You can add someone to your Regions checking account online through the Regions Online Banking portal, but the process depends on whether you want to make them an authorized user or a joint owner

The simplest route is to log into Regions Online Banking, go to your account settings, and look for an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. The exact steps and what options appear depend on your account type and your state — Regions' online system varies slightly by region. If you do not see the option in your account settings, you may need to call Regions at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person, because some account types or situations require a phone call or a signature on paper.

Before you start, understand the difference between these two roles. An authorized user can use the account to make purchases and withdrawals but does not own it — you remain the sole owner and can remove them at any time without their permission. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make any transaction, and typically cannot be removed without their consent. Most people adding a spouse or adult child choose joint ownership; most people adding a teenager choose authorized user status.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can spend and withdraw from your account but you remain the owner; joint owners have equal legal rights and typically cannot be removed without their consent.
  • The online process starts in Regions Online Banking account settings, but not all account types or states support adding someone entirely online.
  • You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to complete the process.
  • If the online option does not appear, call Regions or visit a branch — some accounts require a signature or phone verification.
  • The person you are adding may need to sign documents or verify their identity, either online or in person at a branch.

What information you need before you start

Have the other person's details ready before you log in. You will need their full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If they live with you, their address is the same as yours; if they live elsewhere, use their actual address. Regions may also ask for a phone number and email address.

If the person you are adding does not have a Social Security number — for example, if they are a non-citizen — you may not be able to add them online. Call Regions to ask about alternatives, which may include visiting a branch with additional documents.

How to add someone through Regions Online Banking

Log into your Regions Online Banking account using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," "Account Management," or similar — the exact wording varies. Within that section, search for an option that says "Add Authorized User," "Add Joint Owner," "Manage Users," or "Account Access."

Click that option and you should see a form asking for the person's information. Enter their full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID, their Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Double-check spelling — errors here can delay the process. Select whether you want them to be an authorized user or a joint owner, then submit the form.

After you submit, Regions will send you a confirmation message. The next steps depend on your account type and state. In some cases, the person you added will receive an email or text asking them to verify their identity — they may need to answer security questions, confirm a code sent to their phone, or visit a branch. In other cases, Regions may mail documents for both of you to sign and return.

When you cannot add someone online

If you log into your account and do not see an option to add an authorized user or joint owner, or if the system tells you that option is not available for your account type, you have two choices: call Regions or visit a branch.

Calling is faster if you just need to ask whether it is possible and what documents you need. The number is on the back of your debit card. Have the other person's information ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to verify you own the account. The representative can tell you whether your account type supports adding someone online, and if not, what the next step is.

Visiting a branch in person is necessary if Regions requires a signature or if the other person needs to verify their identity face-to-face. Bring your ID and the other person's ID, Social Security number, and date of birth. A banker can walk you through the process and answer questions about what rights each person will have.

What happens after you add someone

Once the process is complete, the new authorized user or joint owner will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, usually. They can start using the account online when ready — they can log into Regions Online Banking with their own username and password, see the account balance, and make transfers. They can use a temporary card number to make online purchases right away if Regions offers that option.

If you added them as an authorized user, you can remove them at any time through your online account settings or by calling Regions. If you added them as a joint owner, removing them is more complicated and may require both of you to agree or may require a visit to a branch.

Removing someone from your account later

If you added an authorized user and want to remove them, log back into your account settings, find the option to manage users or authorized users, and select the option to remove or delete that person. The change takes effect when ready, and their debit card stops working right away.

Removing a joint owner is different and more restrictive. You cannot remove a joint owner unilaterally in most cases — both owners typically have to agree, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If you are in a situation where you need to remove a joint owner and they will not cooperate, call Regions to ask what options exist in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Regions account?

Yes. The person you are adding does not need to have a Regions account already. When you add them, Regions will create online banking access for them as part of the process, or they can set it up themselves once they receive their debit card.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

Adding an authorized user or joint owner does not directly affect your credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or falls behind on payments, it could appear on both your credit reports if you are joint owners. Authorized users are typically not responsible for the account's payment history.

Can I add a minor to my checking account?

Yes, but the process is different. Minors cannot be joint owners, but you can add them as authorized users. Some Regions accounts have special teen or youth checking options with spending limits. Call Regions or visit a branch to ask about accounts designed for minors, as the online process may not support adding someone under 18.

What if the person I am adding lives in a different state?

You can still add them. Use their actual address in the state where they live, not your address. Regions operates across multiple states, so this should not be a problem, but if you run into an error message, call Regions to confirm your account type supports out-of-state authorized users or joint owners.

How long does it take for someone to show up on my account after I add them online?

The person usually appears in your online account settings when ready, but they may not be able to use the account until they verify their identity, which can take a few hours to a few days. Their debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If they need to use the account before the card arrives, they can use online banking or a temporary card number if Regions offers that.