What you need to open a TD Bank account

TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number before you can open an account. You can bring a driver's license or passport as ID, and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address. If you're opening an account in person at a branch, bring these documents with you. If you're opening online, you'll upload photos of them or enter the information directly.

You'll also need to decide which type of account you want: a checking account, savings account, or both. TD Bank offers several checking options, including TD Convenience Checking and TD Premium Checking, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Savings accounts include TD Savings and TD Money Market accounts. The choice depends on how you plan to use the account and whether you want to pay a monthly fee.

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open the account with you or on your behalf. TD Bank offers Teen Checking accounts designed for younger customers, which typically have lower or no monthly fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to open any TD Bank account.
  • TD Bank lets you open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Different account types have different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare TD Convenience Checking, TD Premium Checking, and savings options before you choose.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though some account types may not be available.

Opening an account online

TD Bank's online account opening process starts on their website. You'll enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. You'll then upload or photograph both sides of your ID and a proof of address document. TD Bank's system verifies these documents automatically in most cases, though some applications may require manual review.

After your identity is confirmed, you'll choose your account type and set up online banking access with a username and password. You can fund the account immediately by linking an external bank account or providing a debit card number. Most online applications are approved within minutes, and you can start using your account the same day, though it may take one to two business days for your debit card to arrive in the mail.

If your application is flagged for manual review, TD Bank will contact you by phone or email within one business day. This usually happens if your documents are unclear or if there's a mismatch between the information you provided and what appears on your ID.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Visit any TD Bank branch with your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. A banker will ask you the same questions as the online form and will make copies of your documents. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll choose your account type, set up online banking, and decide how to fund the account—either with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank.

If you fund the account in person with cash or a check, the money is available immediately for cash withdrawals and usually within one business day for transfers or checks. Your debit card will be mailed to you, typically arriving within 5 to 7 business days. You can request expedited card delivery at some branches for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

Opening in person is useful if you have questions about account features, want to discuss which account type fits your needs, or prefer to complete the process face-to-face. Branches are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at most locations.

Opening an account by phone

Call TD Bank's customer service line at 1-800-937-8372 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same information-gathering process as online or in-branch opening. You'll need to have your ID and proof of address available to read information from them, though you won't need to mail or upload documents immediately.

After the call, TD Bank will mail you a packet with forms to sign and instructions for submitting copies of your ID and proof of address. You must return these documents within 30 days, or your account may be closed. Once the documents are received and verified, your account is fully activated. Funding the account by phone is limited—you can usually only set up a transfer from an existing bank account, not provide cash or a check.

Phone opening takes longer than online or in-branch because of the mail-back requirement, so this option is best if you prefer speaking to someone or have limited access to branches or internet.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

TD Convenience Checking has a monthly fee that varies by state, typically ranging from $6 to $15. You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500, depending on your state) or by setting up direct deposit. TD Premium Checking has a higher monthly fee, usually $25 or more, but includes benefits like higher interest rates, fee waivers for overdrafts, and access to premium customer service.

TD Savings accounts have no monthly fee but may have a minimum opening deposit requirement, often $25. Money Market accounts typically require a higher minimum balance, sometimes $2,500 or more, but pay higher interest rates. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and vary by account type and balance tier.

If you fall below the minimum balance requirement, you'll be charged the monthly fee. Some accounts allow you to avoid fees by setting up direct deposit, even if your balance drops below the minimum. Check the specific terms for the account type you choose, as these details vary by state and can change.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you'll receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days (or sooner if you pay for expedited delivery). You'll also get a checkbook if you opened a checking account. Before you use your debit card, you must activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or using TD Bank's mobile app.

Set up online banking and the TD Bank mobile app to monitor your account, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone camera. You can also set up direct deposit with your employer or benefits provider—provide them with your account number and routing number, which you'll find on your checks or in online banking. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to activate.

If you need to deposit cash or checks immediately, you can do so at any TD Bank branch or ATM. TD Bank has ATMs in most of their branches and at many retail locations. Deposits made at an ATM before the cutoff time (usually 9 p.m.) are credited the same business day; deposits after that time are credited the next business day.

If you don't have a Social Security number

You can open a TD Bank account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial transactions. You'll need to bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of address.

Not all account types may be available with an ITIN—some premium or investment-linked accounts may require a Social Security number. Call TD Bank at 1-800-937-8372 or visit a branch to ask which accounts you can open with an ITIN before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a TD Bank account?

Online and in-person opening takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day. Phone opening takes longer because you must mail back signed documents and copies of your ID, which can take 5 to 10 business days total. Your debit card arrives separately, usually within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I open a TD Bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Not all account types are available with an ITIN, so contact TD Bank before you apply to confirm which accounts you can open.

What if I don't have proof of address?

TD Bank accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements as proof of address. If you don't have any of these, call a branch to ask about alternative documents they may accept, such as a government benefits letter or insurance statement.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or provide notarized authorization if opening online or by phone. Each person must provide their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Joint account holders have equal access to the account and both are responsible for any fees or overdrafts.

What's the difference between TD Convenience Checking and TD Premium Checking?

TD Convenience Checking has a lower monthly fee (usually $6 to $15) and lower minimum balance requirements. TD Premium Checking costs more (usually $25 or more) but includes higher interest rates, overdraft fee waivers, and priority customer service. Choose based on how much money you typically keep in the account and which features matter to you.