TD Canada has announced today it wants customers to avoid branches due to the COVID-19 pandemic and instead, bank online and via mobile devices.
“To help keep customers, colleagues and communities safe, TD encourages Canadians to bank digitally and avoid coming into branches. For urgent matters that require in-person assistance, TD will dedicate the first opening hour to serve seniors, those who need extra assistance and populations with greater health risk,” explained the financial institution in a press release.
Andrew Pilkington, EVP Branch Banking, says this is the “first time in our history” they have asked customers to stop coming in.
“When this unfortunate situation is over, we will warmly welcome our customers back through our doors to serve and advise them in person, but for now, please bank with us online, on your mobile device, or through an ATM,” added Pilkington. TD apps are available for iPhone and Android.
TD says they are still seeing high numbers of customers visiting branches “for matters that are not urgent, or can be done digitally or at an ATM.” These examples include manual updates on Passbooks, cash withdrawals, foreign currency exchanges and confirming transactions.
The bank says it has reduced its operating hours this week and limited the number of branches to remain open.
“If you must visit a branch in the coming days for an urgent matter, please be aware that those at higher health risk will have exclusive access for the first hour of the day,” said Pilkington.
