Adding an authorized user to your Regions checking account

You can add another person to your Regions checking account in two ways: as a joint account holder who has equal ownership and full access, or as an authorized user who can use the account but does not own it. The process differs slightly depending on which you choose, and the choice affects what that person can do with the account and what happens to it if you die.

If you want to add someone quickly without visiting a branch, Regions does not offer online account ownership changes through its digital banking platform. You will need to visit a branch in person or call Regions customer service to make either change official. The person you are adding will also need to provide identification and sign documents at the branch.

The main difference: a joint owner can close the account, remove you, or take all the money without your permission. An authorized user cannot. If you are unsure which you need, the section below explains what each person can actually do.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Regions branch or call customer service to add someone to your account; you cannot do it through online banking.
  • A joint account holder has equal ownership and can withdraw money, write checks, and make changes without your permission; an authorized user cannot.
  • The person you are adding will need a government-issued ID and will have to sign paperwork at the branch.
  • If you die, a joint account passes to the surviving owner outside of your will; money in an authorized user account becomes part of your estate.

Joint account holder versus authorized user

A joint account holder is a co-owner. Both of you own the money equally, and either of you can withdraw it all, close the account, or remove the other person. Regions will not stop a joint owner from taking the full balance. This is useful if you are married, in a long-term partnership, or managing money with a family member you trust completely. It is also the simpler legal structure if you want that person to inherit the account automatically when you die.

An authorized user can use a debit card, write checks, and withdraw money from the account, but they do not own it. You remain the sole owner. You can remove them at any time without their permission, and they cannot close the account or change its terms. When you die, the money does not pass to them automatically—it becomes part of your estate and goes through your will or state law. This is better if you want to give someone access to pay bills or make purchases on your behalf, but you want to keep full control.

Regions does not offer a middle ground like a limited authorized user who can only deposit or view the balance. Once someone is an authorized user, they have the same transaction access as you do.

What you need to bring to the branch

You will need your own government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the other person's government-issued ID. Regions requires a photo ID for both of you. Bring your current Regions debit card or account number so the branch can pull up your account quickly.

The person you are adding does not need to be a current Regions customer. If they do not have an account with Regions, the branch will still be able to add them to yours. However, if you are adding a minor (under 18), Regions requires a parent or legal guardian to sign the paperwork, and the minor will need their own ID as well.

If you are adding someone who is not present—for example, you want to add a family member who lives out of state—you will need to contact Regions customer service by phone to discuss your options. Some branches may be able to mail documents for remote signature, but this varies by location and takes longer.

The in-branch process and timeline

Visit any Regions branch during business hours. Tell the teller or account representative that you want to add someone to your checking account and whether you want them as a joint owner or authorized user. They will pull up your account and ask the other person to provide their ID.

The branch will print disclosure documents and account agreement forms. Both of you will sign these. The documents explain the account terms, fee structure, and what each person can do. Read them before signing—they are not boilerplate, and Regions may have updated terms since you opened the account.

Once signed, the change is usually effective when ready or within one business day. The new account holder or authorized user can use the account right away. If you requested a new debit card for the authorized user, it will be mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

Adding someone by phone

You can call Regions customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to ask about adding someone remotely. However, Regions will likely require you to visit a branch in person to complete the process, because both parties must sign documents and provide ID verification.

If you cannot visit a branch, ask the representative whether Regions can mail documents to you and the other person for signature. This is slower—typically 2 to 3 weeks total—and Regions may require notarization of the signatures. Some branches handle this; others do not, so the answer depends on your local branch's policies.

What happens if you remove someone later

You can remove a joint account holder or authorized user at any time by visiting a branch or calling customer service. If you remove a joint owner, they lose access to the account when ready, but they retain a legal claim to any money that was in the account while they were an owner. This can create disputes, so if you are removing a joint owner, consider closing the account and opening a new one instead.

Removing an authorized user is simpler. They lose access when ready, and you keep all the money. Any debit card issued to them will stop working within 24 hours.

If the person you want to remove is deceased, contact Regions with a death certificate. The branch will remove them from the account and, if they were a joint owner, may require you to provide documentation of your relationship to settle the ownership question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Not in most cases. Regions requires both the account owner and the person being added to visit a branch in person and sign documents. If distance is a problem, ask your local branch whether they can mail documents for remote signature, though this takes longer and may require notarization.

What if I want to add a minor to my account?

A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the paperwork along with the minor. The minor will need their own government-issued ID. Some Regions branches have age restrictions on who can be a joint owner; call ahead to confirm your branch's policy.

If I add someone as a joint owner, can they remove me from the account?

Yes. A joint owner has equal legal rights and can remove you, close the account, or withdraw all the money without your permission. Only add someone as a joint owner if you trust them completely.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not appear on credit reports and does not change your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards and loans.

What if I die and someone is a joint owner on my account?

The account passes directly to the surviving joint owner outside of your will. They become the sole owner automatically. If you want the money to go to someone else, you cannot use a joint account—you would need to name them as a beneficiary on a separate savings account or through your will.