You can open some Regions Bank accounts online, but not all of them
Regions Bank lets you open a checking or savings account through their website without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready. However, certain account types—like those requiring a safety deposit box, business accounts, or accounts tied to specific lending products—still require a branch visit or phone call to complete.
The accounts available online are their standard personal checking and savings products. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type). You can use a debit card, bank transfer, or check deposit to fund the account once it opens.
Key Takeaways
- Regions Bank allows online account opening for personal checking and savings accounts through their website, taking roughly 10 minutes to complete.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit amount that depends on which account type you choose.
- Business accounts, accounts with safety deposit boxes, and certain specialty products require you to visit a branch or call Regions directly.
- Once your account opens, you can use mobile banking, online transfers, and ATM access when ready, though some features may take one business day to set up.
What you need before you start
Have your government-issued ID ready—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Regions will verify your identity electronically during the process. You will also need your Social Security number and a current email address.
Know the minimum opening deposit for the account type you want. Regions' checking accounts typically require $25 to $100 depending on the specific product, while savings accounts may have different minimums. Check their website for the current amount, as these can change.
Decide how you will fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check through mobile banking once the account is open, or use a debit card. Having one of these methods ready speeds up the process.
The online account opening process, step by step
Go to Regions Bank's website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" section. You will select whether you want checking, savings, or both. The site will show you the features and fees for each option.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Regions will ask for your Social Security number at this stage. They use this to verify your identity and check banking history.
Complete the identity verification step. Regions may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or they may use electronic ID verification. This usually takes a few minutes. If you cannot verify electronically, you may be asked to visit a branch or provide additional documents.
Review the account terms and disclosures. Read through the fee schedule and account agreement. You will need to accept these terms to proceed. Pay attention to monthly maintenance fees, overdraft policies, and minimum balance requirements.
Make your initial deposit. Enter the routing and account number of the bank account you are transferring from, or use a debit card. The deposit typically posts within one to two business days, though some transfers are faster.
Confirm your email address. Regions will send a confirmation link to the email you provided. Click it to set up your account. Your account number and routing number will appear once this step is complete.
When you cannot open an account online
Business accounts require a branch visit. Regions needs to verify business ownership documents, employer identification numbers, and sometimes meet with the business owner in person. Call your local Regions branch to schedule an appointment or ask about their business account process.
If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to open the account with you at a branch. Some banks allow minors to open accounts online with parental consent, but Regions' policy varies by state. Contact them directly to confirm what your state allows.
Accounts with safety deposit boxes cannot be opened online. You must visit a branch to inspect the box, sign the rental agreement, and receive your keys. The account itself may open online, but the safety deposit box requires an in-person transaction.
If identity verification fails electronically, Regions will ask you to visit a branch with your ID or provide additional documents by mail. This happens occasionally and does not mean you cannot open the account—it just means the online route is not available for your situation.
What happens after your account opens
Your account number and routing number appear when ready after you complete the online process. You can use these to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or link the account to other services right away.
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Regions ATM using your account number and PIN, or visit a branch with your ID.
Mobile banking and online banking access set up when ready. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills from day one. Transfers to other banks may take one to two business days to process.
Your initial deposit posts within one to two business days depending on the funding method. If you transferred from another bank, the timing depends on that bank's processing speed. Check deposits through mobile banking typically post within one business day.
Fees and account types to compare
Regions offers several checking account options. Their basic checking account has a lower monthly fee or no fee depending on the account, while premium checking accounts offer higher interest rates and more features but may have higher minimums or monthly costs. Review the fee schedule on their website to see which matches your banking habits.
Savings accounts come in standard and high-yield varieties. Standard savings accounts earn minimal interest, while high-yield savings accounts pay more but may have higher minimum balances. The difference in interest earned can be significant if you plan to keep a large balance.
Money market accounts combine features of checking and savings accounts. They typically offer higher interest rates than savings accounts but may require a larger minimum balance and limit the number of withdrawals per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Regions account online?
The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Identity verification is the longest step and typically completes in a few minutes. Once you submit everything, your account opens when ready and you receive your account number right away.
Can I open a Regions account if I have been denied by ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a banking history report system. If you have been denied before, Regions will likely see this during their verification process. Contact Regions directly to ask whether they will open an account for you despite a ChexSystems record. Some banks have second-chance accounts for this situation.
Do I need to visit a branch at any point?
For a basic checking or savings account opened online, no. You can complete everything remotely and use the account when ready. However, if you want a safety deposit box, need to deposit cash, or encounter identity verification issues, a branch visit becomes necessary.
What if I make a mistake during the online process?
If you catch the error before submitting, you can fix it when ready. If you submit with incorrect information, contact Regions customer service right away. They can often correct minor errors like a misspelled address. Major errors like a wrong Social Security number may require closing the account and opening a new one.
Can I open multiple accounts at the same time?
Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account in the same session, or open multiple accounts of the same type if you want separate accounts for different purposes. Each account gets its own number and debit card.