Documents and information TD will ask for

TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.

You'll also need to bring a small amount of money to open the account. Most TD checking accounts require an opening deposit, though the amount varies by account type and your location. Call your local TD branch or check their website to confirm the minimum for the specific account you want.

If you're opening the account online instead of in person, you'll upload images of your ID and address proof through their portal. TD will verify these documents before your account goes live, which usually takes one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.
  • TD requires an opening deposit that varies by account type—call your branch to confirm the exact amount before you go in.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through TD's website, and online accounts typically set up within one to two business days.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, TD offers accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.

Opening in person versus online

Opening at a TD branch takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You hand over your documents, the banker verifies them on the spot, you sign the account agreement, and your account is usually active when ready. You can start using your debit card and online banking the same day, though the card itself arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

Opening online through TD's website is faster for the initial step—you can finish in 10 minutes—but the account doesn't go live until TD's verification team reviews your documents. That review typically takes one to two business days. Once approved, you can use the account for transfers and bill pay right away, but you won't have a debit card until it arrives in the mail.

If you're not sure which TD account type fits your needs, the in-person route lets you ask questions before you commit. Online is better if you want to start without leaving home and don't need when ready card access.

What happens if you don't have all the documents

If you don't have a current address proof, TD will sometimes accept alternative documents—a lease agreement, a recent credit card statement, or a government benefit letter. Call ahead to ask what they'll take, because policies vary slightly by branch.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. TD will ask for your ITIN and additional identity verification, which might include a passport or consular ID. The process takes longer but the account works the same way once it's open.

If you can't get a government photo ID, ask your branch what non-photo ID documents they'll accept. Some branches will work with a combination of documents—a passport card plus a utility bill, for example—but this varies. Your best move is to call the branch you plan to visit and describe what you have.

Minimum balance and monthly fees

TD's checking accounts have different fee structures depending on which account you choose. Some accounts have no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance—typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the account. Others charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15) regardless of balance but waive it if you set up direct deposit.

Ask your banker which account makes sense for how you plan to use it. If you get paid by direct deposit, that often waives the fee. If you keep a steady balance, you might avoid fees that way instead. TD's website lists the current fee structure for each account type, but the banker can walk you through which one costs you the least.

What you can do when ready after opening

Once your account is active, you can transfer money in from another bank, set up bill pay, and use online banking to check your balance and history. If you opened in person, your debit card is usually active the same day, so you can use it at ATMs and stores right away.

If you opened online, you'll have access to all those features when ready, but your physical debit card won't arrive for five to seven business days. In the meantime, TD offers a temporary digital card you can add to your phone's wallet and use for contactless payments.

Your first few transactions might take longer to clear than you expect. Transfers from other banks usually take one to three business days. Checks you deposit take three to five business days. Debit card purchases post within one to two days. These timelines are set by the banking system, not by TD, so they're the same at any bank.

Account maintenance and what changes later

After you open the account, TD will send you statements—either by mail or email, depending on what you choose. You can change your address, phone number, or email through online banking anytime. If you want to add another person to the account or change the account type, you'll need to visit a branch or call TD's customer service line.

If you stop using the account and don't make any deposits or withdrawals for a long time, TD may close it. The exact timeline varies, but most banks close inactive accounts after 12 months. If that happens, TD will send you a check for any remaining balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a TD account if I have bad credit?

TD does not run a credit check to open a checking account. They check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report, not a credit report. If you've had problems with a bank before—overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts—that shows up in ChexSystems, and TD might decline. But a low credit score alone won't stop you.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open in person, your debit card is usually active the same day and arrives by mail in five to seven business days. If you open online, the card arrives in five to seven business days after your account is approved. TD offers a temporary digital card for your phone while you wait.

What if I make a mistake on my process?

If you catch the mistake before you submit, fix it. If you've already submitted and notice an error—wrong address, misspelled name—call TD right away. They can usually correct it before the account fully opens. If the account is already active, you can update your information through online banking or by visiting a branch.

Do I need to be a US citizen to open an account?

No. You need a valid ID and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Non-citizens with an ITIN can open accounts; the process is the same except TD asks for additional identity verification. Bring your passport or consular ID along with your ITIN.