What you need to bring and where to start

You can open a bank account at Regions Bank in person at any branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have the documents ready; in-person takes about 15 to 30 minutes and lets you ask questions as you go. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days works).

If you are opening an account for someone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Some branches require an appointment during busy hours, so calling ahead at your local Regions location can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (utility bill or lease) to open an account in person or online.
  • Regions offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different monthly fees depending on the account type and how much you keep in it.
  • Online account opening usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents scanned or photographed, and your account can be ready the same day.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account and whether you meet balance or deposit requirements to waive the fee.
  • If you do not have a photo ID or Social Security number, call your local branch to ask about alternative verification methods.

Account types and monthly fees

Regions offers several checking and savings products. Their basic checking account (called Regions NOW Checking) has a $0 monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Without either, the fee is $12 per month. Their Regions Premium Checking has a $15 monthly fee but includes benefits like ATM fee reimbursement and higher interest rates on linked savings accounts.

Savings accounts at Regions include their Regions Savings account, which has no monthly fee and earns interest. The rate changes based on how much you keep in the account and current market conditions—Regions publishes current rates on their website. Money market accounts require a higher opening balance (usually $2,500 to $10,000) but offer higher interest rates.

Most monthly fees are waived if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500 depending on the account) or set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Ask the person opening your account which waiver option works best for your situation.

Opening an account online

Go to the Regions Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You will choose which type of account you want, then enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. You will need to upload or photograph your government ID and proof of address.

The system will verify your information and run a check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This check does not affect your credit score. If you pass, your account opens when ready and you can start using it the same day. Regions will mail you a debit card and checks within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system cannot verify your information or flags something in your banking history, Regions will contact you by phone or email with next steps. This usually means visiting a branch in person to complete the process.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to any Regions branch during business hours. A banker will ask you which type of account you want and whether you want to link it to an existing account. They will enter your information into their system, run the same ChexSystems check, and if you pass, your account opens on the spot.

You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch (sometimes called a "starter card") that you can use when ready, and a permanent card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Checks can be ordered at the branch or online after your account is open. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

If you have questions about fees, minimum balances, or which account fits your needs, the banker can walk you through the options before you decide. This is one advantage of opening in person.

What happens if you do not have a photo ID

Regions requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have one, call your local branch and explain your situation. Some branches can work with alternative documents—a passport, tribal ID, or military ID all count. If you have none of these, you may be able to bring a combination of other documents (like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill) and the branch can decide whether to proceed.

The process will take longer and may require a manager's approval, so expect to spend more time at the branch or have the branch contact you after you leave. It is worth calling ahead to ask what documents they will accept in your case.

ChexSystems and banking history checks

ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking history—specifically, whether you have had accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, or other problems. Regions checks this database when you open an account. A ChexSystems check does not look at your credit score and does not show up on your credit report.

If you have been reported to ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, Regions may deny your process or ask you to resolve the issue first. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free once per year by visiting www.chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

Some people with ChexSystems records can still open accounts at Regions, especially if the issue was resolved years ago. Call your local branch and ask whether they can work with your history before you visit in person.

Funding your new account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money in several ways. The easiest is to set up a direct deposit from your employer or another source—this also waives the monthly fee on most Regions checking accounts. You can also deposit cash or checks at any Regions ATM or branch, transfer money from another bank online, or have someone else deposit money on your behalf.

If you open your account online, your account number and routing number will be available when ready so you can set up direct deposit right away. If you open in person, the banker will give you these numbers before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Regions account online?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and proof of address ready. Your account opens when ready after verification, usually within the same day. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open a Regions account without a Social Security number?

Regions requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you have neither, call your local branch to ask about exceptions.

What is the minimum amount I need to deposit to open an account?

Regions does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking and savings accounts. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. Money market accounts typically require $2,500 to $10,000 to open.

Will opening a bank account hurt my credit score?

No. Regions checks ChexSystems (a banking history database) and may check your identity, but neither of these affects your credit score. Opening a bank account does not show up on your credit report.

Can I open an account for someone else?

You can open a joint account with another person if you both visit the branch together with your IDs. If you want to open an account for a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present. You cannot open an account in someone else's name without their presence and consent.