You can close a Regions account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have outstanding balances

Regions Bank lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667), during business hours Monday through Friday. You can also walk into any Regions branch with your ID and ask to close the account in person. Some account types—particularly those with linked services like investment accounts or credit lines—may require a visit to a branch or a call to a specialist team rather than a standard closure.

Before you close, you need to know your account balance, whether you have pending transactions, and if there are any fees attached to early closure. Regions does not charge a fee to close most standard accounts, but some specialty accounts may have terms that explore. The closure itself usually takes effect within one to three business days, though any remaining balance will be processed according to how you request it—typically by check, transfer to another bank, or deposit to a linked account.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667) during business hours or visit a branch in person to start the closure process.
  • Your account must have a zero or positive balance before Regions will close it; you cannot close an account with an overdraft.
  • Pending transactions and automatic payments linked to the account can delay closure, so cancel or redirect them before you request closure.
  • Regions will send any remaining balance by check or transfer it to another account you specify, which takes three to five business days after closure.
  • Some account types, such as those with credit lines or investment products, require a branch visit or specialist handling rather than a phone closure.

What you need to have ready before you call or visit

Gather your account number, which appears on your debit card, checks, or online banking login. Have your Social Security number and a government-issued ID ready. If you are closing the account by phone, Regions will verify your identity by asking for the last four digits of your SSN, your date of birth, and sometimes a recent transaction amount.

Write down any automatic payments or recurring transfers tied to the account—subscriptions, payroll deposits, bill payments, insurance premiums, anything that moves money in or out on a schedule. Regions cannot close an account while active automatic payments are pending. You will need to cancel or redirect these before closure can go through, which means logging into each service (your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance provider) and updating the payment method or account number.

Handling your remaining balance and pending transactions

Your account balance must be zero or positive. If you have an overdraft—money you owe Regions—you must pay that amount before closure. If your balance is positive, you have three options: request a check mailed to your address, ask Regions to transfer the funds to another bank account (you will need to provide the routing number and account number), or have it transferred to another Regions account you own.

Pending transactions are the biggest source of delay. If you have a check you wrote that has not cleared, a pending debit card charge, or a hold on a deposit, the account cannot close until those transactions settle. This can take three to seven business days depending on the transaction type. Ask Regions how long they estimate the pending items will take, and plan your closure date accordingly. If you are in a hurry, you may need to wait for those transactions to clear before calling to close.

Closing by phone versus closing in person

Phone closure is faster if your account is straightforward—a single checking or savings account with no linked products and no pending issues. The call takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Regions will confirm your identity, ask why you are closing (optional), verify your balance, confirm how you want the remaining funds sent, and process the closure. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down.

In-person closure at a branch is necessary if you have a more complex account structure, if you want to discuss options before closing, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your ID and account number. The branch representative can also help you redirect automatic payments or set up a transfer to another bank on the spot. Branch hours vary by location, so check the Regions website or call ahead to confirm your local branch is open.

What happens after you request closure

Regions processes the closure within one to three business days. During that window, the account is still active but flagged for closure. Any transactions that post during this time will still go through. Once the closure is final, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online.

Your remaining balance will be sent according to your instructions. If you requested a check, it arrives by mail within five to seven business days. If you requested a transfer to another bank, it typically posts within three to five business days, though some banks take longer to receive incoming transfers. If you requested a transfer to another Regions account, it usually posts within one business day. Keep your confirmation number until the funds arrive and you have confirmed the balance in your new account.

If your account has a credit line, investment products, or other linked services

Regions accounts that include a credit line, overdraft protection linked to a credit product, or investment services cannot be closed through the standard phone line. You will need to visit a branch or call the specialized team that handles those products. Ask the representative which department handles your specific account type, and they will transfer you or schedule an appointment.

If you have a Regions credit card linked to the account for overdraft protection, you may need to remove that link before closing the checking account. The credit card itself does not close—only the checking account does. The representative will walk you through disconnecting the link.

Avoiding common problems during closure

The most common reason a closure request stalls is forgotten automatic payments. Before you call, log into every service that pulls money from the account and change the payment method. This includes payroll direct deposit (update your employer), utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, and any other recurring charge. Even one missed automatic payment can prevent closure.

The second most common issue is not waiting for pending transactions to clear. If you close an account while a check or debit charge is still pending, Regions may have to reopen the account to process the transaction, which delays everything. Ask Regions to tell you the exact date all pending items will clear, then call back a day or two after that date.

Do not throw away your debit card or checks when ready after closure. Keep them for at least 30 days in case a transaction posts after you close and Regions needs to verify it came from your account. After 30 days, you can shred them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online through Regions' website or app?

Regions does not offer account closure through their online banking portal or mobile app. You must call 1-800-regions or visit a branch in person. Some banks allow online closure, but Regions requires direct contact to verify your identity and handle the final balance.

What if I have a negative balance or overdraft when I try to close?

Regions will not close an account with a negative balance. You must deposit enough money to bring the account to zero or positive first. Once the balance is positive, you can proceed with closure. If you dispute a charge that created the overdraft, resolve that dispute before attempting closure.

How long does it take to get my money after I close the account?

If you request a check, allow five to seven business days for mail delivery. If you request a transfer to another bank, allow three to five business days, though some banks take longer to receive incoming transfers. Transfers to another Regions account post within one business day. The closure itself takes one to three business days.

Do I have to pay a fee to close my Regions account?

Regions does not charge a fee to close most standard checking and savings accounts. Some specialty accounts may have early closure terms, but these are rare. Ask the representative whether your specific account type has any closure fees before you proceed.

What if I close my account and then realize I need it again?

Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. You would need to open a new account, which means a new account number and a new debit card. If you think you might need the account later, consider leaving it open but unused rather than closing it. There is no fee for an inactive account at Regions.