You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Regions checking account, but the process and permissions differ between the two
Regions Bank offers two ways to give someone access to your account: you can add them as an authorized user (they can use the account but you remain the owner) or make them a joint owner (you both own the account equally). The method you choose depends on what you want them to be able to do and how much control you want to share. Both require you to visit a branch in person with the other person present and valid identification.
An authorized user can withdraw money, make deposits, and use a debit card linked to the account, but they cannot close the account or change account settings. A joint owner has full ownership rights, including the ability to close the account, change beneficiaries, and make decisions about the account without your permission. If you are adding a spouse or adult child you fully trust with financial decisions, joint ownership makes sense. If you are adding a teenager or someone with limited financial responsibility, authorized user status gives you more control.
Key Takeaways
- Both authorized users and joint owners must be added in person at a Regions branch with valid photo identification.
- An authorized user can access the account but cannot close it or change settings; a joint owner has equal ownership rights and full control.
- You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to complete the process.
- The person you are adding may be subject to a background check, and Regions may place temporary holds on the account during the process.
- Once added, the new user can access the account online, by phone, or at an ATM using their own debit card or login credentials.
What you need to bring to the branch
Visit your local Regions branch with the person you want to add to the account. Both of you must be present. Bring your own valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and ask the other person to bring theirs as well. Regions will also ask for the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address, so have that information ready or ask them to bring a document that shows it.
If you do not have the other person's Social Security number memorized, ask them to bring a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form. You can also call your local branch ahead of time to confirm what documents they prefer and whether they have any additional requirements based on your account type or the relationship between you and the person you are adding.
The in-branch process and what happens next
A Regions representative will review your account and ask you to confirm whether you want to add an authorized user or create a joint owner arrangement. They will collect the other person's information, verify their identity, and may run a background check. This check is standard and does not mean anything is wrong; Regions runs them on all new account holders as part of their fraud prevention process.
The representative will have both of you sign the necessary paperwork. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once complete, Regions will issue a new debit card for the authorized user or joint owner, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, the person can access the account online or by phone using their own login credentials if they set up online banking during the branch visit.
Regions may place a temporary hold on your account during this process—usually 24 to 48 hours—as part of their verification procedures. This is normal and does not affect your ability to use the account; it is just a security measure.
Setting up online and mobile access for the new user
Once the person is added to your account, they can set up their own online banking login and mobile app access. They do not have to use your credentials; they can create their own username and password. Ask them to visit Regions.com and select "Enroll" or "Register" to create a new online banking profile. They will need to provide their Social Security number and answer security questions to verify their identity.
If they set up online banking during the branch visit, the representative may have already started this process for them. In that case, they will receive an email with instructions to complete their registration. Once their online account is active, they can also read the Regions mobile app and log in with their own credentials to check balances, transfer money, and pay bills from their phone.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove an authorized user or joint owner in the future, you will need to return to a Regions branch in person. Bring your ID and speak with a representative about removing the other person. For an authorized user, the process is straightforward—Regions will deactivate their access and cancel their debit card. For a joint owner, the process is more complex because they have equal ownership rights. Regions may require both of you to be present to remove a joint owner, or they may have specific procedures depending on your account agreement.
If the joint owner refuses to come to the branch or you cannot reach them, contact Regions customer service to discuss your options. Some situations may require legal documentation or a court order, particularly if there is a dispute over account ownership.
What authorized users and joint owners cannot do
An authorized user cannot close the account, change the account holder's address or phone number, add or remove other users, set up bill pay, or change account settings. They also cannot access account statements or tax documents without your permission. If you want them to have any of these permissions, you will need to make them a joint owner instead.
A joint owner can do all of these things without your permission, so choose this option only if you fully trust the other person with complete control of the account. If you are unsure, start with authorized user status and upgrade to joint ownership later if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without going to the branch?
No. Regions requires both you and the person being added to visit a branch in person with valid identification. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and verify that both parties consent to the arrangement. You cannot complete this process online or by phone.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding an authorized user typically does not affect your credit score. Adding a joint owner may appear on both of your credit reports as a shared account, but it should not lower your score. If you are concerned, ask the Regions representative about how the account will be reported to credit bureaus.
What happens to the account if the authorized user or joint owner dies?
If an authorized user dies, Regions will remove them from the account and you retain full ownership. If a joint owner dies, the account becomes yours alone, though Regions may require a death certificate and may temporarily freeze the account while they process the change. Contact Regions when ready if this situation occurs.
Can I add a minor to my checking account?
Yes, but Regions has specific rules for accounts held by minors. A parent or legal guardian must be present, and the minor must have valid identification. The minor can be added as an authorized user on your account, but they cannot be a joint owner until they reach the age of majority (18 in most states). Ask your branch representative about Regions' specific policies for minors.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Contact your local Regions branch to discuss alternatives. If the person has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, Regions may accept that. If they have no tax identification number at all, Regions may not be able to add them to the account due to federal banking regulations. Call ahead to confirm what options are available.