You can close a Regions checking account online through your digital banking portal, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have linked services.
Regions Bank does not offer a full account closure option in their online banking interface. Instead, you can initiate the closure by calling Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267), or by visiting a branch in person with a valid ID. If you want to close the account without a phone call or branch visit, your only option is to withdraw all funds and let the account sit inactive — Regions will eventually close it, though this can take several months and may result in fees if the account goes negative.
The reason for this limitation is that banks need to verify your identity and confirm you have no outstanding checks, automatic payments, or fraud holds before closing. They also need to confirm where remaining funds should go. These steps are difficult to complete entirely online without a live representative.
Key Takeaways
- Regions does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app — you must call or visit a branch.
- Before closing, withdraw all funds or arrange a transfer to another account, and cancel any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to the account.
- Call Regions at 1-800-734-6267 to close your account; have your account number and ID ready.
- If you do not use the account and leave it open with a zero balance, Regions may close it automatically after several months of inactivity, though this is not may provide.
What you need to do before calling to close
Before you contact Regions, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged for the remaining funds to be transferred elsewhere. Regions will not close an account with a positive balance without confirming where the money should go. If you have automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or direct deposits linked to this account, cancel or redirect them first. A forgotten automatic payment can cause the account to go negative after closure, triggering overdraft fees.
Check your recent statements for any pending transactions or holds. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, wait until they do before closing, or contact Regions to confirm they have cleared. Some holds — such as those placed by merchants or for fraud investigation — can prevent closure until they expire.
How to close your account by phone
Call Regions customer service at 1-800-734-6267. Have your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid ID available. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and ask why you are closing the account. This information helps Regions understand customer needs but does not affect your ability to close.
The representative will confirm that all automatic payments have been stopped and that no checks are pending. They will then process the closure. Regions typically closes the account when ready, though it may take one to two business days for the closure to appear in your online banking portal. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Closing in person at a Regions branch
If you prefer not to call, you can visit any Regions branch with a valid ID and ask to close your account. Bring your account number if you have it. The branch representative will perform the same verification and confirmation steps as a phone representative. This option is faster if you have questions or if your account has complications — for example, if there are fraud holds or if you need to discuss what to do with remaining funds.
Branch hours vary by location. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Regions website or by calling the main number. Closing in person usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens if you do not formally close the account
If you withdraw all funds and stop using the account without formally closing it, Regions will eventually close it for inactivity. The timeline varies — some banks close accounts after 12 months of no activity, while others wait longer. During this period, the account remains open and may incur monthly maintenance fees if your balance falls below the minimum required. If the account goes negative due to a fee or a delayed transaction, you may owe overdraft charges.
Formally closing the account is faster and prevents unexpected fees. It also removes the account from your credit report more quickly, which can be important if you are trying to clean up your banking history.
After your account is closed
Once Regions closes your account, you cannot use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account will fail. If you set up a new account with Regions or another bank, you will need to update those services with the new account number.
Keep your closure confirmation letter for your records. If a check or payment arrives after closure, Regions will return it marked "account closed." The sender will need to contact you for updated information. If you believe a transaction was processed after closure, contact Regions within 60 days to dispute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Regions account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closing. If the account is negative, you owe that amount to Regions. Contact them to arrange payment, then proceed with closure. Closing does not erase the debt.
Will closing my Regions account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if the account goes to collections due to unpaid fees or overdrafts, that can harm your score. Pay any outstanding balance before closing.
How long does it take for Regions to close my account after I call?
Regions usually closes the account the same day or within one business day. The closure may take one to two additional business days to appear in your online banking portal. You will receive a written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I closed my account but a check still comes through?
Regions will return the check marked "account closed" to the sender. The sender will contact you for updated banking information. If you believe the check was processed incorrectly, contact Regions within 60 days to dispute the transaction.
Can I reopen a Regions account I just closed?
Yes, you can open a new Regions account at any time. However, if your old account was closed due to fraud or repeated overdrafts, Regions may flag your history. Contact a branch or call customer service to discuss whether you can open a new account.