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sabrinamariI opened my account last night. In this post, I include step-by-step instructions originally created by Suze Orman's staff that walk you through the process. I found that it took me longer than 15 minutes to do, perhaps 25 minutes or so. I still have to complete the automatic deposit process, so I don't know how long that takes. [EDIT: Just did it---it's fast. Waiting for TD Ameritrade to make 2 small deposits in your account takes a couple of working days; verifying the deposits and setting up the automatic deposits takes about 10 minutes online].
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crepuscular noted, the whole process takes at least two days. So if you are interested, start early, a few days ahead of the March 31st deadline.
One thought: scanning the agreements, I noticed that TD Ameritrade reserves the right to start charging for electronic transfers. It occurred to me that if I set up an automatic deposit of only $50 and they charged me for any of the transfers, I would not qualify for the $100 bonus. Thus, I'm depositing $55 or $60 each month---I haven't decided yet. I don't really expect them to do this, but I'm covering my bases.
Part 1: The Link and the Code
1. Go to www.saveyourself.com before 3/31/08 (I would start this earlier so there's time to set up the electronic transfer, which takes a day or two).
2. Enter the Save Yourself offer code: 701. You'll then be taken to a page that contains the full details of the offer (including an instruction sheet you can download).
3. Click on the link to open a new TD Ameritrade NON-RETIREMENT (Important!) account.
General Instructions (Step-by-step instructions below; they are also available with color images of each webpage for download before you begin):
4. Arrange for a direct deposit of at least $50 per month into the account for 12 consecutive months. The first $50 must be deposited within 30 days of opening the account. You will earn a competitive interest rate on your deposits.
5. At the end of one year, TD Ameritrade will deposit a $100 cash bonus into your account.
6. Should you need to withdraw the money prior to the 12-month commitment, you may withdraw all of your deposits, plus the interest earned. However, you will forfeit the $100 bonus.
Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions for Setting Up the Account:
STEP 1 - Gather Required Information and Select an Account Type
Before you begin you will need:
* Your Social Security Number (if applicable)
* Your employment Information and address (UNLESS you work only at home)
* Your banking Information (so you can set up funding for your account)
Please allow 12-15 minutes to enroll (it took me 25), and have all necessary information handy before beginning the online application.
Initially, you will see three account options. Select "Individual" if you are opening your own account, "Joint" if you are opening an account with another person.
Once you have selected the account you wish to open, click the "Next" button to move to the next screen.
STEP 2 - Select an Account Profile
You will be given four different choices. Select "Cash" for the most basic account with the Money Market Deposit Account** feature. The other choices are for experienced traders, so carefully read all documents relating to these account types on the right side of the page.
STEP 3 - Create Your Account Profile
This page records your basic information and helps you personalize your Save Yourself account. Anything with an asterisk is a required field. Be sure to also select your document delivery preference. Once you have filled in all required fields, click "Next" to move to the next page.
Be sure to read the TD AMERITRADE Privacy Statement, checking the box to confirm.
STEP 4 - Disclose Affiliations
If you have certain financial or political affiliations, you will be asked to declare this information. Simply select "Yes" or "No."
STEP 5 - Declare Employment and Financial Status, and Determine How Your Account Will Earn Interest
You will be asked for your employment status, annual income and other information — all required when filling out a brokerage application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information being asked, you can consult the Help Section on the right side of the page.
You will be informed your account balance will earn interest through a TD Bank USA, N.A., Money Market Deposit Account (MMDA), which is FDIC-insured/not covered by SIPC.
STEP 6 - Review Your Profile Information
Double check to make sure all of your information is correct. If you find a mistake, this is your chance to correct it.
STEP 7 - Create Account Access Information
Input the information, including UserID, password and PIN, you will use to securely access your TD AMERITRADE account.
STEP 8 - Review our Client Agreement
Please take the time to read, print and save this important document. To confirm you have read the Client Agreement and agree to its terms, click "I agree."
STEP 9 - Complete the IRS Form W-9
Fill out this simple questionnaire from the IRS.
STEP 10 - Sign Your Application
Please read, then electronically sign your application by selecting the checkbox and clicking "Next."
