Regions Bank Review 2023

Regions Bank is the retail and commercial banking subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation, a Birmingham, Alabama-based Fortune 500 institution.

Founded in 1971, Regions provides financial products and services throughout the South and is one of the nation’s most significant full-service banking institutions.

Keep reading this Regions Bank review to learn if it’s right for you.

Regions Checking Accounts

Regions checking accounts cover all types of needs, whether you prefer in-person or digital banking. You’re also covered regardless of age, with accounts tailored to different demographics.

Here’s a look at each account option for checking accounts:

LifeGreen Checking

LifeGreen Checking is a standard checking account that covers all the basics. You’ll get a debit card, online and mobile banking, and unlimited check writing.

There’s an initial deposit requirement of $50 and a monthly fee of $8 if you enroll in online statements ($11 with paper statements).

You can get around the fee by keeping an average monthly balance of $1,500 or more or receiving a monthly direct deposit of $500 or more.

eAccess Account

eAccess is a checking account for those who prefer to bank online and make purchases with a card. You’ll be able to use three free checks per month, but there’s a $0.50 fee for any check writing on top of that.

eAccess has an $8 monthly fee, but the main benefit of this account is that you don’t need to meet a balance threshold or enroll in direct deposit to avoid it. Make at least ten debit or credit card transactions per month, and the account is free.

Regions Now Checking

If you’re worried about meeting the requirements to avoid a monthly fee, Regions Now Checking provides a lower fee option for checking. With online statements, the account costs $5 per month ($7 with paper statements). To open an account, you’ll need an initial deposit of at least $10.

There’s no way to avoid the monthly fee with Regions Now Checking, and there isn’t any sort of value-add here from the previous two checking options.

With this in mind, Regions Now is really only recommended for those who can’t meet the fee waiver requirements of eAccess or LifeGreen Checking.

LifeGreen Preferred Checking Account

Preferred Checking is the bank’s premium checking account with a steep monthly fee of $18.

You can waive the fee if you keep an average monthly balance of $5,000 or more or a total balance of $25,000 between your Regions accounts. You can also get around it with a Regions mortgage.

The main benefit is that it is an interest-bearing checking account but pays a low APY, so it’s a pretty modest perk. The account also has relationship benefits like discounts on safe deposit boxes and preferred CD rates.

Checking Account for Students

If you’re 25 or younger, you can open a LifeGreen Checking account specifically designed for students. The account is exactly the same as the standard LifeGreen Checking account but has no monthly fee.

Just keep in mind that once you turn 26, the account automatically converts from the student checking account to the standard account, and you’ll be subject to fees.

Regions Savings Accounts

Whether you’re building a nest egg or an emergency fund, Regions savings accounts can help. Let’s take a look at each savings account option:

LifeGreen Savings

To open a LifeGreen Savings account, you’ll need a Regions checking account to link it. LifeGreen Savings has no monthly fee, and a minimum deposit requirement is $50 when you open an account online ($5 if you open it in a branch).

The APY is just 0.01%, but if you set up monthly automatic transfers of at least $10 from your checking account, Regions Bank offers a 1% annual savings bonus of up to $100.

The bonus is based on your average monthly balance for the year and more than compensates for the bare-bones APY if you can max it out.

Regions Savings

Regions Savings is a low-fee option with a low initial deposit requirement of $50. The monthly fee is $5, and you won’t have to pay it if you maintain a minimum balance of $300.

Regions Savings has the same APY of 0.01%; unfortunately, there’s no bonus to increase your earnings. With the addition of a monthly fee and less earning potential, there isn’t much reason to consider this account over LifeGreen Savings.

Savings For Minors

Savings For Minors is an account designed for customers under 18 who want to start putting money away. There’s no monthly fee; you need at least $5 to deposit when you open a new account.

This savings account for kids requires at least one account holder of age and comes with a 0.01% APY.

Now Savings

Now Savings is available exclusively to customers who use a Regions Now prepaid debit card. There’s a $10 initial deposit requirement and no monthly fee.

Now Savings has an APY of 0.01% but comes with the same 1% annual savings bonus as LifeGreen Savings if you set up automated transfers from your checking account for at least $5. There’s also an additional $1 bonus per month if you deposit at least $5 and don’t make any withdrawals.

Regions Money Market Accounts

Regions Bank offers a couple of different money market account options:

Money Market Account

Regions’ Money Market account is a straightforward option with a $12 monthly fee. There’s an opening deposit requirement of $100, and to get around the monthly fee, you’ll need a daily balance of $2,500 or more.

