You can open some TD Bank accounts online, but not all of them
TD Bank offers online account opening for certain checking and savings products, but the process and what you can complete depends on the account type and your state. You can start an application online for most personal checking accounts, but you will still need to verify your identity—either through an in-person visit, a video call, or by mailing documents. Some accounts require a branch visit from the start. The fastest route is to check TD Bank's website for your state, since availability varies by location.
The key difference is between accounts you can open entirely online and accounts where you can start online but finish in person. TD Bank's website will tell you which category your chosen account falls into before you begin. If you want to avoid a branch visit altogether, you need to confirm that option exists for your specific account type before you start.
Key Takeaways
- TD Bank allows online applications for most checking and savings accounts, but identity verification usually requires a video call, in-person visit, or mailed documents.
- Some account types, particularly those with specific features or higher balances, may require you to visit a branch in person to complete the opening.
- Your state determines which accounts you can open online and which verification methods TD Bank accepts in your area.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to open any TD Bank account, whether online or in person.
What you need before you start an online application
Gather these documents before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and address. TD Bank will ask for this information during the application, and if you choose video verification, you will need to show your ID on camera.
You will also need an initial deposit amount. Most TD Bank checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit, which varies by account type—typically between $0 and $100 for basic checking. Have a debit card, bank account, or other payment method ready to fund the account once it is opened. If you are opening the account online, you can usually link an existing bank account to transfer the deposit electronically.
How identity verification works when you open online
TD Bank uses three main methods to verify your identity after you submit an online application. The fastest is video verification, where you schedule a call with a TD Bank representative, show your ID on camera, and answer security questions. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and can happen the same day you apply. The representative will confirm your identity and activate your account immediately or within one business day.
The second method is in-person verification at a branch. You bring your ID and proof of address to any TD Bank location, and a representative completes the process on the spot. This takes about 15 minutes and your account is usually active the same day. The third method is mailed document verification, where you mail copies of your ID and proof of address to TD Bank. This is the slowest option and can take one to two weeks for processing.
TD Bank will tell you which methods are available for your account type and state during the application. Video verification is the most common option for online applicants and is usually the fastest if you can schedule a call within a few days.
Accounts you cannot open entirely online
TD Bank's premium or specialty accounts—such as certain investment accounts, accounts with higher minimum balances, or accounts tied to specific products—typically require a branch visit. Business accounts also require in-person opening. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to visit a branch with you, depending on your state and the account type.
If you select an account type during the online process and it turns out to require a branch visit, TD Bank will notify you before you complete the application. At that point, you can either choose a different account type that supports full online opening, or you can schedule a branch appointment to finish the process. Do not assume all accounts work the same way—always check the specific account details on TD Bank's website for your state before you start.
What happens after you submit your online application
Once you submit your application, TD Bank will send you a confirmation email with next steps. If video verification is available, you will receive a link to schedule a call, usually within a few hours. If you choose in-person verification, you will get instructions on which branch to visit and what to bring. If you choose mailed verification, you will receive an address and instructions for what documents to send.
During this waiting period, your account is not yet active. You cannot deposit money, write checks, or use a debit card until identity verification is complete. Once verification is done, TD Bank will activate your account and send you information about accessing it online and ordering a debit card. Debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though you can usually use your account online or at ATMs before the card arrives.
Opening a TD Bank account in person instead
If you prefer to skip the online process entirely, you can walk into any TD Bank branch and open an account in person. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. A representative will help you choose an account type, answer questions, and complete the application on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account is active the same day. You can fund it immediately with cash or a transfer from another bank account.
In-person opening is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, discuss which account type fits your needs, or if you prefer not to do video verification. It is also the only option if your account type does not support online opening in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a TD Bank account online if I do not have a US address yet?
No. TD Bank requires proof of a current US address to open any account. If you are moving or do not yet have an address, you will need to wait until you can provide one. Some banks accept a lease agreement or a letter from a landlord as proof of address for future residents, but contact TD Bank directly to confirm whether they accept this for your situation.
How long does it take to open a TD Bank account online?
The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Identity verification is the variable: video verification can happen the same day or within one business day, in-person verification is immediate, and mailed verification takes one to two weeks. Your account is active once verification is complete, not when you submit the application.
Do I need an existing TD Bank account to open a new one online?
No. You can open your first TD Bank account online. You will need to fund the initial deposit from another bank account, a debit card, or cash at a branch. If you choose to fund it from another bank account, you will provide the account and routing numbers during the application.
What if my online application is denied?
TD Bank will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a ChexSystems report issue, an unpaid overdraft from a previous bank account, or fraud concerns. You can contact TD Bank to discuss the reason and ask whether you can reapply or resolve the issue. You can also visit a branch in person to discuss your options.
Can I choose my account number or routing number when I open online?
No. TD Bank assigns your account number and routing number automatically. Your routing number depends on your state and the branch you select during the application. You cannot change these after the account is opened.