The fastest way to close your account

You can close your Regions checking account by calling Regions customer service at 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267) or by visiting a branch in person. Over the phone is usually faster — you'll reach someone who can process the closure when ready, answer questions about your balance, and confirm what happens to any remaining funds. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and your account number if you have it.

Before you call or visit, make sure you've moved any money you want to keep to another account. Regions will close the account once you request it, and while they'll send remaining funds to you, the process takes time. You should also check that no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to this account — those will fail once the account closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-regions (1-800-734-6267) to close your account over the phone, which is usually faster than visiting a branch.
  • Move any money you want to keep to another account before closing, since Regions will mail any remaining balance to you.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, bill payments, or direct deposits linked to the account before closure.
  • Regions will send you written confirmation of the closure and details about how remaining funds will be returned.

What to do before you call

Check your account balance and transfer the money you want to keep. You can do this through Regions' online banking, mobile app, or by calling customer service. If you're moving to another bank, you can transfer funds directly to your new account if you have the routing and account numbers ready.

Look at your recent statements or log into your account to see if any automatic payments, subscriptions, or bill payments are set up to pull from this checking account. Common ones include utilities, insurance, gym memberships, and loan payments. You'll need to update those payments to come from a different account or cancel them before closing. If you miss one, the payment will fail and you may face late fees from the company you owe.

Check whether you receive direct deposits — paychecks, government benefits, or other regular deposits — into this account. You'll want to update your employer or the organization sending the deposit so it goes to your new account instead.

What happens to your remaining balance

If there's money left in the account after you close it, Regions will mail it to the address they have on file. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer depending on mail delivery. Make sure the address Regions has is current — if it's wrong, the check may be delayed or lost.

You can ask Regions to send the remaining balance to a different address when you close the account. Tell the representative where you want the check sent, and they'll note it in your file. If you're closing the account in person at a branch, you can ask whether they can issue a check on the spot instead of mailing it.

Closing the account in person versus by phone

By phone: Call 1-800-regions and have your account number ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, ask about any remaining funds, and process the closure. You'll get a confirmation number. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask them to mail the confirmation in writing so you have a record.

In person at a branch: Bring your photo ID and your debit card or account number. A teller will verify your identity, review your balance with you, and close the account. You can ask questions face-to-face and get a receipt on the spot. If there's a small balance, some branches can issue a check when ready rather than mailing it. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Phone closure is faster if you know your account details and have already moved your money. In-person closure is better if you have questions, want a check issued when ready, or prefer to handle it with someone you can see.

After your account is closed

Regions will send you written confirmation of the closure. Keep this letter for your records — it shows the date the account closed and confirms that no outstanding transactions are pending. If you ever need proof that the account is closed, you'll have it.

If you set up any new automatic payments or direct deposits, make sure they're working by checking your new bank account after the first payment arrives. Sometimes there are delays in updating payment information, and you want to catch any problems early.

If you had overdraft protection or a linked savings account, closing the checking account won't automatically close those. Contact Regions if you want to close those accounts too, or if you want to keep the savings account open.

What to do if you can't reach customer service

If you're having trouble reaching Regions by phone, try calling during business hours — weekday mornings usually have shorter wait times. You can also visit a branch in person; branches are often less busy than the phone line.

If you've moved away from a Regions service area and don't have a nearby branch, the phone line is your best option. Have your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth ready to speed up verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You'll need to pay the negative balance first. Call Regions and ask how much you owe, then transfer funds from another account or bring cash to a branch to cover it. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close the account.

What if I have checks still outstanding?

Tell the Regions representative about any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet. They may ask you to wait until those checks post, or they may close the account and keep it open long enough for them to clear. Either way, make sure you have funds available to cover them.

Will closing my account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts. Regions will not report the closure to credit bureaus.

How long does it take to close the account?

The closure itself is when ready — once you request it and Regions processes it, the account is closed. However, any remaining balance takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. If you close in person, ask if they can issue a check on the spot.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new checking account with Regions at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same account. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider pausing before closing it. If you do close it and change your mind, you'll need to open a new account with a new account number.