What you need to bring and the two ways to open an account

TD Bank lets you open a checking account either online or in a branch. Both routes take about 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents with you. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If you are opening an account online, you will also need a valid email address and a phone number where TD can reach you.

The online route is faster if you already have a TD Bank account or a TD credit card — the system can verify you when ready. If you are a new customer with no existing relationship to TD, the online process will ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a TD representative, which adds about 5 to 10 minutes. Opening in a branch skips this step because the teller can check your ID in person.

TD offers several checking account types: TD Convenience Checking (no monthly fee if you maintain a $100 minimum balance or set up direct deposit), TD Preferred Checking (requires higher balance but includes perks like fee waivers), and TD Advantage Checking (designed for frequent traders and investors). For most people, Convenience Checking is the default choice.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID and your Social Security number; opening online also requires a valid email and phone number.
  • Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes for existing TD customers, or 15 to 25 minutes if you need a video identity verification call.
  • In-branch opening takes about 10 to 15 minutes and skips the video verification step because the teller checks your ID in person.
  • TD Convenience Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $100 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of any amount.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your account for transfers and bill pay when ready.

Opening an account online through TD Bank's website

Go to tdbank.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually in the top navigation or under a "Products" menu. Select "Checking" and then choose the account type you want. The system will ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Next, you will upload a photo of your ID. Take a clear picture of the front and back of your driver's license, passport, or state ID card using your phone or computer camera. The image needs to show all four corners of the ID and be in focus. If you are a new TD customer, the system will then schedule a video call with a TD representative. This call happens when ready or within a few minutes — the representative will ask you to hold up your ID to the camera to confirm it matches the photos you uploaded. They may also ask basic questions like your address or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Once the video call is complete (or skipped if you already have a TD account), you will choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or mail a check. The account opens when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your new account number. Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in a TD Bank branch

Find your nearest TD Bank branch using the branch locator on tdbank.com. Walk in during business hours with your photo ID and Social Security number. Tell the teller you want to open a checking account. The teller will verify your identity by looking at your ID in person, then ask the same personal information questions the online system would ask: name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

The teller will show you the account options and help you choose which checking account type fits your needs. They will explain the monthly fee structure, minimum balance requirements, and what perks come with each account. Once you decide, the teller will input your information into the system and print out the account agreement for you to sign. This document outlines the terms of the account, including fees, interest rates (if any), and your rights as a customer.

After you sign, the teller will ask how much you want to deposit to open the account. You can deposit cash, a check, or arrange a transfer from another bank. The account opens when ready, and the teller will give you a temporary debit card number you can use right away for online purchases. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and checks arrive separately if you ordered them.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active the moment you finish the online process or leave the branch. You can log into TD's online banking portal or mobile app using your email address and a password you create. From there, you can transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and check your balance. You can also use your temporary debit card number (provided online or by the teller) to make purchases before your physical card arrives.

If you opened in a branch, the teller may have given you a temporary check register or a temporary debit card number written on paper. Keep this safe — it is your proof of the account until the physical card arrives. If you opened online, you will see your account number in the confirmation email and in your online banking dashboard.

Your physical debit card and any checks you ordered arrive separately in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once the debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the TD mobile app. You will be asked to verify the last four digits of your Social Security number and confirm a recent transaction or deposit amount.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

TD Convenience Checking has a $12.99 monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive it in two ways: keep a minimum daily balance of $100, or set up direct deposit of any amount. Direct deposit is the easier route for most people — even a single deposit of $25 per month counts. If you do not meet either condition, the $12.99 fee posts on the last day of each month.

TD Preferred Checking costs $25 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. This account includes additional perks like higher interest rates on balances and fee waivers on certain services. TD Advantage Checking is designed for active investors and traders; fees and benefits vary based on your trading activity.

If you are unsure which account is right for you, start with Convenience Checking and set up direct deposit. You can always switch to a different account type later by calling TD customer service or visiting a branch.

Using your account before the debit card arrives

You do not have to wait for your physical debit card to start using your account. Once your account opens, you can log into TD's online banking portal or mobile app and transfer money to other accounts, pay bills, or send money to friends using TD's peer-to-peer payment service. You can also use the temporary debit card number the teller gave you (if you opened in branch) or the number shown in your online banking dashboard (if you opened online) to make purchases online or over the phone.

If you need to withdraw cash before your debit card arrives, you can visit any TD Bank branch and ask the teller to withdraw money from your new account. Bring your photo ID. You can also use ATMs at TD Bank branches — ask the teller for a temporary PIN if you do not have one yet, or use your online banking login to set one up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

TD Bank requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will need to contact TD directly to discuss other options, as policies vary by state.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

A government-issued photo ID is required to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card. If you do not have any of these, contact your local TD Bank branch to ask about alternative verification methods, though options are limited.

How long does it take to receive my debit card and checks?

Physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account when ready through online banking and bill pay, and you can use a temporary debit card number for online or phone purchases while you wait for the physical card.

Can I open a TD checking account if I have had banking problems in the past?

TD Bank checks your banking history using ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts in dispute, TD may deny your process. If denied, you can contact TD to ask about a second-chance checking account or dispute the information in your ChexSystems report.

What is the difference between opening online and in a branch?

Online opening is faster if you already have a TD account, but requires a video identity verification call if you are new. In-branch opening skips the video call because the teller checks your ID in person. Both routes take 10 to 15 minutes and result in an account that opens when ready.