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 need to provide your full Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you're opening an account online or by phone, TD Bank will verify this information against databases they have access to before approving your account.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit; the deposit amount varies by account type, typically ranging from $0 to $100.
- TD Bank offers three main ways to open an account: in a branch, online through their website, or by phone at 1-800-937-8372.
- 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 is fastest if you have a debit card or bank account to fund your initial deposit; in-branch opening lets you deposit cash immediately.
- TD Bank will run a ChexSystems check, which looks at your banking history with other institutions, and may deny an account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags.
Documents You'll Need at Each Step
Before you start, gather your photo ID, Social Security number, and information about how you'll fund your initial deposit. If you're opening the account in person, bring the ID itself. If you're opening online or by phone, have the ID number and expiration date ready.
You'll also need your current address and a phone number where TD Bank can reach you. If you've moved recently and your ID shows an old address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. TD Bank uses this to verify you live where you say you do.
If you're opening a business account instead of a personal account, you'll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number, articles of incorporation or formation documents, and the names and Social Security numbers of the business owners.
Initial Deposit Requirements by Account Type
TD Bank's deposit requirements vary. For a TD Checking account, the minimum opening deposit is typically $0 to $100, depending on the specific product and current promotions. For a TD Savings account, the minimum is usually $0 to $25. These minimums change periodically, so confirm the current requirement when you open your account.
You can fund your initial deposit with cash (in person only), a check, a debit card, or a transfer from another bank account. If you're opening online, you'll need a debit card or routing and account number from another bank. If you're opening in a branch, you can hand over cash or a check immediately.
Some TD Bank accounts come with monthly maintenance fees if you don't maintain a minimum balance or don't set up direct deposit. Confirm the fee structure for the specific account you're choosing before you open it, because fees vary by product.
How to Open an Account in Person
Find your nearest TD Bank branch using their branch locator on their website. Walk in during business hours with your photo ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or check). A TD Bank representative will ask you which account type you want, verify your identity, and run a ChexSystems check.
The representative will fill out the account opening form with you, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll sign documents and choose a PIN for your debit card if you're opening a checking account. Your account opens immediately, and you'll receive a temporary debit card on the spot or have one mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person opening is useful if you want to deposit cash right away or if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face. It's also the fastest way to get a debit card if you need one urgently, though you may have to wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
How to Open an Account Online
Go to TD Bank's website and select "Open an Account." You'll choose your account type, enter your personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number), and answer security questions. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You'll need to fund your initial deposit using a debit card or by linking another bank account. If you use a debit card, the charge posts immediately. If you link another bank account, the transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days. TD Bank will send you a confirmation email once your account is open.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or to transfer money in and out. Online opening is fastest if you already have a debit card or another bank account ready to link.
How to Open an Account by Phone
Call TD Bank at 1-800-937-8372 during business hours. A representative will walk you through the account opening process over the phone, asking for your personal information and Social Security number. The call takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You'll need to fund your initial deposit by debit card or bank transfer during the call. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions and confirming your address. Once the call ends, your account is open and you'll receive a confirmation email.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Phone opening is useful if you have questions or prefer to talk to a person, but it's slower than opening online and you can't deposit cash this way.
What Happens If You Don't Have a Social Security Number
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who don't have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You'll need to provide your ITIN in place of your Social Security number when you open your account.
Some TD Bank account types may not be available to people with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Call 1-800-937-8372 to ask which accounts you can open with an ITIN before you start the process. You'll still need a government photo ID and an initial deposit.
Why TD Bank Might Deny Your Account
TD Bank runs a ChexSystems check when you open an account. ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking history at other banks. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of bounced checks, or fraud flags at another bank, TD Bank may deny your account or require you to pay outstanding balances first.
You can request your ChexSystems report for free before you open an account by visiting www.chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623. If there are errors on your report, you can dispute them. If there are legitimate issues, you may need to resolve them with the other bank before TD Bank will open your account.
TD Bank also checks your identity against government databases and may deny an account if your information doesn't match or if there are fraud concerns. If your account is denied, TD Bank will tell you why and what steps you can take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 may be available with an ITIN, so call 1-800-937-8372 to confirm which accounts you can open before you start the process.
How long does it take to open a TD Bank account?
Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes. In-person opening takes 15 to 20 minutes. Phone opening takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I have a ChexSystems flag from another bank?
Request your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com to see what's on file. If there are errors, dispute them. If the issues are legitimate, you may need to resolve unpaid overdrafts or other problems with the other bank before TD Bank will open your account.
Can I open a TD Bank account with just a passport?
Yes, a passport counts as a government-issued photo ID. You'll still need your Social Security number or ITIN and an initial deposit. In-person opening lets you show your passport directly to a representative.
Do I need to deposit cash to open an account?
No. You can fund your initial deposit with a debit card, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. In-person opening is the only way to deposit cash immediately, but online and phone opening let you link a debit card or bank account instead.