What You Need to Open a TD Bank Account

Documents and information TD Bank asks for when you open an account

TD Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to open a checking or savings account. The specific documents vary slightly depending on which account type you choose and whether you open it in person, online, or by phone.

In person at a TD Bank branch, you'll bring your ID and one piece of mail or utility bill showing your current address. Online or by phone, you upload or describe these same documents. TD Bank also asks for your date of birth and initial deposit amount before the account opens.

Key Takeaways

• You need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number for any TD Bank account.
• Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your name and current street address.
• TD Bank accepts accounts opened in person, online, or by phone, and the documents required are the same across all three methods.
• Some account types, like student or senior accounts, may have additional requirements or age verification steps.

Acceptable forms of government ID

TD Bank accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or passport as proof of identity. The ID must be current and show your photo, name, and date of birth. An expired ID is not accepted.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card works. Foreign nationals can use a passport from their country of origin, though TD Bank may ask additional questions about your immigration status or visa type.

What counts as proof of address

TD Bank accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) as proof of address. The document must show your name and your current street address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.

A PO box does not count as a residential address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a lease or other document in your name, or you can bring a signed letter from the account holder stating that you live there. TD Bank staff can tell you whether a specific document will work before you come in.

Opening an account online versus in person

Opening online is faster if you have a camera or scanner. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, answer security questions, and fund the account with a transfer from another bank. The account usually opens within one business day.

Opening in person takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You bring your documents, show them to a banker, and can deposit cash or a check on the spot. Some people prefer this route because they can ask questions and confirm the account is set up correctly before they leave. Both methods result in the same account types and fees.

Initial deposit requirements

TD Bank does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking and savings accounts, though some premium accounts do. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later, either at a branch, through an ATM, or by transfer from another bank.

If you choose to deposit cash or a check at the time you open the account, bring it with you. Online applications ask you to link an external bank account for the initial deposit, which usually takes one to two business days to clear.

Additional information TD Bank collects

Beyond ID and address, TD Bank asks for your phone number, email address, and employment status. You do not need to be employed to open an account, but TD Bank uses this information for fraud prevention and to determine which account features you may be interested in.

TD Bank also asks whether you want paperless statements and whether you want to enroll in overdraft protection. You can change these settings after the account opens, so your answers now do not lock you in.

What happens after you submit your information

TD Bank runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues at previous banks. Most people pass this check without delay.

If ChexSystems flags something, TD Bank may ask you for more information or deny the account. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems, and TD Bank will reconsider your process once the dispute is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, TD Bank requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you are a non-citizen without an ITIN, you can explore for one through the IRS before opening the account. Some TD Bank branches can provide guidance on this process.

What if I don't have a current address yet?

You need a current residential address to open an account. If you are moving and do not have proof of the new address yet, you can use your old address temporarily and update it once you move. Bring a lease or signed letter from your new landlord showing the move-in date.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No, you must open the account yourself and be present (in person or online) to verify your identity. A parent or guardian cannot open an account in your name without you. However, a parent can open a custodial account for a minor child, which requires the parent's ID and the child's Social Security number.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, 15 to 20 minutes. Online, the account usually opens within one business day, though funding from an external bank account may take an additional one to two days. By phone, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the account opens the same day.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

TD Bank will not accept it. Bring a more recent bill, statement, or government mail. If you have just moved and do not have a new bill yet, a lease agreement, utility company letter confirming your address, or a signed statement from your landlord can work instead.