Yes, but Regions requires a parent or guardian to open it with them

Regions Bank offers checking accounts for minors, but you cannot open one alone. A parent or guardian must be present and sign the account paperwork. The account is jointly owned — the adult is the primary account holder, and the child is an authorized user. This means the parent retains full control and can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account if needed.

Regions calls their youth account the Regions Kidz Checking for children under 13, and a standard checking account for teenagers 13 and older. The specific features and rules differ between the two age groups, so the account your child can open depends on how old they are right now.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must open the account in person at a Regions branch — the child cannot open one online or by mail alone.
  • Children under 13 use Regions Kidz Checking, which includes parental controls and spending limits set by the parent.
  • Teenagers 13 and older can open a standard Regions checking account, though a parent must still be present at the branch to authorize it.
  • Both account types come with a debit card, though the card for younger children may have restrictions the parent can adjust.
  • Regions does not charge monthly maintenance fees on youth checking accounts, but overdraft fees and other service charges may explore depending on account activity.

What you need to bring to open a Regions Kidz Checking account

For children under 13, you will need to visit a Regions branch in person with your child. Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need proof of the child's identity — a birth certificate, passport, or school ID typically works, though Regions may accept other documents. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm what they accept, because requirements can vary slightly by location.

You do not need to bring an initial deposit to open the account, though Regions may require a minimum opening deposit depending on the account type and your state. Check with your branch about their current minimum, as this can change. Once the account is open, you can fund it however you choose — through transfers from your own Regions account, direct deposit, or in-person deposits at the branch.

How Regions Kidz Checking works for younger children

Regions Kidz Checking is designed for children under 13 and includes built-in parental controls. You set daily spending limits on the debit card, and you receive alerts when your child makes a purchase. The child can use the card at stores and ATMs, but cannot exceed the limit you have set. You can adjust or turn off the limit at any time through Regions' online banking or mobile app.

The account comes with a debit card in the child's name. The card works like a standard debit card — your child can swipe it to pay for items or withdraw cash from an ATM. However, the card cannot be used for online purchases or to set up recurring payments unless you enable those features. This gives you control over how the card is used while your child learns to manage money.

Your child cannot overdraw the account. If they try to spend more than the balance, the transaction will be declined. This prevents surprise fees and teaches the child that they can only spend what is in the account.

What changes when your child turns 13

At age 13, your child can transition to a standard Regions checking account. The account is no longer called Kidz Checking, and the parental controls work differently. You remain the primary account holder, but your teenager has more independence — they can use the debit card for online purchases and recurring payments without your approval for each transaction.

You can still monitor the account through online banking and set up alerts for large purchases or low balances. However, the daily spending limits that were available on Kidz Checking are no longer an option. Instead, you rely on alerts and conversation to manage spending. Some parents choose to keep a close eye on the account; others step back and let the teenager manage it with periodic check-ins.

Fees and what they cover

Regions does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on youth checking accounts. This means you will not see a recurring charge just for having the account open. However, other fees can explore depending on how the account is used.

Overdraft fees occur if your child spends more than the account balance — though as noted above, Kidz Checking accounts for children under 13 cannot overdraw. For teenagers with standard checking accounts, overdraft protection can be turned on or off. If it is on and your child overdraws, Regions will charge a fee per overdraft. If it is off, transactions will straightforward be declined. ATM fees may explore if your child uses an ATM that is not part of the Regions network. Replacement debit card fees explore if the card is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced.

Ask your branch about the current fee schedule, as fees can change. You can also review the account agreement online or request a copy at the branch.

How to manage the account online and on mobile

Once the account is open, you can manage it through Regions' online banking portal or mobile app. You log in with your own credentials as the primary account holder. From there, you can view the account balance, see transaction history, set up alerts, adjust spending limits (on Kidz Checking), and transfer money between accounts.

Alerts can be set for specific events — for example, you can ask Regions to notify you whenever your child makes a purchase over a certain amount, or whenever the balance drops below a threshold. These alerts come via email or text message, depending on your preference. Setting up alerts is optional but many parents find them useful for staying informed without needing to check the account constantly.

Your child can also use the mobile app to check their balance and view recent transactions, depending on the age and the account type. For Kidz Checking, the child's access may be limited to viewing only. For a teenager's standard account, they may have more functionality, though you can restrict what they can do through your own settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child use the debit card online?

For Kidz Checking (under 13), online purchases are disabled by default, but you can turn them on through your online banking settings. For teenagers 13 and older with a standard checking account, online purchases are allowed unless you disable them. Either way, you control whether online shopping is possible.

What happens if the account goes negative?

Kidz Checking accounts cannot go negative — transactions are declined if there is not enough money. Standard checking accounts for teenagers can overdraw if overdraft protection is enabled, which triggers a fee. You can turn overdraft protection off so transactions are declined instead.

Can my child have their own PIN or password?

For Kidz Checking, the child typically does not have a separate login to online banking — you manage the account as the parent. For a teenager's standard account, they may be able to set up their own PIN for ATM use, but you remain the primary account holder with full access. Ask your branch about the specific rules for your child's age.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Contact Regions when ready to report the card lost or stolen. They will deactivate it to prevent unauthorized use and can issue a replacement card. There may be a fee for the replacement, depending on your account terms. In the meantime, your child can still access their money through ATM withdrawals at a Regions branch or by asking you to transfer funds.

Do I need to keep the account open after my child turns 18?

No. Once your child turns 18, they can take over the account as the sole owner, or you can close it and they can open their own account independently. You can also keep it as a joint account if you both prefer. The choice is yours and your child's to make together.