What It Costs to Open a Checking Account at Regions Bank

Opening a Regions checking account costs nothing upfront

Regions Bank does not charge a fee to open a checking account. You can walk into a branch, explore online, or call to start an account without paying an opening fee. However, the account itself may have a monthly maintenance fee once it is open — the amount depends on which type of checking account you choose and whether you meet certain conditions to waive it.

The real cost of a Regions checking account is not in opening it, but in how you use it. Monthly fees, overdraft charges, and ATM fees are where costs add up. Understanding what triggers these fees helps you pick the right account type for your situation and avoid surprises later.

Key Takeaways

Regions charges no fee to open a checking account, but most accounts have a monthly maintenance fee once opened.
Monthly fees range from zero to around $12 depending on the account type and whether you meet conditions like direct deposit or minimum balance.
Overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees are separate charges that can occur after the account is open.
You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Regions branch without needing to visit in person first.

Monthly maintenance fees for different Regions checking accounts

Regions offers several checking account types, and each has its own monthly fee structure. The most common accounts are Regions Essentials Checking, Regions Preferred Checking, and Regions Student Checking. Essentials Checking typically has a monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive it by setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance. Preferred Checking has a higher monthly fee but may offer more features like higher ATM limits and better interest rates.

Student Checking is designed for people under 25 and usually has no monthly maintenance fee, making it the lowest-cost option if you meet the age requirement. The exact fee amounts and waiver conditions change periodically, so the current fee for your specific account type may differ from what is listed here. Contact Regions directly or check their website to confirm the exact monthly cost for the account you are considering.

How to waive the monthly fee

Most Regions checking accounts let you avoid the monthly maintenance fee by meeting one of several conditions. The most common way is to set up direct deposit — having your paycheck or government benefits deposited directly into the account. This typically waives the fee entirely, regardless of your balance. Another option is maintaining a minimum balance, which varies by account type but is often $500 to $1,000.

Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a combined balance across multiple Regions accounts, or if you are over 65 years old. A few accounts waive fees for customers who use online banking regularly or who have a linked savings account. The conditions are different for each account type, so ask a Regions representative which waiver option works best for your situation.

Overdraft and ATM fees

Once your account is open, you may face charges beyond the monthly maintenance fee. If you spend more money than you have in the account, Regions charges an overdraft fee for each transaction that goes negative. This fee is separate from the monthly maintenance fee and can add up quickly if you overdraft multiple times in one day.

Using an ATM outside the Regions network also costs money. Regions has its own ATM network, but if you use an ATM from another bank, you may be charged a fee by both that bank and by Regions. If you live or work far from a Regions branch, factor in ATM fees when deciding whether this account makes sense for you.

What you need to open an account

To open a Regions checking account, you will need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The initial deposit amount varies — some accounts require $25 to $100 to open, while others may require more. You do not need to bring cash; you can fund the account with a check or a transfer from another bank account.

If you are opening the account online or by phone, you will need to provide this information digitally. Regions will verify your identity and run a check through ChexSystems, a system that banks use to check your history with other bank accounts. If you have had problems with a previous bank account — like unpaid overdrafts or fraud — this check may affect whether Regions opens the account for you.

Opening an account online versus in person

You can open a Regions checking account entirely online without visiting a branch. The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and lets you fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank. Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and understand the account features before committing. Some people prefer this route if they are new to banking or want to make sure they understand the fees. Either way, you do not pay anything to open the account — the fee structure starts only after the account is active.

Comparing Regions to other banks

Regions is not the only bank offering checking accounts, and monthly fees vary widely across banks. Some banks charge no monthly fee at all, while others charge $10 to $15 per month. Some waive fees more easily than Regions does — for example, many online banks have no monthly fee regardless of balance or direct deposit.

If you are deciding between Regions and another bank, compare three things: the monthly maintenance fee, the conditions to waive it, and the overdraft and ATM fees. Also consider whether you have a Regions branch near you, since that affects how straightforward it is to deposit checks or withdraw cash. A bank with no monthly fee but no nearby branch might cost you more in ATM fees than a bank with a $10 monthly fee but many locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to a Regions branch to open an account?

No. You can open an account online or by phone without visiting a branch. You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit, but you can provide all of this remotely. Your debit card and account materials arrive by mail.

What if I do not have direct deposit — how do I waive the monthly fee?

You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum balance, which is usually $500 to $1,000 depending on the account type. Some accounts also waive the fee if you are over 65, have a linked savings account, or meet other conditions. Ask Regions which option works for you.

Can I get my money back if I am charged an overdraft fee by mistake?

Yes, you can ask Regions to reverse an overdraft fee, especially if it is your first one or if the overdraft was caused by a delay in processing a deposit. Call the customer service number on your debit card and explain the situation. Reversals are not may provide, but banks often waive one or two fees per year for customers in good standing.

Is there a fee if I close my account right after opening it?

Regions does not charge a fee to close an account. However, if you close it within a short time of opening — sometimes 90 days — some banks flag this as suspicious activity. There is no financial penalty, but it may affect your ability to open another account with them later.

What happens if Regions denies my account process?

If ChexSystems shows a problem with a previous account, Regions may deny your process. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. You can also ask Regions why you were denied and whether you can reapply after a certain period or with additional documentation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.