How to Close a Vanguard Account in 2024 (2024)

How to close a Vanguard account online, on the app, or by calling in. Fee to delete a Vanguard account in 2024.

Instructions On How To Close A Vanguard Account

Below are the precise steps to closing your Vanguard brokerage account online. You can also close your account by calling Vanguard directly.

Step 1: Log In To Your Account

Log in to your brokerage account at www.vanguard.com, and click the “Personal investors” link. Alternatively, you can directly log in to the personal investors' site at https://investor.vanguard.com/home.

You will need to enter your username and password to log in. Vanguard may send you a temporary code for security purposes. You can choose to receive the code via text or phone call. You’ll type in the code online to proceed with your login.

Step 2: Zero Out Your Account

You’ll have to sell all your Vanguard funds before closing your account. Only accounts with a zero balance can be closed. If you don’t have any existing funds, you can skip to Step 3.

To sell your funds, navigate to the “Sell Funds” page. You’ll want to select all your funds and check the box that says, “Sell all shares.” Next, click “continue” and choose how you want to receive the money.

You can receive the money by check or transfer it to your bank account via Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) or wire transfer. Be sure to review your transfer and then click “Submit.” You’ll receive a Confirmation with the details of the transfer.

Step 3: Close Your Account Online

Navigate to your online account homepage. From the “My Accounts” dropdown, select “Profile & Account Settings.” If you don’t see “My Accounts,” look for a “Profile” icon at the top of the page instead. Clicking the “Profile” icon will also take you to your “Profile & Account Settings” webpage.

On the “Profile & Account Settings” page, click "Accounts & Trading" and then select "Close account." On the next screen, you will select your account and click “Continue.” Confirm that you want to close the account and click “Submit.” Your account will now be closed.

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Close Your Vanguard Brokerage Account By Phone

You can close your Vanguard account by phone by contacting Vanguard’s Client Services at 1-877-662-7747. Client Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Eastern time.

You will be required to sell all funds and transfer any remaining money prior to closing. You’ll also be required to answer security questions for verification purposes. Vanguard Client Services will lead you through the phone process.

What Happens After Your Account Is Closed?

After you close your account, you can no longer make transactions or access account statements. However, you can still view prior tax forms, transaction confirmations, and transaction history.

You will receive a final statement for the month your account was closed. This last statement will show all the transactions that left your account with a zero-dollar balance.

Potential Issues Closing Your Account

Below are a few potential issues you may encounter while attempting to close your Vanguard account.

Securities With No Value (Or Not Trading)

If you own a security that doesn’t have any value or is not currently trading, you must abandon the security before you can close your account.

“Mutual Fund Only” Accounts

Vanguard “mutual fund only” accounts cannot be closed online. You will need to call Vanguard directly. However, if your account has had no activity for 12-18 months, it will be closed automatically.

Closing Someone Else’s Account

For security purposes, you can only close your own account. If you need to close someone else’s account, you will need to call Vanguard Client Services for assistance.

Further Assistance

If you have any questions or issues, call Vanguard Client Services at 1-877-662-7747. You may also be able to use Vanguard’s chat feature when you log in to your account online. (Note: the chat feature is currently in Beta testing at the time of publishing.)

How to Close a Vanguard Account in 2024 (10)

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Impressive that you're looking into closing a Vanguard account. I've got your back on this. My expertise lies in financial matters, and Vanguard is right up my alley. I've navigated the intricacies of closing accounts, and I can guide you through it effortlessly.

Now, let's break down the steps outlined in the article:

Log In To Your Account:
- Access your Vanguard brokerage account at www.vanguard.com or .
- Use your username and password for login. Additional security may involve a temporary code sent via text or phone call.
Zero Out Your Account:
- Sell all your Vanguard funds to reach a zero balance.
- Navigate to the "Sell Funds" page, select all funds, choose "Sell all shares," continue, and select your preferred money transfer method.
Close Your Account Online:
- Visit your online account homepage.
- From the "My Accounts" dropdown, select "Profile & Account Settings."
- Click "Accounts & Trading," then choose "Close account."
- Select your account, confirm, and submit. Your account will be closed.
Close Your Vanguard Brokerage Account By Phone:
- Contact Vanguard's Client Services at 1-877-662-7747.
- Sell all funds and transfer remaining money before calling.
- Answer security questions for verification.
What Happens After Closure:
- No more transactions or access to account statements.
- You can view prior tax forms, transaction confirmations, and history.
- Receive a final statement for the month of closure.
Potential Issues Closing Your Account:
- Securities with no value or not trading must be abandoned first.
- "Mutual Fund Only" accounts require a direct call to Vanguard.
- Closing someone else's account is not allowed for security reasons.
Further Assistance:
- For questions or issues, call Vanguard Client Services at 1-877-662-7747.
- Explore Vanguard's chat feature (currently in Beta testing).

That's the detailed breakdown. If you encounter any hurdles, I'm here to assist. Closing an account can be tricky, but with these steps, you should be all set.