Understanding Transaction Posting Order

Transactions can be any activity that moves money into or out of your accounts — deposits and credits, withdrawals and debits, payments and transfers, and more. Posting refers to the way those transactions are applied to your account balance. Understanding how transactions post can help you budget effectively so your funds are available when you need them. 

When do transactions post to my account?

Transactions post at the end of each day, starting with credits and deposits. (You can think of these as transactions that increase your available balance.) That way, your beginning available balance includes all the money available in your account that day.

Money coming in to your account posts first, followed by money going out — including withdrawals, card purchases and card purchase holds, payments, transfers, checks, fees, etc. (The transactions that decrease your available funds.) These post in the following order:

1. Any checks you may have deposited that were returned unpaid. In your account activity you will see these transactions listed as “returned deposited items.”
2. Withdrawals and debits, including card purchase holds (card transactions that have been authorized and are still pending), generally in the order we receive and/or authorize them. Many types of transactions are included in withdrawals and debits: wire transfers, electronic ACH debits, internal account transfers made through Regions Online Banking or Mobile Banking, money sent instantly using Zelle®,¹ personal checks and more.
3. Bank fees, such as ATM fees, maintenance fees, service fees or overdraft fees.

Modern banking systems are complex, and banks sometimes need to employ more detailed criteria, such as check numbers or transaction amounts, for determining posting order. When you have questions about transaction posting order, you can always connect with a Regions banker at your nearest branch or by calling the Regions Green Line® at 1-800-REGIONS (1-800-734-4667).

What does posting order mean for me?

This method of posting transactions is meant to provide you with a clear view of your account, simplify the posting process and make banking easier. In your everyday banking, posting order plays a significant role, particularly if you do not maintain enough funds in your account to cover all your transactions. The order that transactions post can determine whether transactions presented against insufficient funds get paid and affect when you incur overdraft fees.

Understanding transaction posting order — and keeping an eye on your balance throughout the day using Regions Online and Mobile Banking — can help you avoid overspending and needing to use these services. 

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Learn more about mobile banking with the Regions Mobile app.³

Here’s how posting order works: