You can start a Regions Bank account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Regions Bank does not offer fully online account opening. You can begin the process on their website and provide your information, but you must complete the account setup either by visiting a branch in person or by phone with a Regions representative. This means you cannot walk away from your computer with a finished, usable account the same day.
The reason for this requirement is identity verification. Banks are required by federal law to confirm who you are before opening an account, and Regions uses in-person verification or phone-based identity checks as their method. Online-only banks like Chime or Marcus can verify you through video or document upload, but Regions has chosen the branch or phone route instead.
If you have a Regions branch near you, going in person is usually faster — you can walk out with a debit card the same day and start using your account immediately. If you prefer not to visit a branch, the phone option works, but it adds a step and a phone call to your timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Regions Bank requires you to complete account opening either in a branch or by phone; the online form alone does not create a finished account.
- You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number to open an account.
- In-person opening at a branch typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can receive a debit card the same day.
- Phone-based opening takes longer because the representative must verify your identity through questions and document review, and your card arrives by mail.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to open a personal account with Regions.
What documents you need before you start
Have these items ready before you begin, whether you plan to finish online, by phone, or in person. Regions will ask for them at some point in the process, and having them on hand speeds things up.
You need a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Regions will not accept expired IDs. You also need proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box does not count as proof of address. Finally, you need your Social Security number. Regions will use it to run a credit check and verify your identity against government records.
If you do not have a U.S. address yet (for example, if you are moving and have not received mail at your new place), some branches may accept an acceptance letter from your landlord or a signed lease as temporary proof. Call your local branch first to ask what they will take.
Starting the process online
Go to the Regions Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage or under a menu labeled "Products" or "Personal Banking." Click it and select the type of account you want — checking, savings, or both. Regions offers several checking options (like their basic checking or premium checking) and savings accounts with different interest rates.
The online form will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. You will also choose a username and password for online banking. Do not close the browser or navigate away until you finish the form, or you may have to start over.
After you submit the form, Regions will tell you what to do next. Usually you will see a message saying you need to verify your identity in person or by phone, with instructions on how to schedule. Some branches let you book an appointment online; others ask you to call. If you choose the phone route, Regions will call you or you can call them — the representative will ask security questions and may ask you to send photos of your ID and proof of address.
Finishing your account in a branch
Bring your ID and proof of address to your nearest Regions branch during business hours. A banker will pull up your online application, verify your identity by checking your documents against what you entered online, and answer any questions about the account type you chose.
The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. At the end, the banker will give you a debit card on the spot — you can use it immediately at ATMs and in stores. Your online banking access (username and password) is usually live the same day, so you can log in and transfer money or set up bill pay right away.
If you do not have a branch nearby, or if you cannot visit during their hours, ask the banker if they can mail you a debit card instead. This takes five to seven business days, but you can still use your account online and by phone transfer in the meantime.
Finishing your account by phone
If you choose the phone route, a Regions representative will call you at the number you provided, or you can call the number they give you. The call usually happens within one business day of submitting your online form, though it may take longer during busy periods.
The representative will ask you security questions to verify your identity — things like "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What is your mother's maiden name?" They may also ask you to email or text photos of your ID and proof of address. This is normal and required by federal law.
Once they confirm who you are, they will activate your account. Your debit card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. In the meantime, you can log into online banking and use your account for transfers and bill pay, but you cannot use a physical card in stores or at ATMs until it arrives.
What happens if you are denied
Regions may deny your account application if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks, if you do not pass the identity verification, or if you do not meet their minimum age or residency requirements. They will tell you the reason in writing.
If you are denied because of information in ChexSystems (a banking history database), you have the right to dispute it. You can contact ChexSystems directly to see what they have on file and request corrections. This takes time, but it may help you open an account elsewhere or reapply to Regions later.
If you are denied because you do not have enough proof of address or identity, try again with different documents. A lease and a utility bill together are usually stronger than one document alone. Some people have better luck applying in person at a branch, where a banker can see the documents and use judgment.
Minimum deposit and account fees
Regions does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking and savings accounts, but some premium accounts do. Check the specific account type you are interested in on their website to see if there is a minimum.
Monthly maintenance fees vary by account type. Basic checking accounts may have no monthly fee if you meet certain requirements (like setting up direct deposit), while premium accounts may charge $10 to $15 per month. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee. Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and other charges apply depending on your account and how you use it. Read the fee schedule before you finish opening your account so you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Regions account if I go in person?
The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with a debit card and can use your account the same day. If you do not have an appointment, you may wait longer depending on how busy the branch is.
Can I open a Regions account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Regions requires a Social Security number for personal accounts. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder without an SSN, call your local branch to ask if they can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Policies vary by branch.
What if I do not have proof of address?
A lease agreement or acceptance letter from your landlord may work if you do not have a utility bill or bank statement yet. Call your branch first to confirm what they will take. Some branches are more flexible than others.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. Once your account is open, you can log into online banking, set up bill pay, and transfer money between accounts. You can also use your account number to set up direct deposit. You just cannot use a physical card in stores or at ATMs until the card arrives by mail.
What if I started the online form but did not finish it?
Your application may expire after a certain number of days (usually 30). If it does, you will need to start over. If you are unsure whether your application is still active, call Regions customer service or visit a branch and ask them to look it up using your phone number or email.