You cannot open a joint TD Bank account entirely online—you will need to visit a branch or complete part of the process by phone or mail
TD Bank does not allow you to complete a joint account opening from start to finish on their website. You can start the process online, but both account holders must verify their identity in person at a TD Bank branch, or one account holder can complete verification by phone or mail while the other goes to a branch. This requirement exists because the bank needs to confirm that both people are who they say they are and that both are signing the account agreement willingly.
If you live near a TD Bank branch, the fastest route is to walk in with your co-account holder, bring the required documents, and complete the entire opening in one visit. If distance is a problem, you can call TD Bank at 1-800-937-8372 to ask whether your state allows remote verification for the second account holder—some states do, some do not.
Key Takeaways
- TD Bank requires at least one account holder to appear in person at a branch; you cannot open a joint account entirely online.
- Both account holders must provide government-issued photo ID, proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number or ITIN.
- The account holder who does not visit the branch may be able to verify by phone or mail, depending on your state and TD Bank's current policy.
- Joint accounts opened online are typically accessible within one business day if both verifications are complete.
- You can start the process on TD Bank's website, but you will receive instructions to finish at a branch or by phone.
What documents you need to bring
Both account holders must provide a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. TD Bank will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you go. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of address at most TD Bank branches.
Each person opening the account must also provide their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. TD Bank uses this information to run a background check and to report interest earned on the account to the IRS.
How the in-person verification works
When you arrive at the branch, tell the representative that you want to open a joint account. Bring both sets of documents. The representative will ask each account holder to sign the account agreement and will verify that both IDs match the names on the agreement. They will also ask questions about the account—whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both, and what the initial deposit will be.
The branch representative can usually open the account on the spot and issue a debit card if you are opening a checking account. The card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Both account holders will receive online banking credentials, either immediately or by mail, depending on the branch's process.
Remote verification if you cannot visit a branch
If one account holder cannot reach a branch, call TD Bank's customer service line at 1-800-937-8372 and ask whether your state permits remote verification. Some states allow TD Bank to verify identity by phone using security questions and document review; others require in-person verification for at least one account holder. The representative can tell you whether your situation qualifies for remote verification and what documents you will need to send by mail or upload.
If remote verification is available in your state, the process typically takes longer—usually 5 to 10 business days instead of same-day opening—because the bank must receive and review documents by mail or secure upload before the account is activated.
Starting the process online
You can begin a joint account opening on TD Bank's website by clicking "Open an Account" and selecting "Joint Account." You will enter basic information for both account holders, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The website will ask what type of account you want and whether you want online banking. At the end of the online form, TD Bank will tell you the next step: either visit a branch, call to arrange remote verification, or wait for instructions by mail.
Do not assume the account is open after you submit the online form. The online process is only the first step. You must complete verification before the account becomes active and you can deposit money or use a debit card.
What happens after both account holders verify
Once both account holders have verified their identity—either in person, by phone, or by mail—TD Bank will activate the account, usually within one business day. Both account holders will receive online banking login credentials by email or mail, depending on what you selected during the opening process. You can then log in to view the account, set up bill pay, transfer money, and manage the account online.
If you opened the account in person and received a debit card, you can use it immediately. If the card was mailed, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Both account holders can use the same debit card, or you can request separate cards—ask the branch representative about this option when you open the account.
Joint account rules at TD Bank
A joint account at TD Bank means both account holders have equal access to all the money in the account. Either person can withdraw funds, close the account, or change the account settings without permission from the other. If one account holder dies, the surviving account holder usually retains access to the full balance, though this depends on how the account is titled—ask the branch representative about "right of survivorship" options when you open the account.
Both account holders are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, both people are liable for the debt. TD Bank will report account activity to the credit bureaus for both account holders if you set up credit monitoring, so late payments or overdrafts can affect both credit scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my co-account holder open the account without me if they have power of attorney?
No. TD Bank requires both account holders to verify their identity and sign the account agreement, even if one person has power of attorney over the other. Power of attorney does not replace the requirement for both people to consent to opening a joint account. Both account holders must appear in person or complete remote verification separately.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation—usually Form W-7 or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact TD Bank before you visit the branch to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to open a joint account at TD Bank?
If both account holders visit the branch together, the account opens the same day. If one person verifies remotely by phone or mail, the process takes 5 to 10 business days. Online-only opening is not available, so plan for at least one in-person visit or a phone call to complete the process.
Can I open a joint account if one of us has a bad credit score?
Yes. TD Bank does not run a credit check to open a checking or savings account. They run a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database, to look for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks. A low credit score will not prevent you from opening a joint account, but a history of fraud or unpaid bank debts might.
What is the minimum deposit to open a joint account at TD Bank?
TD Bank does not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some account types—such as money market accounts—may have minimum balance requirements to earn interest. Ask the branch representative about the specific account type you want.