With the same 0.01% APY, there isn’t much to like with this option. Without added earning potential, it’s tough to justify the higher fee avoidance threshold, and most customers will be better off sticking with one of Regions’ savings account options.

Premium Money Market

Regions Premium Money Market account promises improved interest rates for account holders but doesn’t provide many details online about them. You’ll likely need to contact the bank directly for more details.

There’s a $100 minimum deposit requirement to open, and the monthly fee is $15. To get around it, you’ll either need a minimum daily balance of $15,000 or a current LifeGreen Checking account.

Regions Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Regions Bank CD rates are its best-advertised interest rates if you’re looking to save for the long term. Here is a look at each of the bank’s CD options:

Regions CD

Regions CDs have term lengths ranging from 7 days to 72 months. There’s a $2,500 minimum deposit requirement for 7 to 89-day terms and $500 for anything 90 days or longer.

Here’s the CD interest rate breakdown:

• Five months or less: 0.01% APY
• 6 to 23 months: 0.03% APY
• 24 months or more: 0.05% APY

Promotional CD

If you have a Regions checking account, you’re eligible for a promotional CD rate that leaves every other APY Regions offers in the dust.

The terms are available as 8, 14, and 26 months with rates of 4.88%, 5.02%, and 4.4% respectively.

While these rates are great, many high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) offer the same or higher APY, so be sure to consider those before locking your money away for those terms.

Regions Credit Cards

Whether you’re looking for cash rewards or a low APR, Regions has a solid selection of credit cards available.

Here’s a look at each card option:

Prestige Visa Signature

Prestige has no annual fee and earns 3% back on dining and entertainment, 2% on gas and groceries, and 1% on everything else. You can also earn up to one extra point per dollar (1%) with Regions’ Rewards Multiplier, which is based on how much money you deposit in your Regions account.

Here’s how it works:

• $15,000 to $30,000 average balance: .25 point bonus per dollar spent
• $30,000 to $50,000 average balance: .50 point bonus per dollar spent
• $50,000+ average balance: 1 point bonus per dollar spent

You can earn a $200 bonus when you sign up if your purchases in the first 90 days total $1,000 or more. If you spend over $500 but less than $1,000, you earn a $100 bonus. There’s also a 0% intro APR for 12 months on all purchases or balance transfers that post in your first 60 days.

Cash Rewards Visa Signature

If you want cash back rewards, Regions’ Cash Rewards card will earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. There’s no annual fee; you’ll get an additional $200 bonus if you spend $1,000 or more in your first 90 days. If you spend at least $500 but not $1,000, you’ll earn a $100 bonus.

Cash Rewards has a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first year and no foreign transaction fees.

Premium Visa Signature

Premium is an elevated version of Prestige with a $125 annual fee for some added perks. You’ll earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, plus the same Rewards Multiplier as Prestige.

The intro bonus is a little sweeter, too — If you spend $2,000 or more in your first 90 days, you’ll earn 30,000 bonus points.

Life Visa

Life Visa has no annual fee and is a great option to make a balance transfer to pay down some existing credit card debt. No rewards are up for grabs, but the 0% intro APR lasts 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Explore Visa

Explore is a good option for those looking to build their credit score with a low-risk, secured credit card. Like the Life Visa, there are no rewards, and this card is designed specifically for those who want to learn how to use a credit card responsibly.

To get an Explore card, you must open an Explore Card Savings account to fund it. There’s a $250 opening deposit requirement, and your total savings account balance will be your available limit on the credit card. This way, the funds in your savings serve as collateral for your credit card balance.

Regions Bank Features

Many Brick-and-Mortar Branches

Regions currently has a presence in 16 states in the South and parts of the Midwest:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Illinois
6. Indiana
7. Iowa
8. Kentucky
9. Louisiana
10. Mississippi
11. Missouri
12. North Carolina
13. South Carolina
14. Tennessee
15. Texas
16. Utah

You won’t be eligible to bank with Regions if you don’t live in one of these states.

2,000 Free ATMs

On top of its physical locations, Regions offers nearly 2,000 total in-house ATMs throughout its service area, which customers can use to get cash without any fees.

If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, there’s a $2.50 fee on top of whatever the ATM charges. However, if you’re a service member with a Military ID, you’ll get two fees waived monthly.

