What you need to open a TD Bank account

TD Bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before you open an account. You can bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card as your photo ID. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it — it usually needs to be from the last 60 days.

You will also need to decide which type of account you want: a checking account (for everyday spending and bill payments), a savings account (for money you want to set aside), or both. TD Bank offers accounts designed for different needs, so knowing what you plan to use the account for will help you choose.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account, but the process takes longer and requires additional steps. Ask a TD Bank employee about this when you visit — they can walk you through what documents you will need instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can open an account in person at any TD Bank branch, online through their website, or by phone — each method takes different amounts of time.
  • TD Bank offers checking accounts for everyday spending, savings accounts for setting money aside, and accounts designed for students or people new to banking.
  • Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using your account right away.

Opening an account in person at a TD Bank branch

Walking into a branch is the fastest way to open an account if you have all your documents ready. Find the nearest TD Bank location using their branch locator on their website, or search "TD Bank near me." You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means shorter wait times.

When you arrive, tell the employee at the desk that you want to open an account. They will take you to a desk, ask you questions about what type of account you want, and review your documents. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, you will have an account number and temporary access to your account — you can start using it the same day.

The employee will also explain the account's fees, interest rates, and minimum balance requirements. Ask questions if anything is unclear — this is the time to understand what you are signing up for.

Opening an account online

TD Bank lets you start the account opening process on their website without visiting a branch. Go to tdbank.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You will answer questions about the type of account you want and enter your personal information.

The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but it is not complete until you verify your identity. TD Bank will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address, or they may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history. Once they verify your information, your account opens and you can use it right away.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can transfer money into your account and pay bills online, but you cannot use a card to spend money in stores.

Opening an account by phone

You can also call TD Bank's customer service line to open an account. The phone number is on their website. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the in-person or online process and will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions.

After you open the account by phone, TD Bank will mail you a confirmation packet with your account details and debit card. This method takes longer than in-person or online because you have to wait for the mail, but it works if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to use the website.

Types of accounts TD Bank offers

TD Bank's checking account is designed for everyday spending. You get a debit card to use at stores and ATMs, you can write checks, and you can set up automatic bill payments. Most checking accounts have a monthly fee, but TD Bank waives the fee if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit from your employer.

A savings account earns interest — meaning the bank pays you a small amount of money for keeping your money there. Savings accounts have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money, so they work best for money you are not planning to spend right away. Interest rates vary, so ask what rate TD Bank is currently offering.

TD Bank also offers accounts designed for students and for people opening their first bank account. These accounts often have lower fees or no fees at all. Ask the employee which account is the best fit for your situation.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active the same day you open it, whether you opened it in person, online, or by phone. You can start using it right away to receive direct deposits from your employer or to transfer money from another bank. You can also pay bills online or set up automatic payments.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it — TD Bank will send instructions with the card, or you can call the number on the back of the card to set up it.

TD Bank will also give you online banking access so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. You will create a username and password during the account opening process, or you can set these up later on their website.

Fees and requirements to know about

Most TD Bank checking accounts charge a monthly fee, usually between $6 and $15, depending on the account type. You can avoid the fee by keeping a minimum balance (the amount varies by account), by setting up direct deposit, or by maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Ask which option is easiest for your situation.

Savings accounts do not usually have monthly fees, but they may have fees if you withdraw money too many times in a month. TD Bank will explain these limits when you open the account.

Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit — the smallest amount of money you need to put in when you open the account. This is often $25 to $100, but it varies. Ask about this before you open the account so you know how much money to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a TD Bank account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, but the process is different and takes longer. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport instead. Contact TD Bank directly to ask what other documents they will need from you.

What if I do not have proof of address?

If you recently moved or do not have a utility bill in your name, ask TD Bank what other documents they accept. Some branches will accept a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government letter with your address. You may also be able to use a cell phone bill or insurance statement.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. You can use your account online or by phone before the card arrives, but you will need the card to use ATMs or pay in stores.

Can I open more than one account?

Yes. Many people open both a checking account and a savings account at the same time. You can also open additional accounts later if your needs change. Each account will have its own account number and debit card.

What should I do if I lose my debit card?

Call TD Bank's customer service number right away — the number is on the back of your card or on their website. They will cancel your card so no one else can use it and will mail you a replacement card within 7 to 10 business days. You can still use your account online while you wait for the new card.