STEP 11 - Fund Your Account
There are many ways to set up the initial funding of your account. If your initial deposit is being made through electronic funding, you'll need your bank's routing number (usually found at the bottom of your checks, or you may need to contact your bank) and your checking or savings account number. Please note that for any funding method selected, you'll need to go into your account once it's open and set up electronic monthly deposits.
STEP 12 - Start Taking Control of Your Financial Future!
Now that you've opened your Save Yourself account with TD AMERITRADE, you're officially on your way. As you go through the final page, look for further instructions on opening your account (I have included them below). Take the time to print recommended documents and put them in a safe place. Once you've completed the application process, log on to your new account using your UserID and password, and start establishing your financial independence!
To get the special $100 offer, please be sure to sign up for electronic monthly deposits online at tdameritrade.com.
Part 3: Setting up Automatic Monthly Electronic Deposits
1. Log on
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com
• Online Applicants:
Log on using the UserID and password you created when signing up
• Paper Applicants:
Log on with your account number found on the cards in your Welcome Kit
• After you log on, a screen will pop up asking if you are a financial services professional.
Please provide the response that applies to you and click “Submit”
2. Bank Setup
• Click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Bank Setup tab
• Select “Add New Setup”
• Enter your bank information and click “Submit”
3. Verification
We need to confirm your banking information. To do this, TD AMERITRADE will make two small,
temporary deposits into your bank account. Then we will send you an email asking you to:
• Contact your bank in 2-3 days to confirm the exact amount of the two small deposits made into your account
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com and log on
• Click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Verify bank information” on the main page
• Enter the two deposit amounts in the fields provided and click “Submit”
4. Electronic Monthly Deposits
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com, log on and click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Create Transactions” tab
• Select “Deposit” and choose “Electronic (ACH)”
• Select your fund source (bank name)
• Select deposit frequency (“monthly”)
• Enter contribution amount and click “Submit”
(to qualify for the $100 offer, deposit at least $50 a month for at least 12 months)
Note: Not all financial institutions participate in electronic funding. Electronic funding is not available in some retirement accounts. You may be charged an Electronic Funding (ACH) return fee if your bank rejects an electronic funding transfer. If you are unsure of your bank’s policy, please consult your bank to determine if it will approve an electronic transfer of funds prior to using electronic funding. When you make an electronic deposit by 5 p.m. ET, it will post to your TD AMERITRADE Save Yourself account the following business day.
OK, hope this helps.
As
crepuscular noted, the whole process takes at least two days. So if you are interested, start early, a few days ahead of the March 31st deadline.One thought: scanning the agreements, I noticed that TD Ameritrade reserves the right to start charging for electronic transfers. It occurred to me that if I set up an automatic deposit of only $50 and they charged me for any of the transfers, I would not qualify for the $100 bonus. Thus, I'm depositing $55 or $60 each month---I haven't decided yet. I don't really expect them to do this, but I'm covering my bases.
Part 1: The Link and the Code
1. Go to www.saveyourself.com before 3/31/08 (I would start this earlier so there's time to set up the electronic transfer, which takes a day or two).
2. Enter the Save Yourself offer code: 701. You'll then be taken to a page that contains the full details of the offer (including an instruction sheet you can download).
3. Click on the link to open a new TD Ameritrade NON-RETIREMENT (Important!) account.
General Instructions (Step-by-step instructions below; they are also available with color images of each webpage for download before you begin):
4. Arrange for a direct deposit of at least $50 per month into the account for 12 consecutive months. The first $50 must be deposited within 30 days of opening the account. You will earn a competitive interest rate on your deposits.
5. At the end of one year, TD Ameritrade will deposit a $100 cash bonus into your account.
6. Should you need to withdraw the money prior to the 12-month commitment, you may withdraw all of your deposits, plus the interest earned. However, you will forfeit the $100 bonus.
Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions for Setting Up the Account:
STEP 1 - Gather Required Information and Select an Account Type
Before you begin you will need:
* Your Social Security Number (if applicable)
* Your employment Information and address (UNLESS you work only at home)
* Your banking Information (so you can set up funding for your account)
Please allow 12-15 minutes to enroll (it took me 25), and have all necessary information handy before beginning the online application.
Initially, you will see three account options. Select "Individual" if you are opening your own account, "Joint" if you are opening an account with another person.
Once you have selected the account you wish to open, click the "Next" button to move to the next screen.
