TD Beyond Checking

TD Beyond Checking is the premier "everyday" account for East Coast residents who keep a healthy buffer in their checking account. If you can maintain a $2,500 daily balance, this account is essentially VIP access: you get unlimited non-TD ATM fee reimbursements, free checks, free money orders, and overdraft forgiveness. However, if your balance dips below $2,500, the perks vanish, and you are hit with a steep $25 monthly fee, making it a poor choice for those living paycheck to paycheck.

At a Glance

• Monthly Fee: $25 (Waivable)
• Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
• APY (Interest): Yes (Tiered rates, but typically very low, <0.05%)
• Overdraft Fees: $35 (Waived if overdrawn by $50 or less; or if fixed by 11 PM next business day via "TD Overdraft Relief")
• Key Feature: Unlimited ATM Fee Reimbursements (Requires $2,500 balance)
• ATM Access: ~1,100 TD ATMs; Free usage of any ATM worldwide (non-TD fees reimbursed if balance requirement met)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None (Debit card purchases and withdrawals)

Overview

TD Beyond Checking is TD Bank's top-tier personal checking product. It is designed to compete with the Chase Premier Plus and Bank of America Advantage Relationship accounts. It positions itself as a "fee-free" experience for customers who keep a moderate amount of cash ($2,500) sitting in the bank. It effectively removes the "nickel and diming" for services like ATMs, checks, and wires.

Features & Benefits

• ATM Reimbursements: This is the reason to get this account. You can walk into a bodega, a casino, or a hotel in Tokyo and use the ATM. The machine will tell you there is a fee, but TD will credit that fee back to your account at the end of the cycle (provided you kept your $2,500 balance).
• Payment Options: Includes Zelle® for peer-to-peer transfers and bill pay.
• Overdraft Grace Period: The 24-hour(ish) window to fix an overdraft provides peace of mind. Additionally, TD does not charge a fee if your balance is overdrawn by up to $50.

Fees & Waivers

The $25 monthly maintenance fee is hefty. To waive it, you must meet ONE of the following:

1. $5,000 in recurring direct deposits within a statement cycle.
2. $2,500 minimum daily balance.
3. $25,000 combined balance across eligible TD accounts (Checking, Savings, Money Market, CD, IRA, or Loans).

Borrower Experience

• Store Hours: TD Bank calls itself "America's Most Convenient Bank" because many branches are open 7 days a week and have extended evening hours, which is a major advantage over competitors that close at 4 PM on Fridays.
• Customer Service: Generally rated well for in-branch service, though phone wait times can vary.

Who It’s Best For

• The $2,500 Buffer Keeper: If you treat $2,500 as your "zero" and never touch it, this account is fantastic. You get premium perks for free.
• International Travelers: The combination of No Foreign Transaction Fees and Global ATM Reimbursements makes this one of the best debit cards to carry abroad.
• Cash Heavy Users: If you frequently need money orders or cashier's checks (e.g., for rent), getting them for free saves you ~$8–$10 per check.

Who Should Skip It

• Paycheck-to-Paycheck Spenders: If your balance regularly drops below $2,500, the $25 fee will eat you alive. Get TD Convenience Checking (requires only $100 balance to waive fee) instead.
• West Coast Residents: No branches means no in-person support.
• Direct Deposit Reliant: If you earn $4,000/month, you won't qualify for the direct deposit waiver (requires $5k). You are better off with a bank that has a lower threshold.

Bottom Line

TD Beyond Checking is the undisputed winner for "Mid-Tier" checking accounts on the East Coast. While Chase and Bank of America demand $10k–$15k balances for their premium perks, TD gives you the same VIP treatment (free ATMs, free checks, no foreign fees) for just a $2,500 balance. If you have that cash buffer, this is the best checking account you can hold.