Documents and information TD will ask for

TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before they will open a checking account. You do not need to bring originals — a copy of your ID and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement will work. If you are opening the account in person at a branch, bring these with you. If you are opening online, you will upload images of them during the process.

You will also need to provide your date of birth and a phone number where TD can reach you. If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must provide the same documents and information. TD will run a ChexSystems check — a banking history report similar to a credit report — but this is not a hard inquiry and does not affect your credit score.

Key Takeaways

  • TD requires a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open any checking account.
  • You can open an account online with uploaded documents or in person at a TD branch with physical copies.
  • TD checks your banking history through ChexSystems, which does not affect your credit score.
  • Joint account holders must each provide their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number.
  • The account opens when ready if you are approved, and your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What counts as proof of address

TD accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance statement, or bank statement from another institution also works. If you do not have any of these, you can use a government-issued ID that shows your current address — a state driver's license or passport card, for example.

If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring one document with your new address and one with your old address to show the move was recent. TD staff will note this in your file. Online applicants should upload whichever document is most recent.

Opening online versus in a TD branch

Opening online takes about 10 minutes and requires you to photograph or scan your ID and proof of address. You will enter your personal information, choose your account type, and set up online banking access. TD will tell you when ready whether the account is approved. You can fund the account right away by linking an external bank account or providing a routing and account number for a transfer.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but a TD representative can answer questions about account features and help you set up your debit card on the spot. You will leave with a temporary debit card that works when ready, and a permanent one arrives in the mail. Both routes result in the same account and the same fees.

Minimum opening deposit and account types

TD does not require a minimum deposit to open a checking account. You can open the account with zero dollars and deposit money later. However, some TD checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The TD Checking account has a $15 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance or have a direct deposit of at least $250 per month. The TD Convenience Checking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-own the account. TD offers a TD Youth Checking account with no monthly fee and parental controls. The adult on the account must be present in person or provide written consent if opening online.

What happens after you are approved

Once TD approves your account, it is active when ready. You can log into online banking and set up bill pay, transfers, and alerts right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any TD ATM using your online banking login, or you can request an emergency card at a branch.

You will receive a welcome packet in the mail with your account number, routing number, and information about TD's mobile app and online banking features. If you set up direct deposit, you can provide your employer with your routing number and account number when ready — deposits will post as soon as your employer sends them, even before your physical debit card arrives.

If you have been denied a checking account before

TD uses ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or multiple accounts closed by banks, ChexSystems may flag your process. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what is on file. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

If your report shows legitimate problems, TD may still open an account for you — ChexSystems flags are not automatic rejections. If TD declines, ask what specifically caused the denial. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts with higher fees but fewer restrictions. You can also try reapplying to TD after 12 months if the issue was a closed account or old overdraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, TD will accept it. You will need the same ID and proof of address. Some states also allow you to use a state ID number if you cannot obtain an ITIN.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

TD requires a government photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or passport card. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before opening the account. Some states offer ID cards specifically for people who do not drive. Check your state's DMV website for options.

How long does it take to open a TD account online?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Approval is usually when ready if your information matches your ID and ChexSystems report. You can start using the account when ready, though your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

Can I open a TD account if I am not a US citizen?

Yes, if you have an ITIN or valid visa. You will need a government-issued ID from your country of origin and proof of your US address. Some TD branches have staff trained to help non-citizens through the process — call ahead to confirm.

What if the address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring or upload both your ID and a recent document showing your current address. TD will accept this as proof that you have moved. If you are opening online, upload both documents and note in the process that you recently moved.