For South Alabama families and businesses cleaning up after Hurricane Isaias, the financial burden can stretch well beyond the storm. Regions Bank is offering temporary payment relief, fee waivers and other assistance to eligible customers in affected communities.
The bank announced the assistance Wednesday for designated ZIP codes across South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Options include help with loan payments, credit card payment deferrals and business loan payment deferrals of up to 90 days.
“Many people and businesses are navigating extensive cleanup, repairs, and, in some cases, even rebuilding. Where we can be of service, we want to help,” said John Jordan, head of Consumer Banking for Regions.
“In addition to these services, we’re also here to listen to customers’ unique needs and help develop financial solutions. We have experience helping our neighbors with rebuilding and recovery, and we are committed to standing behind our customers.”
Through Oct. 20, Regions will waive its ATM surcharges for noncustomers using Regions ATMs in affected areas. The bank will also waive its fees when Regions customers use other banks’ ATMs in those areas, although fees charged by other banks or ATM owners may still apply.
Customers can also request one penalty-free withdrawal from a certificate of deposit through Jan. 12, 2027. The withdrawal can be partial or complete but must take place more than seven days after the CD was issued or most recently renewed.
Regions is offering mortgage disaster relief purchase and renovation loan programs, along with interest rate discounts of up to 0.50% on eligible new personal unsecured loans and nonbusiness auto loans. The discounts are available through Jan. 12, 2027, for customers in affected areas who apply at a branch or by phone.
For auto loans, applicants must have a Regions deposit account that has been open for at least six months. The maximum discount includes a 0.25% disaster relief discount and an additional 0.25% for enrolling in automatic payments from an existing Regions checking account.
The personal unsecured and auto loan discounts cannot be combined with other special offers or discounts. Loans are subject to eligibility requirements and credit approval.
The bank will also waive check-cashing fees for FEMA-issued checks cashed at a Regions branch. That offer is available to Regions customers; noncustomers must enroll in the bank’s Now Banking service, which does not require a checking account.
For business owners, Regions is offering loan payment assistance and payment deferrals of up to 90 days. The business deferral offer expires Jan. 12, 2027.
Customers considering payment relief should understand that it postpones payments rather than forgives them. Interest continues to accrue, and postponed payments may be due in full at the end of the relief period, along with other amounts due, unless customers make other arrangements with the bank.
Assistance varies by customer and may require documentation and credit approval. The offers are limited to people and businesses affected by Isaias in the designated ZIP codes, with additional areas potentially added after further damage assessments.
“In the aftermath of a major storm, access to financial support and trusted guidance is crucial,” said Tina Gilmore, Greater Gulf Coast Consumer Banking executive for Regions. “We want our communities to know Regions Bank stands ready to help them navigate the days, weeks and months ahead.”
According to Regions, most of its branches in the affected areas have reopened, although two locations require more extensive repairs.
Customers seeking help with personal loans, credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages or home equity lines of credit can call 800-221-7471. For other banking needs, the number is 800-411-9393.
The eligible Alabama ZIP codes are listed below. Customers can contact Regions to confirm eligibility and discuss the assistance available to them.
More information is available through the Regions Disaster Relief Center and the bank’s Customer Assistance Program.
Eligible Alabama ZIP codes
On October 14, Regions announced the following Alabama ZIP codes. Offers apply to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Isaias in these areas; additional ZIP codes may be added after further assessments.
36009, 36015, 36028, 36033, 36037, 36038, 36071.
36313, 36314, 36316, 36318, 36323, 36330, 36331, 36340, 36344, 36351.
36401, 36420, 36421, 36426, 36427, 36429, 36432, 36439, 36441, 36442, 36445, 36453, 36454, 36455, 36456, 36458, 36460, 36461, 36467, 36470, 36471, 36473, 36474, 36475, 36476, 36477, 36480, 36483.
36502, 36503, 36504, 36530, 36543, 36549, 36561, 36562, 36567, 36574.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
