What you need before you walk in or go online

TD Bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and your current address. If you're opening an account in person, bring the ID itself. If you're opening online, you'll photograph or upload it. You'll also need to know your date of birth and a phone number where TD can reach you.

If you don't have a photo ID yet, TD won't open an account for you. A state driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. A school ID or work badge does not. If your ID is expired, most branches will still accept it as long as the photo is clearly you.

You don't need an existing bank account, a minimum deposit, or a credit history. TD does run a check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database—if you've had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid fees at other banks, TD may decline you. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com if you're concerned.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account.
  • TD Bank offers both in-person and online account opening; online takes about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day.
  • In-person opening at a branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can get a debit card on the spot.
  • TD checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so past fraud or unpaid fees at other banks may disqualify you.
  • You can choose from checking, savings, or money market accounts, each with different fees and minimum balance requirements that vary by account type.

Opening an account online through TD's website

Go to tdbank.com and look for "Open an Account" at the top of the page. You'll choose the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market—and then answer questions about yourself: name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. TD will ask for your current street address and whether you rent or own.

Next, you'll upload a photo of your ID. Use your phone camera or a scanner. The photo needs to show the front and back of the ID, and the image has to be clear enough to read the text. If the photo is blurry or cut off, TD will ask you to retake it.

Once TD verifies your identity—usually within minutes—you'll set up your online login and choose a PIN for your debit card. You can start using the account when ready for transfers and bill pay. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before then, you can withdraw from any TD ATM using your temporary digital card number, which appears in the TD app.

Opening an account in person at a TD branch

Walk into any TD Bank branch during business hours with your photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement from another bank also works.

Tell the employee you want to open an account. They'll take you to a desk, verify your information against your ID, and run the ChexSystems check. If you pass, they'll show you the account options and explain the fees. You'll sign the account agreement and choose your PIN.

Before you leave, you'll have a debit card in hand—the employee will set up it at the desk. You can use it when ready at TD ATMs and at any store that takes Visa. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days with a different number, and you'll need to set up that one when it arrives. The temporary card stops working once the permanent one is activated.

Account types and what each one costs

TD's most common account is the Checking Plus, which has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If your balance drops below $500 and you don't have direct deposit, you pay $15 a month. Debit card transactions, ATM withdrawals, and transfers are all free.

The Savings account earns interest on your balance. The rate changes based on how much money you have in the account and what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates—TD publishes current rates on their website. There's no monthly fee, but you can only make six transfers or withdrawals per month without paying a $10 fee for each one over that limit. This is a federal rule that applies to all savings accounts.

The Money Market account combines features of checking and savings: you get a debit card and checkbook, earn interest on your balance, and have the six-withdrawal limit. The minimum balance to open is usually $2,500, though this varies by branch and changes over time. Call your local branch or check tdbank.com to confirm the current minimum.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can log into TD's website or app using the username and password you created. You'll see your account number, routing number, and current balance. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks using the mobile app's check deposit feature.

If you opened online, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, open the TD app, go to Card Services, and set up it. You'll be asked to confirm the last four digits and set a PIN if you haven't already. Once activated, your temporary card stops working.

If you opened in person, your temporary card works when ready. Your permanent card arrives separately in 7 to 10 business days. set up it the same way—through the app under Card Services—and your temporary card will deactivate automatically.

If TD declines you

TD will tell you the reason: usually it's a ChexSystems issue, meaning you have a history of fraud, unpaid fees, or closed accounts at other banks. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If you fix the errors, you can reapply to TD.

If ChexSystems shows accurate information and TD still won't open an account, you have other options. Some credit unions and online banks like Chime or LendingClub have looser requirements and may open an account for you. You can also ask TD when you might be able to reapply—some banks will reconsider after 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. TD requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. Bring the same documents you would for a Social Security number.

Do I have to go to a branch, or can I do everything online?

You can do everything online. TD's online account opening is complete and you can use the account the same day. You don't need to visit a branch unless you want a debit card when ready or prefer to speak with someone in person.

What if my address is different on my ID than where I live now?

Bring a second document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. TD will use that to verify where you actually live. Your ID can be outdated as long as the photo is clearly you.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open online or in person, your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person, you get a temporary card when ready that works right away. If you open online, you can use a temporary digital card number in the TD app until your physical card arrives.

What's the difference between checking and savings at TD?

Checking is for everyday spending—unlimited debit card use, no interest earned. Savings earns interest but limits you to six withdrawals per month. Money Market combines both: you get a debit card and earn interest, but still have the six-withdrawal limit.