Online Banking

With Regions, you can do your banking in-branch, online at Regions.com, or in the mobile banking app. Online banking gives you full access to your bank accounts, so you can take care of payments, transfers, and account maintenance from home or on the go.

Mobile App

The Regions mobile app makes it easy to deposit checks, send money with Zelle, or transfer funds between accounts. You can also set up custom alerts, track your spending, and handle any bill payments.

The recently revamped app seems to be a hit; in the App Store, the Regions mobile app has an impressive rating of 4.8 stars (out of 5) and a 4.8-star (out of 5) rating in the Google Play Store.

Regions Bank Fees

As a traditional banking option, Regions comes with characteristically frequent fees that customers must be aware of.

The good news is that most banking account fees are avoidable if you open the correct account and stay ahead of them.

To help you out, this Regions Bank review includes all the common fees you can expect to navigate and how to stay clear of them.

Monthly Account Fees

Most Regions deposit accounts have a monthly fee tied to them, but almost all of them are avoidable. Each account has specific requirements to waive a fee, so be sure to understand them before opening an account.

Here is a full breakdown of the monthly fees associated with each Regions account:

ATM Fees

Cash withdrawals at Regions ATMs are always free for customers, but if you have to use another bank’s ATM, you’ll pay a $2.50 fee. The fee is $5 for international ATM use.

Military service members get two free out-of-network withdrawals per month, but otherwise, Regions doesn’t cover or reimburse any ATM fees.

Overdraft Fees

If you overdraft your Regions account, you’ll get hit with a $36 fee, which they can charge up to five times per day if you continue to make purchases.

Overdraft protection is available if you link a savings or money market account to your checking. Funds will be automatically transferred to cover your negative balance.

Paper Statement Fees

If you like having physical statements, you might have to pay some fees to get them. Most accounts come with an increased monthly fee for opting into paper statements.

If you’re enrolled in online statements but want a one-off printout, the fee is $5.

Wire Transfer Fees

All wire transfers with Regions come with a fee, whether they’re domestic or international. Here’s what you’ll pay for each type of wire:

• Incoming (domestic): $15
• Outgoing (domestic): $25
• Incoming (international): $18
• Outgoing (international): $45

Getting Started

When you’re ready to open an account with Regions, you have several options. You can quickly open a new bank account online or make an appointment and head over to your local branch.

To open an account online, visit the Regions Bank website; you need your Social Security Number, date of birth, email address, personal ID, and a credit card or existing account to fund your new account with Regions.

Regions Bank Promotions

Here are some of the best Regions Bank promotions going on right now:

1. LifeGreen Checking - $300 bonus

Expires: December 31, 2023

Regions Bank is back with their bonus for new LifeGreen Checking account customers. This time they've upped it to $300.

The bonus used to require debit card purchases and direct deposits as well. This time around, however, the bonus just requires minimum deposits. It's a fairly straightforward offer from a widely available bank.

How to earn the bonus

The LifeGreen Checking sign up offer requires you to set up direct deposits in order to earn the $300 bonus. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:

1. Open a new LifeGreen Checking account using the promo code RGSPRNG23RM.
2. Within 90 days, receive direct deposits totaling $1,000.
3. Within the same 90 days, enroll in online banking.
4. Bonus will be credited to your account within 90 days of completing the requirements.

read the full terms

Apply now to earn the $300 bonus from Regions

2. LifeGreen Savings - up to $100 bonus

Expires: Limited Time

The main draw of LifeGreen Savings is its bonus offer, which pays out up to $100 per year when you set up automated transfers (in addition to the normal APY). If you transfer at least $10 into the account per month, you'll get a 1% savings bonus at the end of the year (up to $100).

The best part of this offer is that it isn't a one-time cash back deal. LifeGreen Savings bonuses are eligible each year that the account is in good standing.

How to earn the bonus

The LifeGreen Savings sign up offer requires you to deposit and maintain a minimum balance in order to earn the $100 bonus. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:

1. Have an existing or open a new LifeGreen Savings account using the link below.
2. Set up an automated transfer of funds of at least $10 from your Regions checking account to your LifeGreen Savings account in at least 10 of any of the 12 calendar months.
3. An annual 1% savings bonus (maximum $100 reward) will be paid to your account by the second business day of the month following our Account Anniversary Month.

read the full terms

Apply now to earn the $100 bonus from Regions

3. LifeGreen Checking - $50 bonus

Expires: Limited Time

Available primarily in the Southeast with the ability to open online, Regions is offering a $50 bonus when you refer a friend to open a new personal checking account. What's even more? Your friend will also receive a $50 bonus.

