You cannot add an authorized user to a Regions checking account through their online banking platform
Regions Bank does not offer the option to add a joint account holder or authorized user online. You must visit a branch in person, call Regions customer service, or in some cases use their mobile app to initiate the request, but the account change itself requires verification and completion at a physical location or through a phone call with a representative who can confirm your identity.
The reason for this restriction is straightforward: adding someone to an account changes the legal ownership or access rights, which banks treat as a sensitive transaction. Regions requires direct verification of both the account holder and the person being added before making the change official.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a Regions branch in person with the person you want to add; bring a government-issued ID for both of you.
- Call Regions customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to start the process by phone, though you may still need to visit a branch to complete it.
- Decide whether you want to add a joint owner (who has full account access and legal ownership) or an authorized user (who can access the account but does not own it).
- The account change typically takes effect the same day if completed in person, or within one to two business days if started by phone.
Adding someone in person at a Regions branch
Bring your government-issued ID and the ID of the person you want to add to any Regions branch. The account holder must be present, and so must the person being added. A branch representative will verify both identities, explain the account structure, and process the change on the spot.
Bring your debit card or account number so the representative can pull up your account quickly. If you are adding a spouse or family member, have them bring their Social Security number as well—Regions will need it for verification and tax reporting purposes.
Once the change is processed, the new account holder or authorized user can use the account immediately. If you are adding someone who does not yet have a Regions debit card, ask the branch to order one during the same visit.
Adding someone by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Regions debit card. Have your account number and PIN ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then explain the options for adding the other person.
Some Regions locations allow the entire process to be completed over the phone, but many require you to visit a branch afterward to have the other person sign documents and verify their identity in person. Ask the representative whether your account can be fully processed by phone or whether an in-person visit is required.
If an in-person visit is needed, the representative can schedule an appointment at a nearby branch or tell you which branch hours work best for you to drop in.
Joint owner versus authorized user
A joint owner has full legal ownership of the account and can withdraw money, close the account, or change account settings without permission from the other owner. Both owners are equally responsible for overdrafts or fees. If one owner dies, the account typically passes to the surviving owner automatically.
An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but does not own it. The original account holder retains full control and can remove the authorized user at any time. Authorized users do not have legal ownership rights and cannot close the account or change its terms.
Most people add a spouse or partner as a joint owner and add adult children or caregivers as authorized users. Ask the branch representative which structure makes sense for your situation.
What documents you will need
Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the person being added. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Bring your Regions debit card or write down your account number before you go.
If the person being added does not have a government ID yet, ask the branch whether they can accept an alternative form of identification. Some branches may accept a Social Security card plus a utility bill or other proof of address, though this varies by location.
If you are adding someone who is not a U.S. citizen, bring their passport or visa documentation. Regions will need this for compliance with federal banking rules.
Timeline and when the change takes effect
If you complete the process in person at a branch, the change usually takes effect the same day. The new account holder or authorized user can begin using the account immediately, though it may take a few hours for the change to appear in online banking or the mobile app.
If you start the process by phone and then visit a branch, the timeline depends on when you schedule the in-person appointment. Once you sign the documents at the branch, the change takes effect the same day.
Debit cards for the new account holder typically arrive within five to seven business days. Ask the branch whether they can issue a temporary card or provide a card number you can use right away.
Removing someone from the account later
If you added someone as a joint owner and later want to remove them, you will need to visit a branch or call customer service. Removing a joint owner is more complicated than adding one because both owners typically have equal rights; Regions may require both signatures or may ask you to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.
Removing an authorized user is simpler. Call customer service or visit a branch, and the representative can remove them from the account immediately. The authorized user will lose access to the account as soon as the change is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they do not live near a Regions branch?
You can start the process by phone, but Regions will likely require the other person to visit a branch in person to verify their identity and sign documents. If there is no Regions branch near them, ask customer service whether they can use a branch in a different state or whether any exceptions are available.
What if I want to add someone but keep them from seeing my account balance?
If you add someone as a joint owner, they will have full access to the account, including the balance. If you want to limit what they can see or do, add them as an authorized user instead—though authorized users can still see the balance and transaction history.
Can I add a minor to my checking account?
Regions offers accounts designed for minors, but adding a minor to an adult checking account is not standard. Ask a branch representative about opening a teen checking account or a custodial account instead, which may be a better fit for your situation.
How long does it take to add someone if I do it by phone?
The phone call itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but if Regions requires an in-person visit afterward, the total timeline depends on when you can schedule the branch appointment. Once you visit the branch and sign, the change takes effect the same day.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding someone to a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and payment history, not on account ownership. The other person's credit is also unaffected.