TD Bank's Assistance Program to Help Customers Pay for Costs of Hurricane Sandy

Banks all over the country are in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy that tore through the East coast the last couple of days. TD Bank, ike many institutionsl, is waiving certain fees for customers for the duration of the storm and its aftermath. But the bank has also stepped up to offer new credit lines for customers who are in financial need as a result of the storm.

The Portland, ME-based bank (worth $207 billion) announced yesterday an assistance program to help customers impacted by the hurricane by helping customers to raise funds and credit quickly to pay costs associated with the storm.

The program includes expedited delivery within 72 hours of credit cards with up to $25,000 of immediate credit. TD Bank locations that are open are also offering instant issue of debit cards, while those who cannot reach one of the bank's location can also receive expedited shipping on debit cards.

Customers with CD's can withdraw their funds immediately without any early withdrawal fees. And the bank will offer refunds on non-TD ATM fees, overdraft fees and a range of other fees and penalties that customers may have incurred as a result of the storm.

"We hope to play a small part in alleviating some of the financial challenges that may come with a natural disaster of this magnitude," Nandita Bakshi, the bank's executive VP and head of products and services, said in a statement.

The bank advised customers in areas still experiencing difficult conditions to stay indoors and advised those making use of the assistance program to call the bank's support center.

Jonathan Camhi has been an associate editor with Bank Systems & Technology since 2012. He previously worked as a freelance journalist in New York City covering politics, health and immigration, and has a master's degree from the City University of New York's Graduate School ... View Full Bio