You can open a TD Bank account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents ready
TD Bank lets you start an account without visiting a branch if you prefer — you can do it on their website or by calling 1-800-937-8372. If you go to a branch in person, a banker will walk you through it while you're there. Either way, you'll need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The whole thing usually finishes the same day, though your account may take a few hours to become fully active for transfers.
The main choice you'll make is what type of account fits your needs: a checking account (for everyday spending and bill pay), a savings account (for money you want to set aside), or both. TD also offers accounts designed for students or people under 25 with different fee structures. Once you decide, the paperwork is straightforward — mostly confirming your identity and address so the bank can follow federal rules.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease) to open an account.
- TD Bank accounts can be opened online, by phone, or in a branch, and most are ready to use the same day.
- Checking accounts are for regular spending and bill payments, while savings accounts earn a small amount of interest on money you keep there.
- TD offers accounts with no monthly fee if you meet certain conditions, such as keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
- You'll receive a debit card for checking accounts, usually within 7 to 10 business days, and can use it at ATMs and stores right away.
What documents to bring or have ready
TD Bank requires proof of who you are before they can open your account. A valid driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. If you don't have one of those, call the branch ahead of time — they may accept other forms of ID, but it varies by location.
You'll also need to prove where you live. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it will work. "Recent" usually means from the last 60 days. If you're opening an account online, you can upload a photo of these documents or type in the information and TD will verify it.
Your Social Security number is required so TD can check your banking history and follow federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you don't have a Social Security number, some TD branches can discuss other options, but call ahead first.
Opening online versus in person
Opening online on TD's website is fastest if you're comfortable uploading documents or answering questions on a screen. You'll enter your personal information, take a photo of your ID and proof of address, and choose your account type. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is usually ready within a few hours, though transfers may not work until the next business day.
Opening in a TD Bank branch means a banker sits with you and handles the paperwork. This is helpful if you have questions, want to understand your options better, or prefer not to upload documents online. It takes about the same amount of time — 15 to 20 minutes — and your account is active when ready. You can also ask about setting up online banking and mobile banking while you're there.
Opening by phone (1-800-937-8372) is an option if you can't visit a branch and prefer talking to a person. You'll still need to send in copies of your ID and address proof, either by mail or upload, so it may take a day or two longer than online or in-person.
Choosing between checking and savings accounts
A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, getting your paycheck, buying groceries. You get a debit card and checks, and you can set up automatic bill payments. TD checking accounts have no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500, depending on the account type) or set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow slowly. Banks pay you a small amount of interest — a percentage of your balance — for letting them use your money. The interest rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does, so it's higher some years and lower others. Savings accounts have fewer ways to spend the money, which can help you avoid dipping into it.
Many people open both at the same time. Your checking account handles daily spending, and your savings account holds an emergency fund or money for a goal. TD lets you link them together so you can move money between them easily online or on your phone.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
TD Bank checking accounts usually have a monthly maintenance fee of $6 to $15, depending on which account you choose. However, the fee is waived — meaning you don't pay it — if you meet one of these conditions: keep a minimum balance in the account, set up direct deposit of your paycheck, or maintain a combined balance across multiple TD accounts.
Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee, but they may have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money (usually six times). If you go over that limit, you might be charged a small fee per extra withdrawal.
When you open your account, ask the banker or check TD's website to see which account type has the lowest fees for your situation. If you're getting a paycheck deposited directly, that's usually the easiest way to avoid fees. If you're not working yet or paid in cash, keeping the minimum balance might be simpler.
Your debit card and first transactions
When you open a checking account, TD will order a debit card for you. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account online or on the TD mobile app to pay bills, transfer money, or set up automatic payments.
Once your card arrives, you'll set up it by calling the number on the back or using the TD app. Then you can use it at any store, restaurant, or gas pump that takes Visa (TD's debit cards use the Visa network). You can also use it to withdraw cash at any TD ATM for free, or at other banks' ATMs — though some charge a small fee.
Your first few transactions might take a day or two to show up in your account, especially if you're paying a bill or sending money to another bank. This is normal. After that, most transactions appear within hours.
Setting up online and mobile banking
Once your account is open, you can log into TD's website or read the TD Bank mobile app to check your balance, pay bills, transfer money, and deposit checks by taking a photo. You'll create a username and password, and TD will ask you to set up extra security — usually a PIN or fingerprint on your phone.
Mobile check deposit is useful if you receive paper checks. You open the app, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and it's deposited into your account. The money usually shows up within one business day.
Bill pay through TD's website or app lets you schedule payments to almost any company — your landlord, utility company, credit card, or loan servicer. You enter the company's name and your account number with them, and TD sends the payment on the date you choose. This is free and usually arrives within three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a TD Bank account if I don't have a Social Security number?
TD requires a Social Security number for most accounts because of federal banking rules. If you don't have one, call your local TD branch to ask about alternatives — some branches may be able to help, but it depends on your situation and location.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online and through the mobile app before the card arrives, including paying bills and transferring money. Once it arrives, you'll set up it by calling the number on the back or using the app.
What's the minimum amount I need to open an account?
TD does not require a minimum opening deposit — you can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some checking accounts waive their monthly fee only if you keep a minimum balance, usually $500 to $1,500, so check the specific account terms.
Can I open an account online if I'm under 18?
TD offers accounts for minors, but the rules vary by age and state. Younger teens may need a parent or guardian to open the account with them. Call 1-800-937-8372 or visit a branch to ask about accounts for your age group.
What happens if I don't meet the minimum balance to avoid the monthly fee?
If you don't keep the minimum balance and don't have direct deposit set up, you'll be charged the monthly maintenance fee (usually $6 to $15). You can avoid this by setting up direct deposit of your paycheck or by keeping the required balance in your account.