What you need to open a TD Bank account
TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. You can open an account in person at any TD Bank branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a branch and roughly 10 minutes online, though online accounts may take one to two business days to fully activate.
The specific documents and deposit amounts depend on which account type you choose. TD Bank offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts, each with different minimum opening deposits and monthly fee structures. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, while others ask for $100 to $500 upfront.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can still open an account by visiting a branch in person and providing alternative identification documents, though the process takes longer and may require additional verification steps.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an opening deposit amount that varies by account type—some accounts have no minimum.
- TD Bank lets you open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, with online accounts taking one to two business days to activate.
- Bring your ID and Social Security card (or ITIN documentation) to a branch, or have that information ready if you open online.
- Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account, and many fees are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening an account online or by phone
TD Bank's website lets you start an account from home without visiting a branch. Go to tdbank.com, select "Open an Account," and choose the account type you want. You will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and initial deposit method (debit card, bank transfer, or wire). The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit your information online, TD Bank reviews it and sends you a confirmation email within one to two business days. Your account number and routing number arrive by email or mail, and you can begin using your account for transfers and bill pay immediately, though debit card and checks may take a few additional days to arrive.
To open by phone, call TD Bank's customer service line at 1-800-937-8000. A representative walks you through the same information you would enter online and can answer questions about account features and fees in real time. Phone applications take slightly longer than online but may be easier if you have questions during the process.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Visit any TD Bank branch with your government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN documentation, and your opening deposit (cash, check, or debit card). A banker helps you choose an account type, reviews the terms, and completes the paperwork. You walk out with your account number and can use your account immediately for transfers and bill pay.
Your debit card is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and checks arrive separately within one to two weeks. If you need a debit card faster, some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot or order expedited delivery for an additional fee.
Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, discuss fee waivers, or if you do not have a photo ID—the banker can work with alternative documents and verify your identity in other ways.
Account types and their opening deposit requirements
| Account Type | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee (if applicable) | Fee Waiver Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Bank Checking | $0 | $0–$15 | Direct deposit or minimum balance |
| TD Bank Savings | $0 | $0–$5 | Minimum balance or linked checking |
| TD Bank Money Market | $2,500 | $0–$25 | Maintain minimum balance |
| TD Bank Youth Checking | $0 | $0 | No monthly fee |
TD Bank's checking account is the most common choice for everyday banking. Most checking accounts have no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account tier). Without either, the monthly maintenance fee is typically $15.
Savings accounts start with no minimum deposit and no monthly fee if you link them to a checking account or maintain a small balance. Money market accounts require a higher opening deposit but pay interest on your balance—the rate varies based on how much you deposit and current market conditions.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you can transfer money in immediately using your routing number (021000021 for most TD Bank accounts) and your new account number. If you opened online or by phone, your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up bill pay through the TD Bank website or mobile app right away, even before your debit card arrives.
TD Bank sends you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about online banking and mobile app access. You can log in to your account online or download the TD Bank mobile app to check your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by phone camera, and manage your account settings.
If you set up direct deposit, your employer or benefits provider can begin depositing money into your account within one to two pay periods. You will need to provide your new account number and routing number to your employer's payroll department.
Fees to know about
TD Bank charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking and savings accounts, but the fee is waived if you meet one of these conditions: set up direct deposit, maintain a minimum balance, or link your savings account to a checking account. The minimum balance requirement varies by account type, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Other fees you may encounter include overdraft fees (usually $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance), ATM fees at non-TD Bank machines (typically $2 to $3), and wire transfer fees ($15 to $25 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international). Many of these fees can be avoided by monitoring your balance and using TD Bank's ATM network, which includes over 9,000 machines nationwide.
If you close your account within 90 days of opening it, TD Bank may charge a $25 early closure fee. This fee does not apply if you close the account after 90 days or if you close it due to a bank error or service issue.
If you do not have a photo ID
You can still open a TD Bank account without a government photo ID, but you must do so in person at a branch. Bring alternative identification documents such as a passport, state ID without a photo, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and address. The banker verifies your identity using these documents and may ask additional questions about your personal history.
The in-person process takes longer without a photo ID—usually 30 to 45 minutes instead of 15 to 20 minutes—because the banker must complete extra verification steps. You still need your Social Security number or ITIN and your opening deposit amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a TD Bank account if I have bad credit or a banking history issue?
TD Bank does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. However, they do check ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you have a negative ChexSystems record, you may be denied, but you can dispute inaccurate information or wait for old items to age off the report.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening an account?
Standard debit card delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in person at a branch, ask if they can issue a temporary card on the spot or order expedited delivery (usually 2 to 3 business days) for a small fee. You can use your account for online transfers and bill pay immediately, even before your card arrives.
What is the routing number for TD Bank?
The routing number for most TD Bank accounts is 021000021. Some older accounts or accounts opened at specific branches may have a different routing number. Check your account paperwork or log into your online account to confirm your routing number before setting up direct deposit or wire transfers.
Can I open a TD Bank account if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you can open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your address. Visit a branch in person to complete the process, as online and phone applications typically require a Social Security number.
What is the difference between TD Bank's checking and savings accounts?
Checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions—you get a debit card, checks, and unlimited transfers. Savings accounts limit the number of transfers you can make per month and pay interest on your balance. Most people open both: a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account to set money aside and earn interest.