TD offers five main credit cards, each built around a different spending pattern
TD Bank issues cards under two brands: TD Bank (for US customers) and TD Canada Trust (for Canadian customers). In the US, TD's lineup includes the TD Cash, TD Cash Preferred, TD Rewards, TD Rewards Preferred, and TD Secured Credit Card. Each one rewards a specific type of spending — cash back on everyday purchases, travel rewards, or rebuilding credit — and carries different annual fees and earning rates.
The card you choose depends on what you spend on most. If you buy groceries and gas regularly, a cash-back card makes sense. If you travel frequently or want to transfer points to airlines, a rewards card fits better. If you have limited credit history or a lower score, the secured card is the entry point.
Key Takeaways
- TD's cash-back cards earn 1% to 3% back depending on the category, with the Preferred version adding an annual fee but higher earning rates on groceries and gas.
- TD's rewards cards earn points on all purchases and let you redeem for travel, merchandise, or statement credits, with the Preferred version offering bonus points on travel and dining.
- The TD Secured Credit Card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, making it a path to unsecured credit if you have no history or a damaged score.
- None of TD's cards charge foreign transaction fees, which matters if you travel internationally or make purchases abroad.
- Annual fees range from zero (Cash and Rewards cards) to $95 (Preferred versions), so the fee must be offset by your spending pattern to make sense.
TD Cash and TD Cash Preferred: Earning back on everyday spending
The TD Cash card earns 1% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. This is the simplest option if you want a straightforward return on spending without categories to track. You redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
The TD Cash Preferred costs $95 per year but earns higher rates: 3% on groceries and gas, 2% on dining and transit, and 1% on everything else. The break-even point is roughly $4,750 in annual spending on groceries and gas alone (3% back minus the $95 fee). If you spend less than that on those categories, the no-fee TD Cash card will return more money.
Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, so you can use them abroad without a percentage penalty on the conversion. The cash back does not expire as long as your account stays open.
TD Rewards and TD Rewards Preferred: Points for travel and flexibility
The TD Rewards card earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases, with no annual fee. You redeem points for travel (flights, hotels, car rentals), merchandise, or a statement credit at a rate of roughly 1 cent per point. The card also includes travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical coverage abroad.
The TD Rewards Preferred costs $95 per year and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else. If you spend heavily on flights, hotels, or restaurants, the higher earning rate can offset the annual fee. Points do not expire as long as your account is open.
Both rewards cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners, though the redemption value varies by partner. Some transfers offer better value than a statement credit, while others do not. Check the partner list before opening the card if you have a specific airline or hotel in mind.
TD Secured Credit Card: Building or rebuilding credit
The TD Secured Credit Card requires a cash deposit between $500 and $5,000, which becomes your credit limit. There is no annual fee. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit history.
After 18 months of on-time payments, you may be moved to an unsecured TD card without having to reapply. Your deposit is returned once you graduate. This card is designed for people with no credit history, a recent bankruptcy, or a score too low to may have access to for unsecured cards.
The cash back accrues the same way as the regular TD Cash card — as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check — but the deposit itself is separate and stays in a reserve account.
Comparing annual fees and earning rates across all five cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Base Earning Rate | Bonus Categories | Foreign Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Cash | $0 | 1% cash back | None | None |
| TD Cash Preferred | $95 | 1% cash back | 3% groceries/gas, 2% dining/transit | None |
| TD Rewards | $0 | 1 point per $1 | None | None |
| TD Rewards Preferred | $95 | 1 point per $1 | 3 points per $1 on travel/dining | None |
| TD Secured | $0 | 1% cash back | None | None |
How to decide between cash back and rewards points
Cash back is simpler: you earn a percentage of what you spend, and you redeem it as money. Rewards points are more flexible but require more planning. A point is worth roughly 1 cent when redeemed as a statement credit, but may be worth more or less when transferred to an airline or hotel partner.
If you travel frequently and have a preferred airline or hotel, rewards points can deliver better value. If you travel occasionally or want the simplest redemption path, cash back is clearer. Both TD cash-back and rewards cards have no foreign transaction fees, so neither penalizes international spending.
The no-fee versions (TD Cash and TD Rewards) make sense if your spending does not hit the thresholds where the Preferred versions pay for themselves. Run the math: add up what you spent last year on the bonus categories (groceries, gas, dining, travel), multiply by the difference in earning rate, and subtract the $95 fee. If the result is positive, the Preferred card pays. If not, the standard card is better.
What happens when you explore and what to expect
TD runs a hard inquiry on your credit report when you explore, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily. Approval decisions usually come within minutes for online applications. If you are approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
For the secured card, you will fund the deposit during the process process. TD holds the deposit in a reserve account separate from your checking or savings account. Your credit limit equals the deposit amount.
All TD credit cards come with online account management, fraud protection, and the ability to set up automatic payments. You can redeem cash back or points through the TD mobile app or website anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from one TD card to another without a new hard inquiry?
TD may allow a product change from one card to another, which typically does not trigger a new hard inquiry. Contact TD customer service to ask whether your specific cards can be switched. If they cannot be switched, you would need to explore for the new card separately, which does trigger an inquiry.
Do TD credit cards have an introductory 0% APR period?
TD's current lineup does not advertise an introductory 0% APR offer on purchases or balance transfers. The cards carry standard variable APR rates that depend on your creditworthiness. Check the current offer details on TD's website, as promotions change.
What is the minimum credit score needed for each card?
TD does not publish minimum score requirements. The standard cards (Cash, Rewards, and their Preferred versions) typically require good to excellent credit, though approval is possible with fair credit depending on other factors. The secured card has no credit score requirement because the deposit secures the account.
Can I earn cash back or points on my monthly payment?
No. Payments to your credit card balance do not earn cash back or points. Only purchases earn rewards. Balance transfers also typically do not earn rewards.
How long does it take to graduate from the TD Secured Card to an unsecured card?
TD states that after 18 months of on-time payments, you may be moved to an unsecured card. The timing is not automatic — TD reviews your account and makes the decision. Once approved, your deposit is returned and you keep the unsecured card.