Regions Bank does not charge an opening fee for most checking accounts

You can open a Regions checking account with no upfront cost. The bank does not require a minimum deposit to start the account, though you will need to fund it with your first deposit once the account is open. The amount you deposit is up to you — there is no mandatory minimum.

What matters more than the opening cost is the monthly maintenance fee, which varies by account type. Some Regions checking accounts charge a monthly fee; others waive it if you meet certain conditions like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Regions Bank charges no fee to open a checking account, and there is no required minimum deposit to start.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to around $12 depending on the account type and whether you meet fee-waiver conditions.
  • Direct deposit, minimum balance requirements, or maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions can waive the monthly fee on many accounts.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Regions branch.

Monthly fees vary by account type

Regions offers several checking account options, and the monthly cost depends on which one you choose. The bank's basic checking products typically charge between $0 and $12 per month, though the exact fee depends on the specific account and current promotions.

Many Regions checking accounts waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), or complete a certain number of debit card transactions each month. The conditions change by account, so the fee you pay depends on which account you pick and whether you meet its waiver requirements.

Regions also offers accounts with no monthly fee at all, though these may have fewer features or higher balance requirements. Check the current account options on Regions' website or ask at a branch, since account terms and fees change periodically.

What you need to bring or provide to open an account

To open a checking account at Regions, you will need a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and a Social Security number. If you open in person at a branch, bring the ID with you. If you open online, you will upload an image of it or answer verification questions instead.

You will also need an initial deposit to fund the account. This can be as small as $1 — there is no minimum required. You can deposit by transferring money from another bank account, depositing a check, or bringing cash to a branch.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Regions may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though policies vary by branch. Call ahead or ask in person if you are unsure.

Opening an account online versus in person

Regions lets you open a checking account online through their website or mobile app, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit source (another bank account to transfer from, or a check to deposit). The account is usually active within one business day.

You can also open an account in person at any Regions branch. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes and lets you ask questions about account features and fees face-to-face. You can deposit cash immediately if you bring it with you.

Opening by phone is also an option at some Regions locations. Call the number on the back of a Regions debit card or search for your local branch's phone number on the Regions website.

Overdraft fees and other costs to know about

Opening the account is free, but Regions does charge fees for certain transactions and account activity. Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your account balance — Regions typically charges around $35 per overdraft transaction, though this varies. You can opt out of overdraft coverage to avoid these fees, though transactions may then be declined instead.

ATM fees apply if you use an out-of-network ATM. Regions does not charge you to use their own ATMs, but other banks' machines may charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Some Regions checking accounts include a certain number of free out-of-network ATM transactions per month.

Wire transfer fees, stop-payment fees, and replacement card fees also apply in certain situations. These are not charged just for having the account — they only appear if you use those services.

How to compare Regions checking accounts before opening

Regions offers multiple checking account types, and the right one depends on how you plan to use it. Before opening, visit the Regions website and compare the accounts side by side. Look at the monthly fee, the conditions to waive it, the number of free ATM transactions, and any perks like check writing limits or mobile app features.

If you use direct deposit for your paycheck, choose an account that waives fees for direct deposit — this is often the easiest condition to meet. If you prefer to avoid monthly fees entirely, look for accounts with no monthly charge, though these may have other trade-offs like lower ATM access or fewer features.

Call a Regions branch or use their online chat to ask about current promotions. Banks sometimes offer sign-up bonuses or waived fees for new accounts during certain periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Regions checking account if I do not have a bank account elsewhere?

Yes. You do not need an existing bank account to open at Regions. You can fund your new account with cash at a branch, a check, or a transfer from another person's account. If you are opening online, you may need to verify your identity through additional questions if you cannot link to another bank account.

What happens if I do not meet the fee-waiver requirements?

If you do not set up direct deposit, maintain the minimum balance, or meet other waiver conditions, you will be charged the monthly maintenance fee. This fee is deducted from your account balance each month. You can change your account type later to one with different requirements or no fee.

Is there a penalty if I close the account soon after opening?

Regions does not charge a fee to close a checking account, even if you close it shortly after opening. However, if you close before the monthly fee is charged, you will not owe anything. If the fee has already been charged, it is not refunded.

Can I open a joint checking account at Regions?

Yes. You can open a joint account with another person. Both account holders will need to provide ID and a Social Security number. The account opening process is the same, and the monthly fee applies to the joint account, not to each person separately.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account type. Some Regions checking accounts waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance (typically $500 to $1,500), while others waive fees through direct deposit or debit card activity instead. Choose an account whose waiver conditions match your banking habits.