You can open some joint accounts with TD Bank online, but not all of them

TD Bank allows you to open a joint checking or savings account online, but the process requires both account owners to be present and verified during the process. You cannot complete the entire process alone — your co-owner must participate in real time, either on the same device or through a separate login. If you want to add someone to an existing TD account you already own, that's a different process handled in a branch or by phone.

The online joint account opening works fastest if both of you have a government-issued ID ready and can sit down together for about 15 to 20 minutes. If one of you is not yet a TD customer, they will need to create a login during the process. If you both already bank with TD, the process is shorter because the system already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must be present and verified during the online process — you cannot start it alone and add someone later through the website.
  • You will need a government-issued ID for each person, proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security numbers.
  • The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes if both people are ready, but TD may take one to three business days to review and set up the account.
  • If you want to add a co-owner to an account you already have, you must visit a TD branch or call customer service — that cannot be done online.
  • Joint accounts at TD come in different types: joint with rights of survivorship (automatic transfer to the survivor) and joint tenants in common (each person's share goes to their estate).

What documents you need before you start

Gather these items for both people before you begin the online process. You will need a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of address for each person, which TD accepts as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Have your Social Security numbers ready as well.

If either of you has moved recently or your address on file with TD is outdated, update that information first. Mismatched addresses between your ID and what TD has on record can slow down the review process. If you do not have a Social Security number — for example, if you are a non-citizen with an ITIN — contact TD before starting, because the online system may not accept that during the process.

The steps to open a joint account online

Start at TD Bank's website and look for the "Open an Account" option. Select "Joint Account" from the account type menu. The system will ask you to choose between checking, savings, or money market accounts. Pick the one that fits what you need.

Next, you will enter your personal information — name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. Once that is done, you will be asked to add your co-owner's information. At this point, your co-owner needs to log in or create a TD login and verify their own identity in the same way. Both of you must complete this step; the system will not let you submit the process until both identities are confirmed.

After both people are verified, you will choose which type of joint account you want. With rights of survivorship, if one owner dies, the account automatically goes to the surviving owner. With tenants in common, each person's share of the account goes to their own estate when they die. Most people choose rights of survivorship, but read the descriptions carefully because you cannot change this after the account opens.

Finally, you will review the account terms, set up online banking access, and submit the process. TD will send a confirmation email to both account owners. The account usually activates within one to three business days, though it can take longer if TD needs to verify additional information.

What happens if you already have a TD account

If you are already a TD customer and want to open a joint account with someone new, the process is slightly faster because TD already has your verified information. You still need your co-owner to be present and to create a login or use their existing one, but you will not have to re-verify your own identity from scratch.

If you want to add a co-owner to an account you already own — rather than opening a brand new joint account — that cannot be done online. You will need to visit a TD branch with the other person and a government-issued ID, or call TD customer service at 1-800-937-8372 to request the change. The branch or phone agent will guide you through adding them as a joint owner on your existing account.

Why both people must be present during the process

TD requires both account owners to verify their identity in real time because of federal banking rules. The Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer regulations require banks to confirm that both people opening the account are who they say they are, and that neither is on a government watchlist. This is why you cannot open a joint account by yourself and add someone later — the bank needs to verify both people at the same time.

This also protects you. If someone could open a joint account in your name without your knowledge, they could drain the account or use it fraudulently. The two-person verification requirement prevents that.

What to do if the online process does not work

If you run into technical problems during the online process, or if the system rejects one of your identities, you have two options. You can call TD customer service at 1-800-937-8372 and ask to open a joint account over the phone with an agent. An agent can walk you through the process and may be able to resolve identity verification issues more quickly than the online system.

You can also visit a TD branch in person with both account owners and a government-issued ID for each person. A branch representative can open the joint account on the spot, usually in 10 to 15 minutes. This is the fastest option if you want the account active the same day, though the branch may still need one to three business days to fully process it on the back end.

Fees and minimum balances for joint accounts

TD's joint checking and savings accounts have the same monthly fees and minimum balance requirements as individual accounts. A TD Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance (the amount varies by account type) or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet the minimum, TD charges a monthly maintenance fee.

Savings accounts also have no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance. Money market accounts usually require a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. Check TD's current fee schedule on their website or ask during the process, because these requirements change and vary slightly by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one of us does not have a Social Security number?

TD requires a Social Security number or ITIN for each account owner. If your co-owner has an ITIN, contact TD customer service before starting the online process to confirm they can process it. The online system may reject an ITIN, but a phone agent or branch representative may be able to work around that.

What if my co-owner lives in a different state?

You can still open a joint account online as long as both of you can be present during the process. You do not need to be in the same physical location — you can be on separate devices or even separate computers. Both of you just need to log in and verify your identity at the same time.

How long does it take for the joint account to be ready to use?

The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes, but TD usually needs one to three business days to review and set up the account. Once it is activated, you can log in online and set up transfers or direct deposit. Debit cards and checks take an additional five to seven business days to arrive by mail.

Can I change the type of joint account after it opens?

No. You cannot change between rights of survivorship and tenants in common after the account is open. If you choose the wrong type, you would need to close the account and open a new one. Make sure both account owners understand the difference before you submit the process.

What if one account owner wants to remove the other person later?

You cannot remove a joint owner online. Both owners have equal rights to the account, so removing one requires that person's consent or a court order. Contact a TD branch or call customer service to discuss your options if this situation comes up.