Your friend can stack this offer with their checking account bonus to earn a total of $250.

How to earn the bonus

The LifeGreen Checking sign up offer requires you to set up direct deposits, make purchases using the account's card and use a referral link in order to earn the $50 bonus. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:

1. Have an existing Regions account.
2. Refer a friend or family member using the link below and ensure they open a new account within 90 days.
3. Within 60 days of opening the account, the person you referred must complete the following: 1) make at least 10 debit card purchases; 2) make a direct deposit of at least $300; and 3) enroll in eStatements.
4. Bonus will be paid as a Rewards Card sent via mail within 120 days of all requirements being met.

read the full terms

Apply now to earn the $50 bonus from Regions

Learn More:

• See all current offers from Regions Bank

Security

Regions Bank is FDIC-insured, so all deposits are protected for up to $250,000 if the bank fails.

For online banking security, Regions uses encryption to secure all of your sensitive information, plus automatic log-outs and 24/7 fraud monitoring.

If you have further questions about Regions Bank security or want tips on keeping your account safe, head over to the online help center. There are plenty of FAQs and best practices for secure online banking.

Customer Service

There’s no shortage of options when you have a problem that needs solving with your Regions accounts.

You can use the website FAQs for quick answers, call a customer service representative, or stop by a bank branch for in-person support.

Regions customer service phone line 800-734-4667 is available 24/7, and there’s an additional line (800-472-2265) specifically for online banking support. You can also reach out on Facebook and Twitter or make an appointment online to talk to someone.

Overall, Regions Bank customers seem satisfied with its customer service efforts.

Customer Reviews

Regions Bank currently holds a less than impressive 1.6 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot with over 230 customer reviews. Keep in mind that these reviews are for several different locations, make sure to look into customer reviews for your local branch before opening an account.

Here is what some customers of Regions Bank have to say about the account:

5-Star Customer Review:

I would like to say my husband & I have banked with different banks, and I can tell you we will never bank with anyone other than Regions. The customer care you get as soon as you walk in and the EXCEPTIONAL customer care you get when you speak with Sharon & Karen is nothing short of amazing. These 2 ladies rock. If I could give 10 stars I would.

5-Star Customer Review:

I have been banking with them since I came to the USA and my experience has been wonderful. I will recommend them to anyone. They are very considerate and understanding. They open an account for international students pending when they receive their SSN. When I reported a deduction due to an overdraft, they obliged me. They’re wonderful people and very professional.

3-Star Customer Review:

My debit card has been declined 2 times this month. I have had to go to the bank to find out why and the manager didn't know. My husband's card was denied today- what's causing this problem?

Pros & Cons

Alternatives to Regions Bank

Regions Bank has a wide presence in its service area but retains a community-driven feel by sticking to a small number of states.

If you live outside its service region, you might want to check out other regional banks like:

• TD Bank
• Huntington Bank
• PNC Bank

If high APY is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into a local credit union or an online-only bank. Options like:

• Ally
• Chime
• Varo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Regions Bank a good bank?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a smaller, regional bank with good customer service and lots of account options, then it’ll be a good fit.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to earn on interest and avoid fees at all costs, then Regions might not be the bank for you.

Is Regions a real bank?

Yes, Regions is a real live financial institution that services most of the South and parts of the Midwest. Regions Bank is insured by the FDIC and is also an equal housing lender.

Does Regions charge a monthly fee?

Yes, but it depends on the account and how you use it. Most Regions accounts do come with a monthly fee, but almost all banking account fees are avoidable with certain requirements. Check out the above table for a precise breakdown of the monthly fees.

Is Regions Bank Right For You?

If you’re looking for a banking experience that combines online functionality with in-person support and you live in its service area, Regions Bank is worth consideration.

That being said, the bottom line in this Regions Bank review is that while Regions has plenty to offer, there’s also a lot to consider. There are fees (a lot of them), and bottom-of-the-barrel APYs won’t compensate for them. You’re also out of luck if you travel outside the Regions’ service area and need to use an ATM.

It’s about figuring out what’s most important to you. Most of the Regions’ limitations can be mitigated by careful account management. If your ultimate goal isn’t to earn as much as you can on interest, there are enough positive benefits here.

Now that you know all of the ins and outs of Regions Bank, you’re another step closer to finding the best bank for you.