STEP 2 - Select an Account Profile
You will be given four different choices. Select "Cash" for the most basic account with the Money Market Deposit Account** feature. The other choices are for experienced traders, so carefully read all documents relating to these account types on the right side of the page.
STEP 3 - Create Your Account Profile
This page records your basic information and helps you personalize your Save Yourself account. Anything with an asterisk is a required field. Be sure to also select your document delivery preference. Once you have filled in all required fields, click "Next" to move to the next page.
Be sure to read the TD AMERITRADE Privacy Statement, checking the box to confirm.
STEP 4 - Disclose Affiliations
If you have certain financial or political affiliations, you will be asked to declare this information. Simply select "Yes" or "No."
STEP 5 - Declare Employment and Financial Status, and Determine How Your Account Will Earn Interest
You will be asked for your employment status, annual income and other information — all required when filling out a brokerage application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information being asked, you can consult the Help Section on the right side of the page.
You will be informed your account balance will earn interest through a TD Bank USA, N.A., Money Market Deposit Account (MMDA), which is FDIC-insured/not covered by SIPC.
STEP 6 - Review Your Profile Information
Double check to make sure all of your information is correct. If you find a mistake, this is your chance to correct it.
STEP 7 - Create Account Access Information
Input the information, including UserID, password and PIN, you will use to securely access your TD AMERITRADE account.
STEP 8 - Review our Client Agreement
Please take the time to read, print and save this important document. To confirm you have read the Client Agreement and agree to its terms, click "I agree."
STEP 9 - Complete the IRS Form W-9
Fill out this simple questionnaire from the IRS.
STEP 10 - Sign Your Application
Please read, then electronically sign your application by selecting the checkbox and clicking "Next."
STEP 11 - Fund Your Account
There are many ways to set up the initial funding of your account. If your initial deposit is being made through electronic funding, you'll need your bank's routing number (usually found at the bottom of your checks, or you may need to contact your bank) and your checking or savings account number. Please note that for any funding method selected, you'll need to go into your account once it's open and set up electronic monthly deposits.
STEP 12 - Start Taking Control of Your Financial Future!
Now that you've opened your Save Yourself account with TD AMERITRADE, you're officially on your way. As you go through the final page, look for further instructions on opening your account (I have included them below). Take the time to print recommended documents and put them in a safe place. Once you've completed the application process, log on to your new account using your UserID and password, and start establishing your financial independence!
To get the special $100 offer, please be sure to sign up for electronic monthly deposits online at tdameritrade.com.
Part 3: Setting up Automatic Monthly Electronic Deposits
1. Log on
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com
• Online Applicants:
Log on using the UserID and password you created when signing up
• Paper Applicants:
Log on with your account number found on the cards in your Welcome Kit
• After you log on, a screen will pop up asking if you are a financial services professional.
Please provide the response that applies to you and click “Submit”
2. Bank Setup
• Click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Bank Setup tab
• Select “Add New Setup”
• Enter your bank information and click “Submit”
3. Verification
We need to confirm your banking information. To do this, TD AMERITRADE will make two small,
temporary deposits into your bank account. Then we will send you an email asking you to:
• Contact your bank in 2-3 days to confirm the exact amount of the two small deposits made into your account
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com and log on
• Click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Verify bank information” on the main page
• Enter the two deposit amounts in the fields provided and click “Submit”
4. Electronic Monthly Deposits
• Go to www.tdameritrade.com, log on and click “Portfolio & Accounts”
• Select “Deposits & Withdrawals”
• Click “Create Transactions” tab
• Select “Deposit” and choose “Electronic (ACH)”
• Select your fund source (bank name)
• Select deposit frequency (“monthly”)
• Enter contribution amount and click “Submit”
(to qualify for the $100 offer, deposit at least $50 a month for at least 12 months)
Note: Not all financial institutions participate in electronic funding. Electronic funding is not available in some retirement accounts. You may be charged an Electronic Funding (ACH) return fee if your bank rejects an electronic funding transfer. If you are unsure of your bank’s policy, please consult your bank to determine if it will approve an electronic transfer of funds prior to using electronic funding. When you make an electronic deposit by 5 p.m. ET, it will post to your TD AMERITRADE Save Yourself account the following business day.
OK, hope this helps.
