The basic process for adding someone to your account

You can add another person to your Regions checking account by visiting a branch in person, calling Regions customer service, or using online banking if the option is available on your account. The person you want to add will need to provide identification and sign paperwork authorizing them as an authorized user or joint account holder — these are two different arrangements with different rights and responsibilities.

The fastest route is usually a visit to your local Regions branch with the other person present. Bring a valid government-issued ID for both of you. A banker will explain the difference between the two options, help you choose which one fits your situation, and complete the paperwork on the spot. The change typically takes effect the same day or within one business day.

If you cannot visit a branch together, call Regions at the number on the back of your debit card and ask about adding someone remotely. Some account types allow this; others require both people to be present. The phone representative can tell you what your account allows and what documents you will need.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and can make all decisions about the account.
  • You will need the other person's government-issued ID and their signature on account paperwork, whether you add them in person or by phone.
  • Visiting a Regions branch with both people present is usually the fastest way to complete the process.
  • The person you add will have access to all the money in the account and can withdraw, transfer, or spend it without your permission.

Authorized user versus joint account holder

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use the account — they can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using the debit card or online banking. However, they do not own the account. You remain the sole owner, and you are responsible for any overdrafts or fees. If you close the account or remove them, they lose access when ready. This option works well if you want to give someone spending power without giving them ownership rights.

A joint account holder is a co-owner. Both of you own the account equally, both can make any decision about it, and both are responsible for overdrafts and fees. Either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings without the other's permission. This arrangement is common between spouses, parents and adult children sharing finances, or business partners. It means full trust and shared liability.

Think about what you actually need. If you want your adult child to pay bills from the account while you keep control, an authorized user is simpler. If you are combining finances with a spouse or partner, a joint account makes sense. Regions staff can walk you through the differences when you visit or call.

What you need to bring to add someone

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the person you are adding. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though Regions may accept an ID that expired recently — ask when you call or visit.

You will also need your account number, which appears on your debit card, checks, or online banking login. Have the other person's current mailing address ready. If they live with you, you can use the same address; if not, Regions will need their separate address on file.

If you are adding someone remotely by phone, Regions may ask for additional information to verify your identity, such as recent transaction amounts or the answer to a security question you set up when you opened the account. This protects your account from unauthorized changes.

Adding someone through online banking

Some Regions accounts allow you to start the process through online banking without visiting a branch. Log in to your account, look for a settings or account management section, and search for an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. The exact location varies depending on your account type and when you opened it.

If you find the option online, you will typically enter the other person's name, date of birth, and contact information. Regions will then send them a link or code to verify their identity. However, most account changes still require a signature on paper, so you may need to visit a branch or have documents mailed to you to sign and return.

If you do not see the option in your online banking, it does not mean you cannot add someone — it means your account type requires a branch visit or phone call. Contact Regions directly to confirm what method works for your specific account.

Timeline and when the change takes effect

If you add someone in person at a branch, the change usually takes effect the same business day or by the next morning. You will receive a new debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you are adding a joint account holder; an authorized user may or may not receive a card depending on Regions' current policy.

If you add someone by phone or mail, the timeline is longer — typically 5 to 10 business days from the date all paperwork is signed and received. Regions will confirm the completion date when they process your request.

During the waiting period, the other person does not yet have access to the account. Once Regions confirms the change is complete, they can use online banking, a debit card, or visit a branch to conduct transactions. If you need them to have access urgently, a branch visit is your fastest option.

What happens to the account after you add someone

Once someone is added as an authorized user or joint holder, they can see the full account balance and transaction history. They can deposit checks, withdraw cash, transfer money, and pay bills from the account. If the account is overdrawn, both of you are responsible for the overdraft fee — even if only one person caused the overdraft.

If you add a joint account holder, they have equal authority. They can change the account settings, add or remove other people, order new checks, or close the account without telling you. This is why joint accounts require real trust. If you add an authorized user, you keep control — you can remove them at any time, and they cannot make changes to account settings or add other users.

Both authorized users and joint holders can see the account online and receive statements. If you want to limit what they see or do, a joint account is not the right choice — you would need to set up a separate account or use a prepaid card instead.

Removing someone from your account

You can remove an authorized user by visiting a branch, calling Regions, or using online banking if that option is available. You will need to sign a form authorizing the removal. The person being removed loses access when ready, though they may receive a notice in the mail afterward.

Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because they have equal ownership rights. You cannot unilaterally remove them — both of you must agree and sign paperwork, or you may need to close the account and open a new one. If you and the joint holder disagree, you may need legal help. This is another reason to think carefully before making someone a joint owner.

If you are concerned about someone's access to your account right now, contact Regions when ready. You can freeze the account, change the online banking password, or remove cards while you figure out the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

Regions will need a tax ID of some kind for anyone on the account. If the person does not have a Social Security number, they may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Call Regions to ask what documentation they accept, as policies can vary by branch and account type.

What if the person I want to add lives in another state?

You can still add them. Regions operates in multiple states, and account ownership is not limited by state lines. However, you may need to visit a branch together or use mail and phone to complete the process. Ask Regions whether they can do it remotely or if both of you need to be present at a branch.

Does adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not appear on credit reports. Adding a joint account holder may appear on their credit report depending on Regions' reporting practices, but it typically does not affect credit scores unless the account goes into overdraft or default. Ask Regions directly if you are concerned about credit impact.

Can I add someone temporarily and then remove them later?

Yes. You can add an authorized user and remove them whenever you want without their permission. If you add a joint account holder, both of you must agree to remove them, or you will need to close the account. Plan ahead if you know the arrangement is temporary.

What if I want to give someone access to only part of my money?

Adding someone to your checking account gives them access to all the money in it. If you want to limit access, you could open a separate account with a smaller balance and add them to that instead, or consider a prepaid card that you load with a set amount. Regions can discuss these options with you.