What TD Bank Requires to Open an Account
TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking or savings account. The specific documents and deposit amount depend on which account type you choose and whether you open it in person, online, or by phone. Most people can complete the process in under 30 minutes.
TD Bank accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity. You'll also need to provide your date of birth and current address. If you're opening an account online or by phone, you may need to verify your identity through additional steps, such as answering security questions based on your credit history or receiving a verification code by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address to open any TD Bank account.
- Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $25 depending on account type, with some accounts requiring no deposit at all.
- Online account opening is available and typically completes within minutes, though identity verification may take an additional day or two.
- If you don't have a Social Security number, TD Bank may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Documents You'll Need to Bring or Provide
Gather these items before you start the account opening process. Having everything ready speeds up the application, whether you're opening the account in a branch, online, or over the phone.
Primary identification: A valid government-issued photo ID. TD Bank accepts U.S. driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, military IDs, and tribal IDs. The ID must not be expired, though some branches may accept IDs that expired within the last year—call your local branch to confirm their policy.
Social Security number or ITIN: TD Bank uses this to verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that tracks account closures and fraud. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS.
Proof of current address: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you're opening an account online, you may be able to skip this step initially and provide it later, or TD Bank may verify your address through other means.
Initial deposit: The amount varies. Some TD Bank accounts require no minimum deposit, while others require $25 or more. Check the specific account terms before opening.
Minimum Deposit Requirements by Account Type
TD Bank offers several account types, and each has different opening deposit requirements. The deposit is money you put into the account when you open it—it's your money, not a fee.
| Account Type | Minimum Opening Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TD Bank Checking | $0 | No minimum deposit required; no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. |
| TD Bank Savings | $0 | No minimum deposit required; earns interest on your balance. |
| TD Bank Money Market | $25 | Requires $25 minimum opening deposit; higher interest rates than savings accounts. |
| TD Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) | $1,000 | Requires $1,000 minimum opening deposit; funds locked for a set term (3 months to 5 years). |
These requirements can change, so confirm the current minimums on TD Bank's website or by calling 1-800-937-8372 before you open an account.
Opening an Account Online vs. In Person
TD Bank lets you open most accounts online without visiting a branch. The online process is faster but requires identity verification, which may add a day or two to account activation.
Online account opening: Go to TD Bank's website, select the account type you want, and enter your personal information. You'll upload a photo of your ID and provide your Social Security number. TD Bank verifies your identity through automated checks or by asking security questions. Once approved, your account is typically active within one business day, though you may not receive your debit card for 7 to 10 business days.
In-person account opening: Visit a TD Bank branch with your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. A banker will review your documents, answer questions about account features, and set up your account on the spot. You can fund the account immediately with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank. Your debit card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though some branches may issue a temporary card you can use right away.
Phone account opening: Call 1-800-937-8372 to open an account over the phone. You'll provide your information verbally, and TD Bank will mail you documents to sign and return. This method is slower than online or in-person opening and typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete.
What Happens If You Don't Have All the Documents
If you're missing a document, you may still be able to open an account, but the process will take longer or require workarounds.
No government photo ID: Some TD Bank branches will accept alternative identification, such as a passport card, consular ID, or even a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Call your local branch to ask what alternatives they accept. Online account opening typically requires a photo ID, so in-person opening is your best option if you don't have one.
No Social Security number: Bring your ITIN instead. If you don't have either, TD Bank may not be able to open an account for you, as federal banking regulations require a tax ID number for all account holders.
No proof of current address: If you're opening an account online, you may be able to provide this later. In a branch, ask the banker if they can verify your address through other means, such as a credit report or utility company database. Some branches are more flexible than others.
What Happens After You Open Your Account
Once your account is open, you can start using it immediately, though full access to all features may take a day or two.
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any TD Bank ATM using your temporary card number (if issued in branch) or by visiting a branch. You can also set up direct deposit, mobile banking, and bill pay right away through TD Bank's website or mobile app.
If you opened your account online, you'll receive a welcome email with instructions to activate your account and set up online banking. Your account is funded with your initial deposit, which may take 1 to 3 business days to clear if you transferred money from another bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a TD Bank account if I have bad credit?
TD Bank does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. However, they do check ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you've had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts, TD Bank may deny your application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what's on file.
What if I'm under 18?
Minors can open a TD Bank account, but a parent or guardian must be present and co-sign. The adult becomes a joint account holder and has full access to the account. Some TD Bank branches offer teen checking accounts with limited features and lower fees.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open an account?
No. TD Bank accepts non-citizens with an ITIN or passport. You'll need to provide proof of current address and pass identity verification. Some branches may ask additional questions about your immigration status or residency.
How long does it take to get my debit card after opening an account?
Debit cards are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you opened your account in person, ask the banker if they can issue a temporary card you can use immediately at TD Bank ATMs and branches. Online account openings may provide a temporary card number for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.
Can I open multiple accounts at TD Bank?
Yes. You can open a checking account, savings account, money market account, and CD all at the same time. Each account requires the same documents and identity verification. Having multiple accounts can help you organize your money for different goals, such as emergency savings or a vacation fund.