Yes, you can add someone to your Regions checking account, but the process and permissions depend on whether you want them as an authorized user or a joint owner

Regions Bank offers two main ways to give someone access to your checking account. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but you remain the sole account owner and keep full control. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all decisions about it, and is equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees. Which one you choose matters because it affects liability, account control, and what happens to the money if one person dies.

The person you want to add must be at least 18 years old. Regions does not allow you to add a minor as a joint owner or authorized user through standard checking accounts, though some banks offer custodial accounts for minors—contact your local Regions branch to ask whether that option exists in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can make purchases and withdrawals but you keep sole ownership and control; joint owners have equal rights and equal liability.
  • You can add an authorized user online through Regions' digital banking or by visiting a branch with the person present.
  • Adding a joint owner requires both people to sign documents in person at a Regions branch; you cannot do this online.
  • The person you add must provide a government-issued ID and may need to provide a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Removing an authorized user can happen immediately online or by phone; removing a joint owner requires both signatures and may take several business days.

Adding an authorized user online or at a branch

If you want to add an authorized user, you have two routes. The faster option is through Regions' online banking portal: log in, navigate to your checking account settings, select "Add Authorized User" or a similar option (exact wording varies by region), and enter the person's name, date of birth, and contact information. Regions will typically mail a debit card to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days.

The second route is to visit a Regions branch in person with the person you want to add. Bring a government-issued photo ID for both of you. The branch staff will complete the paperwork on the spot, and the new authorized user may receive a debit card immediately or by mail depending on the branch's process. This route is useful if you want to avoid delays or if the online system is not working for your account type.

An authorized user does not need to be present when you add them online, but Regions may call or email them to confirm the addition. If the person is not reachable or does not consent, the account addition may be delayed or rejected.

Adding a joint owner requires both signatures in person

Adding a joint owner is more formal because both people become legally responsible for the account. You cannot do this online. Both you and the person you want to add must visit a Regions branch together with government-issued photo IDs. The branch will have you both sign account ownership documents, which typically take 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Regions will ask for the joint owner's Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify their identity and for tax reporting purposes. If the person does not have a Social Security number, ask the branch whether an ITIN is accepted; policies vary by state and account type.

After both signatures are collected, the account is converted to joint ownership. This usually takes effect the same day, though it may take one business day for the change to appear in online banking. Both owners will have equal access to all funds and can make withdrawals, close the account, or change account settings without the other person's permission.

What information you need before you visit or apply

Gather these details before you start the process, whether online or in person:

  • The person's full legal name, date of birth, and current address
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
  • Social Security number or ITIN (required for joint owners; may be required for authorized users depending on Regions' current policy)
  • Phone number and email address where Regions can reach them

If the person you want to add is not a U.S. citizen or does not have a Social Security number, contact your local Regions branch before you visit. Some branches can work with ITINs; others may have restrictions. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

The difference in liability and account control

An authorized user can spend money from the account but cannot close it, change the account type, remove themselves, or add other users. If the account goes negative, the authorized user is not responsible for the overdraft fee—only the account owner is. If fraud occurs on the authorized user's debit card, Regions' fraud protection applies the same way it would to any cardholder.

A joint owner has no such limits. Both joint owners can close the account, transfer all funds out, change the account type, or add other users. If the account overdraws, both are liable for overdraft fees. If one joint owner dies, the surviving owner typically keeps the account and all funds in it, though some states have different rules—ask Regions about your state's law if this is a concern.

This is why adding a joint owner should be a decision you make carefully. It is appropriate for spouses, adult children managing finances for an aging parent, or business partners. It is not appropriate if you want to give someone temporary access or if you want to protect yourself from liability.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

Removing an authorized user is quick. Log into your online banking, go to account settings, find the authorized user, and select "Remove" or "Delete." The change takes effect immediately, and their debit card stops working within hours. You can also call Regions' customer service or visit a branch to remove an authorized user by phone or in person.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated because both people have equal rights. You cannot unilaterally remove a joint owner online or by phone. Both of you must visit a Regions branch together and sign documents converting the account back to single ownership or closing it entirely. If the joint owner will not cooperate, you may need to close the account and open a new one, which means a new account number and routing number.

If a joint owner has died, contact Regions with a death certificate. The bank will freeze the account temporarily while it processes the change, and the surviving owner will regain sole access. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days.

What happens if you add someone by mistake or change your mind

If you added an authorized user and want to remove them, do so immediately through online banking or by calling Regions. There is no waiting period, and the card stops working right away. If the person made unauthorized charges before you removed them, contact Regions' fraud department with the transaction details.

If you added a joint owner and want to undo it, you will need both signatures. If the person refuses to sign removal documents or is unreachable, your only option is to close the account entirely and open a new one. This is why it is important to be certain before you add a joint owner.

If someone added you as an authorized user or joint owner without your knowledge, contact Regions immediately. Bring your ID and explain the situation. Regions can investigate and may be able to remove you, though the process depends on whether the account owner cooperates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my checking account if they do not live in the same state as me?

Yes. For an authorized user, you can add them online without them being present. For a joint owner, both of you must visit a Regions branch in person, so you will need to coordinate a time when you are both in the same location. Some Regions branches may allow notarized documents from out-of-state signers, but this is rare—call your branch first.

What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?

Ask your local Regions branch whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Policies vary by state and account type. If Regions cannot work with an ITIN, you may need to explore other banks or account structures.

Can I add a minor to my checking account?

Regions does not allow minors as authorized users or joint owners on standard checking accounts. Some Regions branches offer custodial savings accounts for minors, which give parents control until the child turns 18. Contact your branch to ask what options are available in your state.

If I add someone as a joint owner, can they empty the account without telling me?

Yes. A joint owner has equal legal rights to all funds and can withdraw or transfer money without the other owner's permission or knowledge. This is why joint ownership should only be used with people you trust completely.

How long does it take to add someone to my account?

Adding an authorized user online takes a few minutes, and the debit card arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Adding a joint owner requires an in-person visit and takes 15 to 30 minutes; the change is usually effective the same day or the next business day.