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Your business checking account is the backbone of your company’s financial operations. Maybe that’s why finding the right one can feel so daunting. Regions Bank, serving the Southeast and Midwest, offers comprehensive business checking options and additional financial services, making it a strong contender for small business owners.
In this review, we dive into the details—from transaction limits and digital tools to fees and potential downsides. Whether you’re launching a startup or running a well-established business, this guide will help you decide if Regions’ business checking aligns with your financial needs.
About Regions Business Checking
Regions is a full-service bank that caters to businesses in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. It serves a diverse range of small businesses, from startups and sole proprietorships to well-established companies in need of more complex financial services.
Regions caters to multiple business types and sizes, making them a good choice for everyone from startups and non-profits to big businesses. They offer several business checking options that can support higher transaction volumes and advanced cash management tools—perfect for larger or growing companies.
Business owners who want both digital and in-person banking could find Regions’ combination of branch access, online and mobile banking tools and 24/7 customer service especially appealing. Their services support day-to-day transactions and long-term growth, allowing companies to scale up their financial services as they grow.
Regions Business Checking Features and Pricing
Regions Bank offers four distinct business checking accounts: Advantage Business Checking, Business Interest Checking, LifeGreen Business Checking and LifeGreen Not-for-Profit Checking. All accounts have access to a customizable Visa debit card, safe deposit box discount, 24-hour automated telephone banking and mobile banking features.
Here’s how each one stacks up:
- Advantage Business Checking: This account is good for businesses with moderate transaction volumes that utilize multiple Regions products. It includes up to 500 free transactions per month and offers a variety of features, such as access to Regions iTreasury Small Business or Regions Online Banking for Business with Bill Pay. To waive the $25 monthly fee, you can maintain a monthly balance of $10,000, hold $30,000 across related accounts or meet certain spending or deposit criteria.
- Business Interest Checking: Designed for small businesses seeking a checking account with fewer transaction limits and interest-earning potential, Business Interest Checking provides up to 150 free transactions per month and a monthly fee of $15 that’s waived with a $5,000 average monthly balance. It also comes with Regions iTreasury or Online Banking options. This account type offers relationship CD rates.
- LifeGreen Business Checking: Best for sole proprietors and new businesses, this account is for businesses with low transaction needs (under 150 transactions monthly). It has a $12 monthly fee, waived if you keep a $500 balance, spend $1,000 monthly with a Regions business debit or credit card or receive a Regions Merchant Services deposit. Benefits include online banking with bill pay and a discount on checks.
- LifeGreen Not-for-Profit Checking: This account type was created for nonprofit organizations with low transaction volumes. The account provides 75 free transactions per month with no monthly fee. Nonprofits also receive discounts on check orders, and access to Regions Online Banking for Business with Bill Pay.
Regions Business Checking Pros and Cons
Regions offers many advantages, like services for businesses of all sizes, in-person and online banking options, and full-service banking. But you’ll have to weigh these against some drawbacks like a limited ATM network, limits on transactions, and hidden fees.
Pros
- Designed for varying business types and sizes: Regions Bank offers features and services to help businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations. Depending on your needs and organization type, you can select from up to four different checking account types. Each account has unique benefits and requirements.
- In-person and digital banking options: With both in-branch services and a highly functional online platform, Regions caters to customers who still want in-person service. Business owners can manage their accounts remotely, while still having access to in-person support when they need it.
- Round-the-clock customer support: Companies can rely on 24/7 customer service on the phone. This is great for businesses who might need assistance with transactions, troubleshooting or other banking needs on evenings and weekends.
- Cashback rewards and financial tools: Regions’ Business Visa Debit Card includes cash-back rewards, which helps earn bonuses for frequent purchases. Additionally, the My GreenInsights tool provides business owners with insights into their cash flow and spending patterns, helping them make more informed financial decisions.
- Enhanced account management with iTreasury: Some Regions business accounts offer iTreasury. This is a cash management tool that can streamline payroll, bill pay and cash flow monitoring. Companies with complex financial needs could find this tool particularly helpful.
- Full service banking: In addition to Regions’ business checking tools, customers can access credit cards, financing and business lines of credit. This makes them a good choice for companies who want to keep financing, credit cards and checking accounts all with one bank.
Cons
- Limited branch and ATM access: Regions Bank’s physical presence is limited to select states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). Businesses outside these areas may have difficulty accessing in-person services or fee-free ATMs.
- Transaction limitations: Some Regions accounts have monthly transaction limits, which could lead to additional charges if exceeded. This can be restrictive for high-volume businesses, which may need to manage transactions carefully to avoid fees.
- Additional fees and balance requirements: Certain services, like higher transaction allowances or cash management features, require additional fees or specific minimum balance levels. If your company cannot meet the requirements, you could start racking up extra fees.
North One: A Digital-First Business Checking Option
If Regions isn’t quite right for you—especially if you live outside of their service area—North One is a great option. North One’s fully digital business checking account is designed with a focus on flexibility, simplicity and affordability. Unlike Regions, which operates mainly in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States and relies on its branch network for in-person services, North One operates entirely online. That’s a major advantage for entrepreneurs and freelancers who may not need access to brick-and-mortar locations.
North One’s low fees are another key differentiator: there’s no monthly maintenance fee for Standard accounts. The pricing structure is straightforward, with minimal fees for common transactions and deposits. For small business owners managing their finances online, North One offers all the essentials in one easy-to-navigate app, including integrations with accounting tools, cash flow management features and instant notifications. North One also partners with lenders to help customers access lines of financing.
Regions, on the other hand, requires certain minimum balances to waive monthly fees, and fees can add up for businesses that need higher transaction volumes. This could make Regions a better fit for local businesses needing regular in-person banking and cash handling—but less ideal for digital-first entrepreneurs or businesses seeking options without geographic constraints.
Regions Serves Small Businesses True to its Name
Regions’ business checking options are a solid choice for companies operating within its service area—especially if you value a blend of digital convenience and in-person banking relationships. While the bank’s geographic limitations and transaction thresholds might not suit every company, multiple account options and comprehensive banking services make it a strong contender for local organizations.
For anyone outside Regions’ service area, or who want a purely digital solution, alternatives like North One might better serve your needs. The key is matching your business’ specific requirements—whether branch access, transaction volumes or digital-first approaches—with the banking partner that can best support your growing business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum balance for a Regions business checking account?
The minimum balance to open a Regions business checking account is $100. However, the minimum balance required to avoid monthly fees varies depending on the type of business account you choose. For example, the LifeGreen Business Checking account requires a minimum average balance of $500 to waive the monthly fee. In contrast, waiving the monthly Advantage Business Checking account fee requires an average balance of $10,000 or a combined $30,000 across related non-personal accounts.
Can I open an account if I live outside of the service area?
Regions primarily serves the Southeast and Midwest, and account holders benefit most from their network of branches and ATMs within these areas. Although it’s technically possible to open a Regions business account online from outside this area, keep in mind that access to fee-free ATMs and in-branch services may be limited. You will likely face additional ATM fees if you withdraw cash frequently. If you’re outside Regions’ primary service areas, other banks with wider national networks may be more convenient.
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1 Minimum $50 deposit required. See your Deposit Account Agreement for more details.
North One is a financial technology company, not a bank.
Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.