You can open a TD Bank account at 17, but only with a parent or guardian as a joint account holder

TD Bank does not allow minors to open accounts independently. At 17, you can open a checking or savings account, but a parent or legal guardian must be present and become a joint owner on the account. This means they have full access to the account and can see all transactions. Some TD branches may require the adult to be the primary account holder with you listed as an authorized user instead, depending on the account type and your state.

The account itself functions like any other TD account — you get a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to make deposits and withdrawals. The main restriction is that you cannot close the account or make major changes without the account holder's permission. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to an account in your name alone, or keep it as a joint account if you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present and on the account with you; TD does not issue accounts to 17-year-olds acting alone.
  • You will receive a debit card and online banking access, but the adult account holder can see all activity and must approve major changes.
  • Bring a government-issued ID (state ID or passport), proof of address, and your Social Security number to open the account.
  • At 18, you can convert the account to your name alone or keep the joint structure if both parties agree.

What documents you need to bring

Both you and the adult account holder must bring identification to the TD Bank branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID — a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The adult needs the same. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter.

If you do not have a state ID yet, a school ID may work as a secondary form of identification, but the branch will likely ask for something with your Social Security number on it or a document that confirms your identity. Call your local TD branch before you go to confirm what they will accept, since requirements can vary slightly by location.

What happens to the account when you turn 18

Once you reach 18, you have the legal right to remove the adult from the account or convert it to a solo account in your name. You do not need their permission to do this. However, if you want to keep the account as a joint account — which can be useful if the adult is helping you manage money or you want them to have emergency access — both of you can agree to keep the arrangement.

If the adult wants to stay on the account but you want to remove them, you can do that at any TD branch. If you want to remove yourself from a joint account the adult opened, that is more complicated and may require the account holder's consent or a trip to the branch to discuss your options.

Debit card and online banking access at 17

TD will issue you a debit card in your name, even though you are a minor. You can use it to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and access your money just like an adult cardholder. Online banking is also available — you can set up your own login and check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills through TD's website or mobile app.

The account holder can also see your activity online and may set up alerts or spending limits if they choose. Some parents use this feature to monitor spending; others do not. Ask the adult on your account what their expectations are before you start using the card.

Whether you can get a credit card at 17

No. TD Bank will not issue a credit card to anyone under 18, even if they have a checking account. At 17, you are limited to a debit card, which draws from money you have already deposited. A credit card requires you to be 18 and to have a credit history or a co-signer.

Once you turn 18, you can apply for a TD credit card on your own, or you can ask the adult on your account to co-sign an application if you have no credit history yet. Building credit early can help you later when you need a loan or mortgage, so it is worth considering once you are may be able to access.

Account fees and minimum balance requirements

TD Bank's checking and savings accounts have different fee structures depending on which product you choose. Some accounts have no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit; others charge a monthly maintenance fee that can be waived under certain conditions. Savings accounts typically earn interest, though the rate is low and varies with the market.

Ask the branch representative which account type has the lowest fees for your situation. If you are opening the account mainly to have a debit card and a place to store money, a basic checking account with no direct deposit requirement may be your best option. If you want to earn interest on savings, compare the interest rate and fee structure of their savings products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a TD account online at 17?

No. TD requires minors to open accounts in person at a branch with a parent or guardian present. You cannot complete the process through their website or mobile app alone.

What if my parent does not want to be a joint owner — can they just co-sign?

TD's policy requires a parent or guardian to be a joint account holder, not just a co-signer. The adult must have their own access to the account. If your parent is uncomfortable with that level of involvement, you may need to wait until you turn 18 to open an account independently.

Can I use my school ID instead of a state ID?

A school ID alone is usually not enough. You will need a government-issued photo ID like a state ID, driver's license, or passport. Call your branch ahead of time to ask what secondary documents they will accept if you do not have one yet.

Will opening a TD account at 17 help me build credit?

No. A checking or savings account does not build credit history. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report. You can start building credit at 18 by opening a credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card.

What if I want to close the account before I turn 18?

You will need the account holder's permission to close it. If you want to close it and they refuse, you may need to visit the branch with them to discuss your options, or wait until you turn 18 to close it yourself.