fee-waiver options include setting up a direct deposit of your paycheck, maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance, or enrolling in paperless statements.
Some Regions accounts waive the fee if you maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month (often 10 or more) or if you set up automatic bill payments through Regions. Ask your Regions branch or call customer service to confirm which waivers apply to your specific account. These terms change, and what works for one account type may not work for another.
Comparing Regions accounts by minimum balance requirement
Regions offers several checking account types, each with different minimum balance rules. The table below shows the typical structure, but your specific account may differ based on your region and when you opened it.
| Account Type | Typical Minimum Balance | Monthly Fee (if minimum not met) | Fee Waiver Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regions Everyday Checking | None | None | N/A |
| Regions Premium Checking | $500–$1,000 | $5–$15 | Direct deposit, linked savings, paperless statements, debit card use |
| Regions Student Checking | None | None | N/A |
| Regions Senior Checking | None | None | N/A |
The table above reflects typical Regions offerings, but terms vary by location and change over time. Contact Regions directly to confirm the current minimum and fee structure for any account you are considering.
How to find your account's specific minimum requirement
The fastest way to learn your account's minimum is to log into your Regions online banking portal or mobile app and look at your account details or account agreement. The minimum balance requirement and any associated fee should be listed there.
If you do not have online access or cannot find the information, call Regions customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or visit a local Regions branch in person. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you the exact minimum for your account, what happens if you fall below it, and which fee waivers you may be able to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Regions checking account with no minimum balance?
Yes. Regions Everyday Checking has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee. This account is available to most customers and is the simplest option if you want to avoid balance-based charges.
What if I cannot keep $500 in my account?
Switch to Regions Everyday Checking, which has no minimum. Alternatively, ask Regions whether you can waive the fee on your current account through direct deposit, paperless statements, or debit card transactions. Many customers avoid the fee this way without maintaining a large balance.
Does the minimum balance earn interest?
No. Checking account balances at Regions typically do not earn interest, regardless of whether they meet a minimum. Interest-bearing accounts (such as savings or money market accounts) are separate products. Ask Regions about those if you want your balance to earn interest.
If I close my account, do I get the monthly fees back?
No. Monthly maintenance fees are not refunded once they have been charged. However, you can avoid future fees by closing the account and opening a no-minimum account, or by switching to a different bank.
Does Regions charge a fee to close a checking account?
Regions does not typically charge a fee to close a checking account. However, confirm this with your branch or customer service before closing, as policies can vary by location.