Closing a Regions Bank account requires you to contact the bank directly, settle any outstanding balance, and confirm the closure in writing
Regions Bank does not offer account closure through its website or mobile app. You must initiate the process by phone, in person at a branch, or through written request. The bank will ask you to pay any negative balance, confirm what to do with remaining funds, and verify your identity before processing the closure.
The timeline varies depending on how you close the account and whether you have pending transactions. Most closures complete within one to two business days if you close in person or by phone, though the bank may hold the account open for up to 30 days if there are outstanding checks or automatic payments still processing.
Key Takeaways
- Call Regions Bank customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667) or visit a local branch to start the closure process—online closure is not available.
- You must pay any overdraft or negative balance before the account closes, and the bank will not close an account with money owed.
- Confirm what happens to any remaining balance: the bank can transfer it to another account, issue a check, or hold it for pickup at a branch.
- Provide the bank with a list of any recurring payments or automatic transfers linked to the account so they do not fail after closure.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case the account appears on your credit report or you need proof of closure later.
Closing by phone or in person
Calling Regions Bank customer service is the fastest route for most people. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm you want to close the account, and ask about any outstanding balance or pending transactions.
If you owe money on the account, the bank will tell you the amount and how to pay it. You can pay by debit card, transfer from another account, or check. The representative will not close the account until the balance is settled.
Closing in person at a Regions branch takes the same steps but lets you handle payment when ready and receive written confirmation on the spot. Bring your ID and account number. If you have a large remaining balance, the teller can issue a cashier's check or transfer the funds to another bank account while you wait.
What to do with remaining funds
Once any negative balance is paid, you must tell Regions what to do with money still in the account. The bank offers three options: transfer to another account (at Regions or elsewhere), receive a check mailed to your address on file, or pick up a check at a branch.
Transfer is fastest if you have another account ready. Provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number. The transfer usually completes within one to two business days. If you request a check by mail, allow five to seven business days for delivery. Pickup at a branch happens the same day you request it, provided the branch is open.
Handling automatic payments and recurring transfers
Before you close the account, identify every automatic payment, bill pay, or recurring transfer tied to it. This includes payroll direct deposit, insurance payments, subscription services, loan payments, and transfers to savings accounts. The bank will not automatically redirect these—they will fail after closure, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions.
Contact each company or service to update your payment method or account number. For payroll, notify your employer's HR or payroll department at least one week before closure so they can switch to a new account. For bills and subscriptions, log into each account online or call the company directly. Do not rely on the bank to notify them.
Once you have updated all recurring payments, tell the Regions representative the list of companies affected. This creates a record in case a payment attempt fails after closure and you need to prove you notified the bank.
Timing and what happens after closure
If there are no pending transactions or outstanding checks, the account closes when ready or within one business day. If the bank knows of checks you wrote that have not cleared, or automatic payments scheduled within the next 30 days, it may keep the account open to process them. You will not be able to use the account, but it remains active in the bank's system.
After closure, the account number becomes inactive. Any attempt to deposit money or make a transfer to that account will be rejected. Checks written on the account after closure will bounce. If someone tries to deposit a check to your closed account, the bank will return it to the depositor.
The closure appears on your banking history but does not affect your credit score. However, if you owed money at the time of closure, that debt may be reported to a collection agency and appear on your credit report.
Requesting written confirmation
Always ask for written confirmation of the closure before you hang up or leave the branch. If you closed by phone, ask the representative to email or mail a confirmation letter. If you closed in person, request a printed receipt or letter stating the account number, closure date, and final balance.
Keep this confirmation for at least one year. You may need it if the account reappears on a credit report, if a company claims they never received payment notification, or if you need to prove the account is closed for a loan or credit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Regions account online?
No. Regions Bank requires you to close accounts by phone, in person at a branch, or by mail. Call 1-800-regions (1-800-734-4667) or visit your nearest branch to start the process.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
The bank will not close the account until you pay the negative balance in full. The representative will tell you the amount owed and accept payment by debit card, transfer, or check. Once paid, the closure proceeds.
How long does it take for a Regions account to fully close?
Most accounts close within one to two business days if there are no pending transactions. If outstanding checks or scheduled payments exist, the bank may hold the account open for up to 30 days to process them. You cannot use the account during this time.
What happens to direct deposit after I close my account?
Direct deposit will fail and the money will be returned to your employer. Notify your employer's payroll department at least one week before closure so they can update your account information. Provide them with your new account number if you have one.
Will closing my Regions account hurt my credit?
Closing the account itself does not affect your credit score. However, if you owed money at closure, that debt may be reported to a collection agency and appear on your credit report, which can lower your score.