When I called this number, an automated menu system answered and immediately asked me to press 9 for information on when tax documents would be sent or to stay on the line for anything else. After waiting a few seconds, it gave me three options: help with existing accounts, opening or transferring a new account, or a button to press if I knew the extension of the person I was trying to reach. I went with the first option. If you do need information about receiving tax documents, the recording doesn't give specific dates; it tells you where to find them through your online account. 

For help with an existing account, the system asks for your nine-digit account number. If you don't know it, you can enter your social security number instead. I accidentally mistyped mine and discovered that you can enter any nine-digit number and it will still take you to the next menu. This one has several different options. In order, they are: quotes, help with online account login, place a trade, general account questions, new accounts, enter an extension, repeat the menu, or hold for a customer service representative. As far as I can tell, all of the options except the first take you straight to a rep. Choosing "new account" from the first menu does as well. 

The "quotes" option allows you to say a company name or enter its ticker symbol via button presses. I always prefer button presses to speaking, but they use a system I've never seen before. Each letter is two button presses — the first is the button the letter is on, and the second for its position. It's probably the only way to keep dozens of three- and four-letter abbreviations straight. Once you enter the ticker symbol for the company of your choice, the automated voice will give you the current stock price. From there you can get more detailed information or transfer to a rep.

The rest of the menu options will get you to a customer service representative. They answered my call in less than a minute. The man greeted me with his first and last name and asked for mine. He was pleasant and professional throughout the call. I had questions about locating an old account and possibly opening a new one. He couldn't find the old account, but he tried several different methods so I was confident he wasn't overlooking it. He was patient when I explained that it could be under a different name and he checked them all at my request. 

Since I didn't have an account, I wanted to create one. The rep explained how I could do so online and offered further assistance, but I decided to do it on my own. Overall it was a positive experience. However, TD Ameritrade is merging with Charles Schwab and new accounts must be opened with the latter. I don't think this line could help me with my new account; I'll need to contact Schwab instead.